Housing and Basic Needs

Oftentimes a family is torn apart when they face homelessness because most shelters do not allow men (any male over the age of 13) to be sheltered in the same facility as women. HopeLink provides the ability for families to stay intact. For up to 30 days, a family who meets the criteria of future self-sustainability may be placed in a contracted weekly rental motel. This allows the HopeLink case manager daily interaction with the family while they are working to save money for rent, utilities, and deposits on a new home. During this period, the parent is counseled on how to avoid future bouts of homelessness and solid goals are established with the purpose of planning for the future.

HopeLink has a dedicated case manager for the FRC to ensure that neighborhood families can secure social services of all types. Examples of these might include support services for young mothers, veterans, or sight-impaired individuals. This state designation of FRC is aimed at providing access and an advocate for those who may not have the knowledge on how to seek out help.

More often, they are sleeping in their car and trying to ‘hold it all together.’ The children are continuing to attend school and the parent(s) are attempting to maintain their employment. Once families are at this point, it costs approximately $5,000 to re-house them. e.g. first and last month’s rent for an apartment, cleaning supplies, sheets, towels, dishes, bare minimum of used furniture, electrical, gas, and water utility deposits, a credit check mandated by most landlords, and minimal clothing for the family. These immediate expenses do not even account for the possibility of an emergent health care need arising or a necessary car repair.