Faith Community Homes

Programs:       Faith Community Homes provides supportive housing services to employed low- income families with children who are at risk of becoming homeless.   We help these families resolve their housing challenges by providing up to two years of mentoring and support which focuses on budgeting, planning for the future, and problem solving, with the goal of their becoming financially stable and independent.

     The families we accept must have school age children, as we are also concerned about children being at risk for homelessness or in unstable living situations. The parents are expected to maintain employment.   Most importantly, the family must agree to meet with mentors weekly to review their budgeting, establish both long and short-term goals, and to work on other problems that may arise.   The long-term goals families set are most often centered on finding ways to improve their employability, often through further education. 

     The Program / Case Manager position provides for the training and supervision of volunteer mentors for each family; the process of interviewing, screening and selection of families applying for service; finding available housing options for families; the facilitation of the quarterly reviews of each family with their mentors throughout their time in the program; assistance with problem solving in case of emergencies and difficult situations that arise; and the coordination of volunteers who assist in many aspects of the program.

     People wanting to mentor a family are usually known to one of our Faith Community Homes Board or Committee Members, sign a release for a background check, provide references, and complete an orientation and training program before being assigned to a family.   Mentors are supervised regularly by our Program Coordinator / Case Manager. 

     Some financial assistance is offered to the families.   Initially, this consists of help with a portion of their rent.   Families provide 30% of their income toward rent; we assist with the remainder. As their financial situation improves, they pay a larger portion of the rent, working towards paying their full rent by the time they complete the program.   Financial assistance for tuition or books may be provided to parents deciding to return to school in order to develop skills for a higher paying job.   We may also assist, when needed, with auto repairs or in finding a donated vehicle.   Help towards the fees for child-care, school supplies, and other expenses related to children, is also provided as needed.    At times we assist with some medical expenses and other unexpected financial demands.   In some instances, the financial help is in the form of a no interest loan.

    The Program / Case Manager ensures that all of these activities take place for each family.   Every family is continually monitored for progress in reaching goals; options, possible solutions and recommendations for addressing problems are presented and discussed with the family.   The Manager and the Mentors do not act as “parents”, but rather as consultants and guides who provide encouragement and support.   While Faith Community Homes has a strong faith based support and origin, we do not require any faith orientation of the families we serve, nor do we discuss faith issues with them.

     The success of our program is demonstrated by the families who have “graduated” and are now living indepe