By Mary McGuigan | Director of Development
Am I ready to leave the shelter system?
As homeless families enter our shelter and move from crisis to stability, Genesis Home Staff help them to find permanent housing and employment in our community. We continue to follow-up with them for six months after they leave the shelter and the very best way to give them that extra layer of security in their new lives in through Circles of Support Program.
One of the primary reasons a family moves into a shelter is that they do not have a support system in the community to rely on for help. If you are a single mother with children who is escaping domestic violence, you need to become invisible. Many of the parents who escaped abuse cut off all ties with former friends and relatives for their own safety.
But, then the day comes when a job is in place, housing is secured and its time to leave the shelter and there isn't one person that you can write down on your exit form as an emergency contact. Scary, isn't it?
That's where Circles of Support comes in.
What is a Support Circle?
A Support Circle is a team of 4-10 volunteers who work with formerly homeless families or individuals on employment, educational, parenting and financial goals with the goal of improving housing stability. Volunteers assist the household offering support, mentoring and guidance with the goal of achieving long-term realistic housing, career, financial management and community participation goals. Circles are asked to commit to a newly housed family for 12 months.
What impact does a financial gift have for the Circles of Support Program?
Moving into a new home is costly. Genesis Home supports newly housed families by helping with the first payments such as the security deposit on an apartment, paying the first utility bills, or purchasing furniture and supplies. That "client support" helps a newly housed family get back on their feet. The "Circles of Support" team acts as advisers for the new family in making decisions on those first payments.
There are 1.6 million homeless children in America. On average we serve 38 families per year, both in our shelter and in our outreach programs. Providing shelter is only the first step in a family's move to stability. Won't you join us in our efforts to give these families security?
Your gift will help train volunteers and help pay for the absolute necessities in setting up a home for a newly housed family. We know we can't change the 1.6 number today. But we can end homelessness-one family at a time.
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