How we stabilize families
Our programs are designed to meet families where they are, respond quickly in crisis, and set them on a path toward long-term stability. Through eviction prevention, family shelter, and stabilization services, we provide the coordinated support, community connections, and practical tools families need to overcome barriers and stay housed.
Prevention
Families fall behind on rent for many reasons, often only a few hundred dollars away from losing their homes. Through flexible financial assistance, landlord mediation, and housing stability planning, we stop evictions before they start. This keeps children in their schools, parents in their jobs, and families rooted in the communities they call home.
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Key Components
• Short-term rental and utility assistance
• Case management focused on budgeting and resource access
• Partnership with landlords to preserve housing relationships
• Rapid response for families at immediate risk
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Impact
Preventing a family’s eviction is often less costly than rehousing them afterward and protects children from the trauma of homelessness.
Shelter
A family’s safety, stability, and togetherness are our highest priorities. When a family enters shelter with us, we ensure every basic need is met each day while we work together toward permanent housing.
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Where Families Stay Overnight
Through our partnership with local faith communities, families stay in safe, private overnight spaces where volunteers provide home-cooked meals, encouragement, and a welcoming environment. Sometimes this hosting rotates week-to-week, and sometimes families remain at the same location for a longer stretch. We adapt to what each family needs but also pair it with the best way our congregation partners can help.
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Where Families Receive Support
Every day, families come to the Firehouse: a central, child-friendly hub where they can shower, do laundry, rest, and connect with support services. Our case management team works alongside onsite partners in healthcare, workforce development, financial coaching, and education to help families remove barriers and rebuild stability.
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Who We Serve
We focus on families who are often turned away from other shelters, including families with fathers or teenage sons, large households, and multigenerational families. We keep families together, because children heal and thrive best when surrounded by those they love.
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A Short Path Back to Home
Families typically stay in shelter for 4 to 5 weeks while we walk alongside them every step of the way. During this time, parents gain the tools and resources needed to secure housing, strengthen finances, and open the door to long-term stability.​
Stabilization
After families transition out of shelter or crisis support, we continue walking alongside them. These structured programs strengthen housing stability, reduce the risk of returning to homelessness, and open the door to long-term economic opportunity.
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What Ongoing Support Looks Like
• Tenancy skills that help families build positive rental histories
• Financial capability coaching to manage budgets and build savings
• Career pathways that increase income and earning potential
• Education access for both parents and children
• Health and wellness supports that remove barriers to stability
• Technology tools that support connection and success
• Pathways to future homeownership when families are ready
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By combining practical skills, resource access, and community connection, families stay securely housed and move toward the future they want for their children.
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Why This Matters
Families who receive ongoing support are far less likely to experience homelessness again. Stability today creates opportunity for tomorrow.