Homeless from 5 who are living in unstable housing. For example, families living with family/friends temporarily due to prior evictions, domestic violence, medical emergencies, unemployment etc. The Coalition manages the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (FRC), which is the central intake in the District of Columbia for families seeking shelter and emergency housing. The primary purpose of the FRC is to determine if a family is eligible for shelter, and if so, what type of shelter or housing would best meet the family’s need. This is a challenge task due to the poor economy, and the lack of affordable housing, more families are seeking shelter services.
How You Can Help
The Coalition needs donations to continue to fund our Emergency Housing Placement Assistance Program, which is administered from the Family Resource Center. Monies donated to the Housing Assistance Program helps to prevent family homelessness, or shorten the length of stay for families placed in shelter by the FRC. For these families, the Coalition may pay rent or utility bill arrearages, or provide first month’s rent/security deposit to help them to move into permanent housing. In 2000,
the Coalition have been about to provide housing assistance to more than 690 homeless families with children.
Families Who Have Been Helped
The following are two examples of families who benefitted from the Coalition’s housing placement assistance fund. A mother with two children was a victim of domestic violence and was forced to move out of her home for her safety. For six months she lived with a girlfriend. While living with her friend she worked, but found it difficult to save money quickly enough for the first month's rent and security deposit for an apartment. Her plight was further compounded by the fact that she had to pay all of the family living expenses on one income. Eventually the mother was financially stable enough to rent her own apartment and was able to secure housing assistance funds from the Coalition in order to move her and the children into their own. A husband and wife went to the Family Resource Center to apply for emergency shelter for themselves and their two sons. They recently had to vacate their home immediately when it was destroyed by a storm. The family tried to get help but was unsuccessful and ended up at staying in a motel.
Although Anthony was employed, money was dwindling and soon the family could no longer afford the motel costs. The couple tried again to get help with housing and eventually was referred to the FRC. The Caseworker at FRC called Red Cross and they were able to assist the family with the cost of staying in a motel until they could find permanent affordable housing. The husband soon became ill and was hospitalized. The Case Worker provided emotional support and assistance with helping the family navigate apartment leasing and inspection issues. On Nov. 1, 2011, the family moved into a permanent home. The husband was still hospitalized and in intensive care when the family moved into their new home. Through the wife's tears, she expressed her gratitude for the Family Resource Center staff for helping her through a very difficult time.
Information
For more information, copies of our annual report and audit reports are available by writing us at 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., or calling 202-3478870, fax 347-7279.Please visit our website at www.dccfh.org. Helps the Coalition to continue rebuilding lives and strengthening our communities.”
Quality Trust Helping those with disabilities Quality Trust's vision is a community where everyone is respected, belongs, contributes, is valued and shapes his or her own present and future. Quality Trust's mission is to be an independent catalyst for change in the lives of people of all ages with developmental disabilities. We partner with people and their families so they can succeed, thrive and experience full membership in the communities they choose. We work with individuals and family members to solve problems, identify opportunities for learning and contribution and find creative ways to minimize "differences" and make the most of each person's abilities.
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