Accomplishments

2019 Homefirst Highlights

47 of Homefirst families that were either disabled or formerly homeless now live in permanent supportive housing. Meaning we will continue to support their efforts to overcome their challenges through intensive case management, counseling, and help with their disabilities (either physical or mental, we will help)!
Homefirst distributed nearly 1,000 food bags to families, in partnership with Starfish Pantry.
With the support our youth volunteers, Homefirst distributed 180 boxes of cereal and breakfast foods over the summer school break. This allowed us to address the hunger issues many of our families face each and every day.
Homefirst continues to form partnerships and invites groups to get involved. The Greater Union County Jack and Jill Chapter helped us distribute over 120 baby care items, including diapers, books, blankets, play sets and more to help many of the single at-risk moms we work with at our Family Support Center.
Over 100 books were donated to students to kick-off the 2019 school year.

Homefirst serves women and parents who are dealing with abuse, mental or physical disabilities or other trauma which affect their lives and ability to care for their families or maintain a permanent home.

Housing and Social Services Programs

828 families served, including 1,143 adults and 1,036 children

In the previous program year, Homefirst served nearly 2,200 individuals including over 825 families and over 1,030 children in Union County. All Homefirst services are provided free of charge to the client. Our experience has shown that all individuals and family members increase their overall well-being when living in stable housing. We coordinate service delivery along a continuum of care that includes housing, healthcare, budgeting, education and other opportunities to enhance the quality life.

In 2015, the Homefirst Permanent Supportive Housing Program provided safe permanent housing in conjunction with social services to 31-households. The Permanent Supportive Housing Program included 10-families and 12-individuals from the HIV/AIDS community. All of the affected families and/or individuals served in Permanent Supportive Housing program have made consistent health gains, have received primary healthcare, have increased skills and participated in a variety of community activities.
In 2015, the Homefirst Shelter + Care Program provided 35-Shelter + Care Long-Term Rental Assistance to families and individuals. A total of 17-individuals infected by HIV/AIDS received long-term rental assistance through the Homefirst Shelter + Care Program.

Emergency and Long Term Rental and Utility Assistance

346 families served, including 442 adults and 286 children

Long Term Rental Assistance & Homeless Prevention Emergency Assistance include emergency rental, utility and security deposit assistance to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless through the on-going recurring assistance. Clients receive some of all of these services, including;

120 families received food assistance

159 households received rental assistance

139 households received utility assistance (gas, electricity and/or water payments)

24 households received a security deposit assistance for rental of homes and apartments

In addition, Homefirst provided tenant-based rental assistance to 37 individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS

Family Support – Strengthening Families Programs

482 families served, including 723 adults and 750 children

Homefirst Family Success Centers are neighborhood gathering places where all community resident are welcome for information and services to help them find the services and resources they will need to maintain a stable home. These services include self-sufficiency and life skills opportunities such as courses in financial literacy, assistance with finding employment, ESL classes, GED classes, a Teen Club for area youth, and computer training classes. Specifically, parents and families receive;

Training to help them care for their children such as parent/child bonding activities, education-based field trips and recreational activities, parent support groups, resources and workshops on family strengthening activities.
Linkages to transitional and permanent housing as well as homeless prevention services.
And, are encouraged to participate in the Community Gardening program where they learn proper health and nutrition for their families and participate in the growing and distribution of healthy fresh produce.

Services for Families with Individuals affected by HIV/AIDS

119 Families and 70 individuals served

In order to maintain health stability in the HIV/AIDS community, individuals and their families need case management, housing services, emergency utility assistance and nutritional food assistance. Homefirst provides the opportunity to find permanent housing, receive emergency assistance, and access support to help overcome the emotional crisis that often affects the person living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Homefirst work is focused on acheiving positive outcomes and improved consistency in the continuity of medical care and housing stability by creating support networks, integrate services, and reduce the sense of isolation that is generally associated with the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. In 2015, Homefirst provided a continuum of services, including;

30 individuals and families affected by HIV/AID received rental assistance
7 family members received supportive assistance
67 families received case management services
4 families received emergency housing services
48 families received emergency financial assistance
40 individuals received food vouchers