After more than two decades of providing temporary housing for families in need, Growing Home, a nonprofit based in Westminster, has made a significant pivot towards preventing homelessness altogether. This change comes as the organization recognizes the need for proactive measures to support families before they face eviction or homelessness.
Key Takeaways
- Growing Home has transitioned from providing temporary housing to focusing on homelessness prevention.
- The nonprofit has tailored its services to meet the specific needs of families, including job training and financial assistance.
- Growing Home currently operates with limited resources, serving 25 families at a time with one coach.
- The demand for food assistance has surged since the end of expanded federal benefits in early 2023.
A New Direction for Growing Home
Founded in 1998 as the Adams County Interfaith Hospitality Network, Growing Home initially focused on placing families in short-term shelters hosted by local churches. Over the years, the organization expanded its services, including a 20-unit apartment building for families working towards long-term stability. However, in a strategic move, the organization sold this building to Adams County and redirected its efforts towards preventing homelessness.
CEO Veronica Perez emphasized the importance of tailoring support to each family’s unique situation. This includes offering English classes to improve job prospects, assistance with health insurance enrollment, and providing groceries to help families stretch their budgets.
Limited Resources, Growing Needs
Currently, Growing Home can only afford one coach to work with 25 families at a time. Despite these limitations, families who complete the two-year coaching program see an average income increase of 30%, providing them with a buffer against unexpected expenses.
"We would love to expand that program," Perez stated, highlighting the need for sustainable funding sources. The organization primarily relies on grants and individual donations, along with contributions from retailers and other nonprofits.
Rising Demand for Food Assistance
Since the federal government ended expanded food assistance benefits earlier this year, Growing Home has seen a significant increase in families seeking help from its food pantry. Approximately 100 new individuals visit the pantry each week, in addition to regular clients. Last year, the organization served 2,928 households, and they are on track to surpass that number in 2024.
Due to limited capacity, Growing Home can only serve 40 people per day, often leaving some families with a list of other resources and information on when they can return for assistance.
Addressing Immediate Needs
In addition to food assistance, Growing Home provides small amounts of rent assistance to help families avoid eviction. However, federal law limits the assistance to $5,000 per year, which is often insufficient given the rising cost of housing. Last year, the organization assisted 220 families with rent support.
"Instead of folks coming to us saying, ‘I need rent for the next month,’ it’s, ‘I owe $2,000 plus the rent for next month,’" Perez explained, illustrating the growing financial strain on families.
Conclusion
As Growing Home continues to adapt its services to meet the evolving needs of the community, the organization remains committed to preventing homelessness and supporting families in Westminster. With a focus on tailored assistance and a desire for expanded resources, Growing Home aims to create a sustainable future for families at risk of homelessness.
Sources
- Growing Home pivots to prevent families from becoming homeless, The Denver Post.
