Providing safety, stability, and solutions for homeless families in our community – a pathway to self-sufficiency

Our Beginnings Four congregations formed EPH in 1992 as an ecumenical response to family homelessness. Jubilee Home They joined together, acting on compassion, kindness and faith, to support struggling families on their path to self-sufficiency.

Our Beginnings Four Congregations formed EPH in 1992 as an ecumenical response to family homelessness. Jubilee Home The Salvation Army was a partner from the beginning, providing case management for the families.

Self-sufficient Housing Our Role In The Community Shelter Transitional Housing Self-sufficient Housing Golden House Freedom House House of Hope EPH/TSA Transitional Housing Move into a rental unit

The “Typical” Family – Chelsea’s Story Chelsea was a female, single parent with 3 children Spent 6 weeks at Golden House, seeking shelter from domestic abuse The next step for Chelsea was Transitional Housing

Chelsea’s Story Chelsea and her family moved into an EPH home, support by a Salvation Army case manager Goals and expectations were developed Chelsea: found a primary care physician started budget counseling worked on debt reduction improved her employability developed a plan to return to school

Chelsea’s Story After working on her goals for 9 months, Chelsea and her case manager started look for a place to rent, and continued on her path toward self-sufficiency.

An Additional Path for Diana Diana was not able to find affordable housing Barriers to affordable housing: Local supply of affordable housing Credit history or prior evictions Full-time employment at less than $10 an hour Costs associated with child care and transportation

Long-term Supportive Housing Payment of a “program fee” as a transition to market-based rent or home ownership Continued work on debt reduction and financial stability Improve employment and employability Continued case management, but at a lower level of intensity A 18-24 month path to self-sufficiency

Diana and Family “Working with this family has brought such delight to my heart as I watch Mom move from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to moving into growing into confidence and peace. The children have also grown into themselves and are confident as well.”

Long-term Supportive Housing Self-sufficient Housing Our Role In The Community Shelter Transitional Housing Long-term Supportive Housing Self-sufficient Housing Golden House Freedom House House of Hope Move into a rental unit Home ownership Long-term Supportive Housing EPH/TSA Transitional Housing

Our Mission Providing safety, stability and solutions for homeless families in our community. Our Vision Self-sufficiency for the families we serve

Our Values We will make a difference one family at a time We will meet our families where they are We believe our families respond to their environment We will act with a sense of urgency to move families out of homelessness We will advocate for those in poverty We believe we are called to put our faith into action

More Families Are Experiencing Looking toward the future … More Families Are Experiencing Multiple Barriers Finding “sustainable living wage” employment Securing affordable housing Solving transportation & child care challenges Struggling with mental health challenges Escaping from generational or chronic poverty

Families who experience chronic or generational have a more difficult path … Low self-identity Limited motivation Difficult time trusting Extended-family resistance Defensive

Looking Ahead …. Our Priorities Evolve our transitional housing program Address the need for affordable housing Move toward prevention Ensure organizational capacity and a sustainable future

How Can You Help? Seek to learn and understand Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert Putnam Be an advocate for people in poverty “It’s complicated.”

Ecumenical Partnership for Housing IS a Solution “Give them roots and create wings” Partnership Churches