Annual count of homeless people in January 2015: People in families accounted for 59 percent of all homeless persons (213 families with 715 people). 36 percent (431) of all persons who were homeless were children under the age of percent of the adults in homeless families were female. 41 percent of all persons in families were homeless due to domestic violence. 2 percent of adults in homeless families are military veterans.

Fairfax County Coordinated Services Board Prevention and Diversion ( Community Case Management ) TEMPORARY SHELTER Family exits shelter on their own Family enters Rapid Rehousing program Family referred to Transitional Housing (Homestretch) Market-rate Permanent Housing ______ Housing Vouchers Permanent Supportive Housing Families with the highest needs Family experiences housing crisis

Beginning in 2009, funding shifted almost exclusively to Rapid Rehousing Programs had to decide: Adapt to remain eligible for government funding – OR – Lose eligibility

90 percent of the adults in Homestretch families are female. Because of the number of children in Homestretch families, the average age of someone in the program is percent of Homestretch families are homeless due to domestic violence or human trafficking. 10 percent of Homestretch families are headed by military veterans. 41 percent of Homestretch clients have documented disabilities.

Rapid Rehousing has impacted our client profile: Homeless families that face the most difficult challenges sometimes cannot be rapidly rehoused successfully Little or no work history Inability to speak English Seemingly irreparable credit These families are commonly referred to Homestretch.

Categorized as a Transitional Housing program More appropriately, we are a Transformational Housing program We provide subsidized housing for two+ years This is the foundation upon which all the other work takes place. We believe high expectations produce outstanding achievements Compliance with some of our services is mandatory

Adults are expected to work 40 hours a week or do a combination of 40 hours of work and schooling 10 percent of family income is placed into a managed savings account 30 percent of income goes for rent ESOL classes if appropriate Life skills classes

Intensive case management On-site employment services Scholarships for academic and vocational training Transportation assistance On site child care On site psychotherapy GED tutoring Computers and internet access for families Substance abuse testing and referral Assistance with medical and health care needs Membership in a local fitness facility Domestic violence support and education Pro bono legal services Parenting classes Money management classes

School supplies New shoes for school Winter coats Birthday and holiday gifts Bicycles School fees Medical and vision as needed Tutoring After school programs Summer camp

90% of families who enter Homestretch complete the program by securing permanent housing they can afford Monthly income upon entry: $950 Monthly income upon graduation: $2,354 Debt upon entry: $4,814 Savings upon graduation: $5,989

Graduates include: registered nurses licensed practical nurses pharmacy technicians dental hygienists/assistants accountants real estate agent grocery store manager retail store manager child care specialists social worker bus driver cosmetologists pastor teacher economic analyst gynecologist restaurant owners loan officer

Three independent studies by graduate students at George Washington University and George Mason University over the last several years show that 95% of Homestretch graduates are working and living in their own homes 2-5 years after leaving Homestretch.

The Homestretch board of directors decided to say “no” to any government funding that restricted our ability to achieve our outstanding results.

Corporate support Faith community support Donations Government Grants Community Support Government Support As government support has declined… …the need for community support has increased, especially corporate support

Financial Support Hands- on Support Partnerstretch

Financial Support $25,000 for rent and utilities for one year Sliding scale for lesser amounts ($5,000 minimum) Hands-on Support Prepare the home for new client family Additional involvement based on desires of the company and the family

Grow Homestretch can grow to serve 100 families without exceeding the span of control Care must be exercised to ensure program quality and effectiveness are not sacrificed Replicate The Homestretch model can be replicated in most communities The program framework and approach are flexible and can be adapted to the local environment

Comprehensive services High expectations Mandatory components Services individualized to the needs of the family Adequate time for progress We are eager to help others achieve the same kind of success in transforming the lives of homelessness families that we have experienced at Homestretch.

Christopher Fay Executive Director, Homestretch 303 South Maple Ave, Suite 400 Falls Church, VA