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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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 month path to self-sufficiency

10. 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.”

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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.”

18. Ecumenical Partnership for HousingIS
a Solution
“Give them roots and create wings”
Partnership
Churches