Our Supportive Transitional Housing Program currently provides 19 single-parent families the opportunity and support to move from homelessness to permanent housing. We give them a stable, safe environment where they can develop the tools they need to improve their lives.
During the 2009 fiscal year, in our Supportive Transitional Housing Program:
• We served 37 families, 17 of which moved into permanent housing.
• The average length of stay for our families was 9 months.
• After School Enrichment Program: In collaboration with NYC Board of Education, this program provided homework help, tutorials, recreational activities and snacks for 10 resident children.
• Kid’s Club: In collaboration with the Single Parents’ Resource Center, this program served 5-7 resident children. The program allowed children to express themselves through music, poetry and art. There were also activities designed to foster selfesteem and motivation and workshops about drug abuse prevention and nutrition.
• Throughout the year, we also have many events that enrich the lives of our families and members of the community. These include:
• Black History Month Celebration
• Halloween Haunted House & Party
• Secret Santa Giveaway
• Secret Santa Letter Workshop
• Thanksgiving Food Distribution
Our Program not only gives homeless families shelter, but also much more, including access to educational, medical and vocational services. After DHS refers a family to our program, we provide temporary housing in renovated, well-maintained Hale House-owned apartments for 6 to 12 months.
Using the “Neighborhood Cluster Model,” we strive to create a community and culture that helps families remain intact, live safely, attend school, find employment, and stabilize their lives. We support excellence, acknowledge achievements and help families respond to challenges.
We welcome single-parent families into a supportive temporary housing environment where they can strengthen life skills while utilizing our case management expertise. Because individuals can feel more secure and empowered among their peers, we employ social gatherings and workshops as tools for transformation and growth.
Hale House Center is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by empowering the people we serve and providing them with the educational tools they need to improve their situation. We help families find permanent housing and achieve self-sufficiency, yet we continue to support alumni families as members of the larger Hale House Community long after they have achieved their goals.
At any time, there are over 50 children in this program, from infants to teenagers.
Our clients have a lot of great things to say about their experiences:
“I’ve been at other shelters before, and this place really feels like home.”
“They prepare you, they make you feel comfortable, and I feel safe here.”
“There’s no stress, it’s quiet, and comfortable.”
“They tell you what you’re up against and give you support (like meetings, helping with food and clothes).”
“If you want to do something with yourself, if you want to move forward in life, they are here to help you.”
