Monday, April 11, 2011

Homeless to Happiness

“Bill and Kari”, a young couple who had a preschooler plus a baby on the way, moved back to Nebraska last fall after things didn’t work out in California. Two moves and they were broke, so they put their belongings into storage and moved into the homeless shelter. With their optimism it was clear that they would get back on their feet quickly.
When Bill found part-time work as an apprentice they were eligible to enroll into the Homeless Prevention & Rapid-Rehousing Program. HPRP assisted with their moving costs to a rental. The amount of rent was lowered as Bill’s income increased.
They have now exited from the HPRP program because Bill has obtained his Journeyman’s license and is now completely providing for his family. Susie is nearly finished with an on-line course and will be ready to return to the workforce after their baby is born. Without this assistance they would have needed to stay longer at the homeless shelter to save enough to move out. Since they’ve moved out other families have been assisted through the same process.
By helping with first month’s rent and security deposits, HPRP has increased the capacity of the homeless shelter to help more people who are striving to change their lives.
"Helping People, Changing Lives"