MD Homeless Families Receive Permanent Housing, Services
Anthony Martin, a single Dad to two sons ages eight and 10, was homeless from 1990 until last year. Thanks to a 'housing first' program run by the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH), Martin, a full-time mechanic, and his children now have their own apartment and the services they need to succeed.
The Freddie Mac Foundation recently invested $450,000 in the program, which relocates families directly from homelessness to permanent housing with supportive services.
"My kids are so happy that they have housing now and [a place] they can call home, that I can be in a residential area. Their grades and everything have just taken off," Martin said. He adds that MCCH counselors helped him enroll his sons in school and sign up for a football league.
A $425,000 grant to another County nonprofit, the National Center for Children and Families, will help provide intensive services to the most vulnerable homeless families – to move them quickly to permanent housing. Foundation funds will allow the nonprofit to hire additional therapists, case managers and residential counselors. The goal is to help children thrive in a safe home environment and stay out of the child welfare system.
Both programs are supported by a public-private partnership that includes the nonprofits, the Montgomery County government and the Freddie Mac Foundation.
"Housing stability coupled with comprehensive services is key: it allows parents to focus on building better lives and better futures for themselves and their children," said Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., Freddie Mac Foundation President and CEO, at a recent County press conference announcing the grants. "We’re fortunate to have exceptional partners who have created a strong community partnership. The result is a systemic effort to help children and families thrive in stable homes."