Through compassionate intervention provided by a dedicated staff and volunteers, FHM offers an on-site three-tiered approach to serving our homeless families with children.

Life essentials The first tier addresses the immediate needs of the families by providing 3 hot meals a day, shelter, clothing and medical assistance.

Family life advancement The second tier is designed to rebuild and restore the family unit and address the root causes that are often at the core of homelessness. All adults are required to attend budget/finance classes, basic parenting classes, job skills training (resume writing, interviewing skills) and computer courses.  Optional bible studies are made available to the residents as well as counseling.  Where appropriate, adult residents are referred to local mental health and substance abuse service providers.   Adult residents are required to make a minimum of 15 job contacts and 15 housing contacts each week.  75% of family income is saved toward the “family nest egg” which provides for first month’s rent and security deposit when the family obtains permanent housing. Case management sessions provide each family with the tools to make and set goals as well learning to make proper decisions.

New beginnings The third tier assists families in establishing and transitioning into their new homes. 60-70% of those who graduate move into permanent housing, 20% move into transitional housing and 10% exit the program before graduation.  The average length of stay at FHM is 8-12 weeks with 95% of the graduate families successfully transitioning back into the community.  Goods and services are provided to the graduate families through community donations of furniture, appliances, clothing, groceries and cleaning supplies. FHM staff and volunteers assist in the moving process and set up of the family’s new home.

Each graduate family is assigned to the Aftercare Coordinator for the purpose of tracking the family’s progress upon graduation.  Trained “Guardian Angels” are connected with graduate families for additional guidance and support.  This process also monitors the effectiveness of our on-site programming.