HUMAN SERVICES
St. David‘s Child
Development &
Family Services
INTERNATIONAL
CARE: Afghan Women
as Entrepreneurs
HOUSING
East Metro
Women's Council
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East Metro Women's Council White Bear Lake, Minnesota |
2004 $30,000 Grant |
Sundance Family Foundation granted East Metro Women’s Council $30,000 towards East Metro Place II, a new permanent supportive housing project that serves homeless and near homeless families. Half of these families are involved with county Child Protective Services and have special needs.
The program involves a unique non-profit/for-profit/public partnership that it is a model that can be replicated by other housing organizations. The site provides transitional and permanent programs within a larger, market-priced development, and it also increases the much needed housing opportunities for very low income families in the eastern suburbs.
East Metro has been helping families in this region find the housing stability they need for many years. Founded in 1987, this organization assists families working toward self-sufficiency by providing affordable housing, supportive services and educational opportunities. The services aim to increase positive outcomes in the areas of: housing stability, economic stability, educational advancement, improved health and strengthened families.
In 2004, 88 percent of EMWC participants achieved housing stability and 98 percent of program graduates secured permanent affordable housing upon leaving EMWC services.
One example of how the East Metro Women’s Council helps families, is illustrated by the story of a young couple whose names are Curt and Julie. They were homeless and living on the street after losing their home and custody of their three children due to their methamphetamine addictions. Although they had completed a drug treatment program, their lives were in chaos and Julie was pregnant again. They entered the East Metro Women’s Council’s emergency shelter apartment through the help of the county court system. From there, they were invited into the transitional housing program at East Metro Place where Julie and Curt began to rebuild their lives. Julie obtained her GED and full-time employment. Curt completed a job-training program and began working toward the first legitimate full-time job in his life. Their new baby was born healthy and is now cared for by two hopeful and sober parents.
Although they are well on their way to independent living and emotional and financial stability, Curt and Julie still need the help of East Metro Women’s Council for the next phase in their transition back into society as they struggle to use their new skills to create a sustainable life for their family. Because the East Metro Place II project is designed to provide permanent supportive housing, this new site will be able to provide that important stability to families who need assistance beyond the length of time defined in transitional housing services.
Copyright 2006 Sundance Family Foundation. All rights reserved.