Homeless to Homeward
Goal: Flagler County Rotary, Flagler County Public Schools, the Flagler County Education Foundation and many others are trying to keep or place families in homes without social service intervention (unless necessary), to keep children in school and achieving, and to provide basic needs to families (shelter—with water, electricity, clothing, minimal furniture, and food). We need your help. Our families need your support!
Definition of Homeless: Homeless children and youth are individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. They may be sharing housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations; living in emergency or transitional housing; abandoned in hospitals; awaiting foster care placement; living in a public or private place not designated for humans to live; living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing; or be migratory children living in the above circumstances. Homeless unaccompanied youth are those who meet the definition of homeless and are not in the physical custody of their parent or guardian.
Project Details: All families we assist must have a child enrolled in a Flagler County Public School, be a resident of Flagler County, complete a form and make an appointment in the Flagler Schools Student Services Office. There, families can receive assistance applying for and finding services such as Medicaid, food stamps, mental health services, emergency food, Section 8 Housing, and any other services available. Families we work with must also be self sustaining, meaning they will be able to maintain their residence plan after receiving assistance from this program. A complete income verification process will occur with each family. This is a one-time service to assist in keeping families together and with a shelter over their heads.
What we do: We provide rental, utility, and emergency food assistance. We listen to our families and provide direction for counseling services, housing information if needed, and assistance with clothing for children with our S.T.U.F.F. BUS (providing Things U Find Fundamental). We are creating a chance for families to stay off the streets and to become productive citizens. This contributes to the overall economy of Flagler County.
Follow-up: We follow-up with families to ensure success of our assistance and closely track efforts for further evaluation of this program.