By: Ryan Martinez, Inland Valley News
Upland, CA — Organizations and community members gathered on Aug. 11 at the headquarters of Foothill Family Shelter for an open house aimed at building awareness of the program’s services and strengthening connections with local organizations. This event brought together school district representatives, Inland Valley-based organizations,McKinney-Vento liaisons, and other local partners to learn more about the program and how families can access its services.
The open house started with a welcome presentation from Foothill Family Shelter staff, who introduced team members and provided an overview of the organization’s services and programs. Staff also discussed the shelter’s impact on the families in the community and opportunities for local organizations to partner with Foothill Family Shelter.
After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions about the organization and its programs, services,partnership opportunities, and referral process. Guests were then given a tour of the onsite pantry which provides food, hygiene products, and supplies for residents.
Staff then gave a tour of the family apartments, providing guests with a closer look at the accommodations available to families.
The apartment complex contains 28 apartments, providing housing for 28 families at a time. Apartments become available as families complete the program and transition into their independent housing.
Unlike a temporary shelter, Foothill Family Shelter operates as a transitional housing program, working with families todevelop the skills necessary for long-term stability. Case managers work directly with residents to ensure they attain the life skills necessary to bridge the gap into long-term stability.
As part of the program, residents are required to put 50% of every paycheck into a trust account to ensure economic stability is maintained throughout the program and to prepare for independent housing after completing it.
The program begins with a 120-day housing phase, during which rent and utilities are paid for by Foothill Family Shelter.Families can then progress into a one-year phase before entering an extended housing phase, during which residents begin to contribute toward rent and utilities.
Required services for parents include employment services, mandatory therapy, drug testing, family enrichment programs, and weekly-case management checkups to ensure the development of the proper tools for an independent future.
Children also have access to therapy classes and school tutoring provided by School on Wheels. Families can alsoparticipate in recreational activities, including Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Family Baseball Night and the Back to School Summer Bash.
Associate Director Stephanie Mauss explained why these requirements and steps of the program are designed to helpfamilies maintain stability and independence once the program ends.
“We have around an 80-85% success rate for families once they complete the program, which means they are able to save the money, get an apartment on their own, keep that apartment, and live the life they have been planning for. Theyare able to do this through skills and lessons obtained through this program.”
Families enter the program for a variety of reasons, including chronic homelessness, divorce, lack of income, and limited family support. Finding solutions is not always simple, as families may be navigating trauma and difficult circumstances. Each story reflects how quickly circumstances can change and how important support can be during times of instability.
Collaboration between community organizations can help families access the resources they need, as they work towardsindependence and long-term stability. Karen Abram, a housing case manager for Inland Valley Hope Partners, highlighted the importance of organizations working together to provide for families in the community.
“A village does raise a family, in a lot of situations. If we do not start understanding that we are our brother’s keeper, thatis in advocacy, community, unity, or in the human factor of one caring for another, then what are we here for. We carry that, and that means knowing who our neighbors are and how we can all come together to provide services that help the one who needs help.”
Community members can also support Foothill Family Shelter by donating food and hygiene products at its headquarters at 1501 W 9th St., Suite D, Upland, CA.
Families in need of transitional housing, or those seeking assistance for a family, can call 909-920-0453 to complete a phone screening or visit Family Foothill Family Shelter’s website for more information.
