Monica
Swain, 31, and her five children have been given a new start because of the
work of the Community Shelter Board’s Family Housing Collaborative. The Family Housing Collaborative is designed
to provide families exiting emergency shelters with assistance that
successfully reintegrates the family into the community. The program provides home based supportive
services, landlord advocacy/housing location, as well as financial assistance
to help families get back on their feet and into permanent housing.
“I
wanted better, but I was stuck on how to get there…peace, rest, and a chance to
be a Mom”, said Monica. "There were
days when I was ready to quit, but the staff always found a solution. They are miracle workers.”
The
Family Housing Collaborative support services are structured to move families
into permanent affordable housing within two-weeks of referral from the YWCA Family
Center. The Salvation Army serves as the supportive
service provider for the Family Housing Collaborative and has four case
managers that work with the families to help link them to services and housing.
Monica
Swain and her children now live in a town house on the East side of Columbus. The kids are enjoying their schools, and
Monica recently enrolled in nursing school.
“I now know what I want to do with my life. It’s a whole new world and I’m very happy. I
am so very thankful.”