Advocates for the Homeless

Advocates for Homeless Families: has requested $5,000 funding for each of 4 programs in their ongoing “Transitional Housing / Families Forward” project. “Advocates” empowers motivated families to overcome homelessness through a structured two-year program of education, housing and support services. The 4 programs are:

Transitional Housing: provides housing for up to 2 years to participants in exchange for 30% of his or her income (minus child care expenses) for rent. The program requires a 2 year commitment from the participant to work toward economic independence.
Total Budget: $246,648

Families Forward: is a homelessness prevention program. The basic services and commitments required are the same as the Transitional Housing program.
Total Budget: $84,258

Individual Development Account: (IDA’s) are specialized, incentive-based savings accounts for low income individuals and families. The account holders own savings are matched 2:1 with reserve funds. The recipient must use the funds to purchase a home or for post secondary education.
Total Budget: $80,000

Community Outreach: involves raising awareness of the homelessness prevention services as well as informing the general Frederick population of the needs of the homeless. Targeted marketing will be directed toward the at-risk population and the landlords who house them.
Total Budget: $10,000

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding the first two programs listed at $5000 each for a total of $10,000. The second two programs did not specifically meet our mission for the express benefit of women and their children.