Imagine facing homelessness as a single parent of five children, ages 0 to 13. Next, imagine adding another fear: that the state might step in and separate your family.
This is the scary situation a local family was navigating when Amara’s Families Building Community Program (FBCP) reached out. With incredible courage, the parent, Gabrielle*, took a giant leap of faith and trusted us to help.
In King County, roughly 11% of people experiencing homelessness are children. Of that number, few are in families with five or more siblings. Temporary housing for large families is very hard to find, but together, our FBCP mentor and Gabrielle, along with our community partners, were able to find a safe, temporary home for all of them.
With the immediate crisis behind them, Gabrielle and our mentor began the steady work of building long-term stability. Together, they tackled everything from getting a pack & play for the baby, to finding child care, to finding long-term housing. Throughout the journey, our FBCP mentor offered connections to resources, strengths-based moral support, and a compassionate understanding that when families are supported, they can thrive.
Today, months later, the family is doing well. The older children are in school, the younger ones attend quality child care. Gabrielle knows she is not alone and she’s connected to sources of support. The family is doing so well, the state closed their Family Voluntary Services case, a milestone reflecting the family’s growing stability and strength.
Now, as the holidays approach, Gabrielle and her children are looking forward to celebrating together, without the fear of homelessness and without the trauma of being separated.
* Name changed to protect privacy.