After living in their car or doubled up with family and friends for the past several years, Dwayne and his two boys (ages 4 and 7) moved into their new home last week. This is the first time Dwayne signed a lease in his own name, and he couldn’t be more proud!
The Day 1 HSWH program works to rapidly re-house families who are experiencing homelessness in Washington County. HSWH provides income based rental assistance and home-based supportive services to families with individual members who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQI+. The goal of the program is to help families secure housing while they work to increase their household income and improve academic performance.
The key to the program’s success is Solid Ground’s person-centered, team approach increasing housing and economic stability. Each program team includes a Housing Navigator, Family Advocate, and Children’s Services Specialist (to learn more about Solid Ground’s Team Approach, click here).
Jenna Rock, joined Solid Ground in September 2021 as the HSWH Day 1 Housing Navigator. She works directly with McKinny-Vento Liaisons in four Washington County school districts to identify families. Additionally, Jenna develops and maintains partnerships with local landlords to find safe and affordable housing. This week, we are pleased to welcome two new team members: Lauren Glynn, Day 1 Family Advocate and Hailey Thibault, HSWH Children’s Service Specialist. Together, the HSWH Day 1 Program Team ensures that all families have access to safe affordable housing while working toward economic stability, improved health and wellness, and strong community connections.