Filling the Gap

When a family in Franklin County becomes homeless they are often confused, depressed, overwhelmed, and may not have any friends or relatives with whom they can stay. The shelter system becomes the only refuge for this family in need. 

The family is placed temporarily in the YWCA's Interfaith Hospitality Center's (IHN) crisis family shelter for up to 14 days. Once the Case Managers at IHN have completed an assessment of the family's needs, they are referred to a second tier shelter like The Homeless Families Foundation (HFF), where Case Managers address the issues that may have caused the family to become homeless. HFF reviews the family's assessment and starts to fill in the gaps of what the family will need to get back on their feet and live independently in the community.

HFF places families in units that have their own kitchen, bathroom and living space. Families are given food, cleaning supplies, towels, and hygiene products upon move-in. Homeless Families Foundation staff provides families with Case Management services including the Children's Education Center (after school and summer program for youth), GED classes, Women's and Men's Peer Groups, Parenting Classes, Youth Sports, Employment Assistance, Housing Referrals, Substance Abuse groups, Nutrition classes and other Life Skills classes. HFF also has a very active Resident Council that often comes up with new ideas for improving services to the families being served. HFF fills in the gaps in services by providing services that the families request.

Holistic Case Management is what HFF does best!