Four years ago, Angela Mears and Thomas Manning were homeless, living in a shelter with their six children, facing an uncertain future. Through the Congregational Partnership Program (CPP), a unique strength-based approach to rapid re-housing through the Salvation Army Social Services of Kent County, the family was paired with volunteers from the Dominican Sisters – Grand Rapids. Over the next six months the couple and their children received rent assistance and encouraging support from the Sisters.
At their exit interview, the couple felt confident they could maintain stable housing. According to Angela, the financial and personal commitments provided by the partnership program allowed her family to regain their housing and stabilize their lives. “It gave us the extra boost we needed to get through a very difficult time.”
Fast forward to today, and Angela and Thomas have not only kept their commitment but have continued to thrive. Angela says that her family has a house, the kids are in a good school district, and she and Thomas both have steady employment.
The success of the CPP is possible because of the partnership of all those involved: the participants who take the lead in their housing stability; the congregations who provide rent assistance and volunteers to encourage and inspire hope; the Housing Resource Specialists who assist with housing and supportive services; and the CPP staff who ensure the program runs smoothly.
For more information on how you or your congregation can become involved, visit us at www.sasocialservices.org; or contact Raechel Wrona, at 616-454-5840 ext.3030 / [email protected].
Post a comment below congratulating Angela and Thomas on their incredible housing success story!
At their exit interview, the couple felt confident they could maintain stable housing. According to Angela, the financial and personal commitments provided by the partnership program allowed her family to regain their housing and stabilize their lives. “It gave us the extra boost we needed to get through a very difficult time.”
Fast forward to today, and Angela and Thomas have not only kept their commitment but have continued to thrive. Angela says that her family has a house, the kids are in a good school district, and she and Thomas both have steady employment.
The success of the CPP is possible because of the partnership of all those involved: the participants who take the lead in their housing stability; the congregations who provide rent assistance and volunteers to encourage and inspire hope; the Housing Resource Specialists who assist with housing and supportive services; and the CPP staff who ensure the program runs smoothly.
For more information on how you or your congregation can become involved, visit us at www.sasocialservices.org; or contact Raechel Wrona, at 616-454-5840 ext.3030 / [email protected].
Post a comment below congratulating Angela and Thomas on their incredible housing success story!