Homelessness seems to be everywhere right now. Nightly news, daily papers, emails and on the streets. Photos of people on the streets, in tent camps and in food kitchens. It would appear that this is a sudden, unexpected social issue. It is not. Homelessness has been a part of our society for generations, originally identified in the 1870s.
In the 1950s & 1960s, homelessness declined so significantly that researchers were predicting it would disappear by 1970. Instead, during the 1980s the economic recession, dramatic federal housing program cutbacks and deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill skyrocketed the numbers. The top causes of homelessness among families were: (1) lack of affordable housing, (2) unemployment, (3) poverty, and (4) low wages, in that order.
The Greeley Family House, established in 1985, works diligently to help families who are experiencing homelessness. The causes of homelessness have not changed. Single moms with children are our primary clients. Since the pandemic, we are also serving Moms & Dads with children. Moms & Dads who are working but cannot find housing that fits their budgets.
Greeley Family House remains the only homeless program in Weld County that focuses solely on families in crises, providing them with safe and secure shelter. As an application-based program, a family who qualifies is sheltered at the Family House for 60 days while seeking permanent housing. During the time they are with us, they receive case management and referrals to multiple other agencies who can help with their individual situation. It is a domino effect for a family. First, they must have childcare & transportation to be employed. Once employed, they must understand what it means to live within a budget. These are key components to obtaining housing.
Greeley Family House is a registered 501(3)c. We rely on foundations, donations, and government grants to support and stabilize the families we serve. Weld County residents are committed to managing this social issue and are generous in financially supporting the program. We are very grateful for this support and view their donations with stewardship towards achieving the mission to provide temporary housing and support services for families experiencing housing instability. Our vision is to empower all families in Northern Colorado to achieve long-term housing stability speaks to our philosophy that we offer a hand