As I recover from a nasty head cold, I am conscious of doing things that will help me heal while working towards preventing a reoccurrence. Getting eight hours of sound sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, exercising – all tasks within my control to keep my body and mind healthy.

The same can be true of focusing on homeless prevention as to healing homelessness. Obtaining and keeping employment, developing a budget and living within it, saving for emergencies. It is not always pleasant task but necessary to be self-sufficient. Budget should not be seen as burden or “dirty word”. It prioritizes the important parts of our lives and allows us to plan for fun.

As an agency who supports both homeless families and families near homelessness, we see a major need for families to have a budget. So many of our families do not know where they spend their money, so when the case manager discusses their budget they are often surprised to discover that they are mindlessly spending. We focus and encourage small changes that can make a big impact - eat out one day a week instead of daily, turn off the daily deals that come from retailers, make a grocery list and do not shop when hungry or tired. For women, grab a friend and "clothes shop" from inside your closet creating new and fun outfits.

When an emergency does occur, review your bills and prioritize what must be paid. Rent is not an optional payment. Rent & utilities are the ground floor (pun intended) of providing a healthy and safe environment for your family. If you honestly can’t make the payment, talk to the landlord! Ask for help. Sooner than later. Don’t wait for an eviction notice or for the bill to be so big that no one can help you.

Homeless prevention is often less expensive (and most definitely less traumatic) than being evicted and becoming homeless. It also allows you to learn skills to manage your money and life better. It allows your family to thrive.