New Resource Center Opens to Support Families Facing Homelessness

Resource center for families facing homelessness with play area.

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News Summary

The ARCHES Family First resource center is now open, providing essential services to families experiencing homelessness. In its first ten days, it has already supported 60 families with healthcare, food assistance, and childcare. The center offers a safe haven for families, complete with a play area for children and case managers on-site to assist them with navigating services. This initiative aims to tackle child homelessness in the U.S. with a model potentially replicable in other communities.

New Resource Center Opens to Support Families Facing Homelessness

The struggle against child homelessness has taken a significant step forward with the recent opening of the ARCHES Family First resource center. Just ten days ago, this new facility opened its doors, aiming to provide a helping hand to families and children grappling with homelessness. With an alarming reality of having the highest rate of unsheltered homeless children in the U.S., this initiative couldn’t come at a more critical time.

Helping Hands Already Making an Impact

In its first ten days, the center has already assisted an impressive 60 families in accessing essential services. This includes everything from health care and community shelters to food assistance and support for rent payments. This is a major boost for families in need who often feel overwhelmed and isolated. Half of these families visited the center in person, where children were able to enjoy a dedicated play area designed just for them. This thoughtful addition not only keeps the little ones entertained but also gives parents the space to focus on their needs.

Creating a Safe Haven

The ARCHES center is located in a former Youth Drop-In center at 1255 Broadway St. N.E.. It was established with the hopes of fostering a supportive environment where families can seek stability and rebuild their lives. Inside, you’ll find a range of services aimed at easing the burdens carried by homeless families. The facility includes computers for families to use and communal areas where they can gather and relax.

Essential Items for Families in Need

Alongside physical comforts like meals and hygiene products, the center also provides necessities such as diapers, baby food, and even toys to brighten the days of youngsters. Such essentials can make a world of difference when a family is trying to get back on their feet.

Specialized Support Available

One family that recently visited included two working parents with three young children who were in need of help with food stamps, Medicaid, and dental care. The center’s design prioritizes a judgment-free space where all families can feel welcome and supported. This approach is essential in creating an atmosphere free from any troubling conversations that kids shouldn’t have to hear.

Dedicated Staff Ready to Assist

To further facilitate the support process, the center employs case managers who work on-site, helping families navigate essential services like Medicaid and dental care. With bilingual staff available and translators on hand for other languages, there is a strong focus on accessibility. Currently, there are five staff members working tirelessly, with plans to hire three more to better address the diverse needs of families.

A Step Towards Replication

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) is behind the management of the center, and they are putting systems in place that could serve as a model for compassionate services in other communities. The funding for this crucial initiative was mainly supported by a generous $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund awarded earlier in 2023.

Getting in Touch and Helping Out

For families looking for assistance or those wanting to contribute, the center emphasizes connection through outreach. It can be contacted at 503-399-9080 ext. 4045 or via email for case management self-assessments. Additionally, individuals eager to lend a hand can do so through an Amazon Wishlist specifically set up for donations, allowing for much-needed items to reach families in need.

The opening of the ARCHES Family First resource center is a sign of hope and change. With dedicated services and a focus on community, this initiative is on a mission to tackle the heartbreaking crisis of child homelessness and support families finding their way back to stability.