Grantee Profile: Building Changes

Families with children now make up about half of our nation’s homeless population. In Washington state, the trend is no less grim: We estimate each year as many as 10,000 families statewide are homeless, and there is good reason to believe the problem is growing.

Research shows that it takes more than a roof overhead to break the cycle of homelessness; it takes an array of services tailored to a family’s unique situation. In 2004, the Washington Families Fund became the nation’s first reliable, long-term source of funding for support services to homeless children and their families. Building Changes, formerly AIDS Housing of Washington, administers this fund.

Partners Pledge Support
In 2004, the Washington state Legislature took notice—and action. Based in part on early findings of positive outcomes from the Sound Families Initiative (the foundation’s first program for homeless families in the Puget Sound region) and on a growing recognition that the state’s service providers lacked necessary public funding, the Legislature created the Washington Families Fund, the first long-term source of funding for supportive services to homeless children and their families.

In three years, the fund has grown to nearly $18 million. In addition to the seed money from the Legislature, private sector partners have pledged support, including the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Boeing Co., the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Medina Foundation, Microsoft Corp., the Seattle Foundation, United Way of King County, and several community foundations throughout the state.

The foundation is working closely with Building Changes to expand the work of the Washington Families Fund. A new program will be piloted in several key communities that will include prevention efforts, coordinated entry, rapid re-housing, tailored services, and workforce development.

Impact of Stable Funding
The Washington Families Fund fills an acute need—stable, long-term funding for both on- and off-site supported services linked to affordable housing. This dependable source of funding allows nonprofit organizations to increase comprehensive and individualized case management services for homeless families throughout the state.

Lorenzo DeVargas, a program director with a Clark County-based service provider called Share, understands the potential impact of the fund firsthand.

“Simply put, this fund means fewer families will be sleeping in cars or tents or on neighbors’ couches. Organizations like mine have never had access to stable funding; we will now be able to help hundreds of homeless families get back on their feet and into stable housing.”

For Pamela Roberts, a formerly homeless mother living in Spokane, intensive case management services are the reason she and her family are back in stable housing.

“A car accident and other unexpected bills left me and my children without a place to turn. But my case manager was there for me at every key decision point and walked alongside me when I needed a strong supporter most. Today my kids and I are on our feet and working towards financial stability, and I’m studying to attend medical school. I’m looking forward to giving back to my community.”