Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing Programs
In January 2013, 2736 people were counted as unsheltered in King County. Another 6,382 are in shelters and transitional housing programs. School districts report 564 children homeless in Eastside schools.
Transitional Housing is a service that provides housing and case management services for homeless families with children. Each family is assigned a case manager who works closely with the family to set goals that will promote self sufficiency. The case management takes a strengths based approach, knowing that all families have strengths. The goals are individualized based on the situation, but common goals are budgeting, parenting assistance and personal counseling. The ultimate goal is for the family to find and retain permanent housing.
Permanent Supportive Housing is non-time-limited, and provided to those who, without assistance, would be at risk of homelessness. The families and individuals living in this housing receive case management services as needed. Each household is assisted with services to help build assets that will continue to promote self-sufficiency.
Community Supper is a nutritious meal served every week for the homeless and low income of our community. The meals are prepared and served by volunteers.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
A single mother and her 10-year-old daughter recently completed KITH's Transitional Housing program. This mom believes strongly in the power of education as the key to change her future and to give her daughter a future. During the program, this mom earned a professional certification, changed careers, and found a full time job which will support her family. This mom also was a strong advocate and made sacrifices for her daughter to stay in a great school, where she thrived academically and socially. The family will not need any public assistance or supportive housing as they move in to their new home which is a market rate rental home.
KITH is seeking general operating support for the organization. A small agency with very lean staffing to serve all its program participants, KITH stewards every dollar very carefully. Less than 15% of KITH's funding is from governmental sources and all other revenue must be raised privately each year - $301,972 raised in 2011, $376,177 in 2012 thanks to support from caring people like you. KITH has four full time employees and four part time employees and relies heavily on volunteers to carry out the mission of organization.
Thank you for your investment in KITH and the work of ending homelessness in our community!