HOUSING FOR ALL >>>

The trauma that comes with a family being evicted due to a home foreclosure or the inability to pay rent is great enough, but when added to fact that it might mean splintering the group in order to better find temporary shelter, things can really get dire.

Families all over the South Sound have had to deal with this reality as the economic downturn dealt a crushing blow to those who were already on the edge.

The Salvation Army's family housing program in Tacoma has been providing emergency housing, improvement of life skills and assisting families and single women with securing permanent housing since 1983. The facility, located at 1521 Sixth Ave., features 14 two-bedroom temporary housing units for families, as well as a few dormitory-style rooms for single women. The family units can house a family of eight.

"(Families) are traumatized enough anyway to have to come to a shelter, and for them to come into a shelter where they can stay intact is huge," says Maj. Warren Dabis, the Tacoma location's commanding officer.

While families must go through an assessment before moving into temporary housing, Dabis said many have a strong desire to change their situation.

"They are really wanting to get into a more permanent home," Dabis says. "They have a desire to improve their family situation. (The program) gives them a good chance to get permanently housed."

During the 90-day program, parents are enrolled in a class that teaches them how to budget and make smart financial decisions, as well as learn how to find more permanent housing and how to work with a landlord. The family is also fed three meals a day.

"They usually have a little income coming in, so this time gives them a chance to save up," he says.

Families looking to the Salvation Army for housing have been constant over the last few years. There is currently a waiting list for shelter.

"Eighty-seven percent of families that have come through here have found permanent housing," Dabis says. "That's great to see. We want to make sure we keep the ball rolling."

While the program can always use donations, it can also use those are anxious to donate their time. The ageing facility that contains the temporary units is always in need of a little TLC.

"It's an older building; it needs a lot of small fixes done to it," he says.

Dabis routinely has church or volunteer organizations come in and lend a hand to keeping the units in top shape for the tenants.

"People of all skills can help," Dabis adds.

For more information on volunteering, call Martha Alcantar at 253.572.8452 ext. 116.

You can help

Homelessness and access to affordable housing is a critical issue for our community.  In 2010 - during a 24 hour annual "count" - 1,807 persons were counted as homeless. However, it is estimated that four to five times more people will be homeless during any year than can be counted on any given night. 

To donate money to United Way's effort to provide affordable housing to those in need, text HOUSE to 20222 and donate $10 to provide housing for all.

For more information on United Way's housing programs, click here.