After an unexpected financial crisis, low-income families can quickly fall behind on the rent and find it impossible to climb out of debt. The Housing Stabilization Program, Adopt-A-Family’s eviction prevention effort – is needed to prevent these families from entering the homeless system, which is more expensive and disruptive for the entire household, especially the children. Spending a modest amount to bring a family out of arrears prevents a cascade of devastating events – an eviction on the parent’s record, interruption of the children’s education, the search for non-existent affordable housing, all while enduring the very real threat of eviction and homelessness.
The Housing Stabilization Program spares in-crisis families the indignities, financial costs, and emotional traumas of being forced to leave their homes. Parents do not have to scramble for housing while navigating the crisis that led to the potential eviction in the first place. Not only are they extended a lifeline in the form of one or two months’ rent, parents report that the compassionate guidance they receive from their Family Advocate contributes immensely to overcoming their circumstances. Many families emerge with better money management skills, renewed confidence, and additional wraparound support (such as daycare/tuition vouchers) from the referrals they received.
The Housing Stabilization Program is a core component of Adopt-A-Family’s work to boost struggling Palm Beach County households by providing housing assistance, case management, and ancillary referrals. Because the vast majority of Housing Stabilization Program clients succeed in achieving program outcome goals, they come to epitomize Adopt-A-Family’s Vision as stated in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: “Families are stably housed and thriving.”
If you are a family facing eviction and meet the criteria below, call our office at 561-253-1361 and ask about the Housing Stabilization Program.
- Live in Palm Beach County
- Minor children in the household
- A 3-day notice or proof of imminent eviction
- Income to maintain your expenses after assistance