Families with children are among the most likely people in Houston to become homeless. Parents often work at minimum wage jobs, don’t earn enough to overcome obstacles and don’t have the time or resources to pursue an education that will help them become more gainfully employed. Westside Homeless Partnership (WHP) targets homeless and near homeless families with children in the Spring Branch ISD, where in many schools close to 100 percent of the students qualify for free lunches. More than 40 percent of the adults in the area have not finished high school.

Homeless and near homeless families are referred to WHP by teachers, counselors, other human service agencies and area congregations. WHP board chair Mallory Shaddix says, “We help families achieve self-sufficiency, not just pay the rent.” For nine months families in the Hands-Up Housing program receive help with rent, utilities, transportation and childcare in return for a commitment to work intensely with a case manager, who helps parents assess their needs and develop the skills, goals and plans to become self-sufficient. “Each self-sufficiency plan has an educational component,” explains Shaddix. “Many clients have not graduated from high school, so we help them get a GED and take English classes if necessary. Some go to community college. We take care of basic needs so they can become trained and empowered to move forward.”

WHP case managers connect clients with community resources to avoid duplicating existing services. Parenting classes, furniture and clothes for interviews are provided by these other agencies. “Our case managers are skilled in tapping into what’s available,” says Shaddix. “In a nine-month period with about $10,000, we can turn around a family’s life.”

More than 80 percent of WHP’s families become self-sufficient after they complete the program. On average family income increases 75 percent. Ten percent eventually own their own homes. WHP follows families for two years to make sure they stay independent. Shaddix says, “When families graduate from the program, they leave with confidence and a sense of direction. We give them tools, we encourage them, and we make sure they’re prepared. We don’t do anything for a family that they can do for themselves. We serve only as an agent of change.”