WHP’s main program is designed as a two-stage supportive housing initiative for homeless families with children or families in imminent danger of becoming homeless within the SBISD. The intent of WHP is to provide financial support to help ease the worries of meeting basic living expenses. Coupled with intensive supportive services, families can then focus on getting the education and counseling they need to achieve self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Many clients are referred to us from the school counselors in the SBISD schools. The SBISD has a high incidence of poverty with over 55% of students qualifying for free school lunches, 5% higher than the state average. Once referred, our caseworker does an initial interview to determine if the family qualifies for our program.
Families must be homeless or on the verge of eviction to qualify. In addition, at least one adult must be able to work legally in the US. And this adult is required to be employed within one month. Our clients are of all races. It costs between $5,000 and $10,000 for our program to bring a family from homelessness to self-sufficiency.