Homestretch is a comprehensive program that helps homeless families in Virginia  find the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Once a family is accepted into Homestretch, they move into a fully furnished apartment and embark on a journey with Homestretch that can last two or more years. During this time, Homestretch works with the family to help find the adults meaningful employment and to build their skills and education so that they can substantially improve their ability to earn a living wage. Meanwhile, our child services staff works with the family to address the needs of their children, including academic, social, and health issues.

The needs of Homestretch clients can be enormous and varied. Families become homeless and end up at the doors of Homestretch due to many different reasons. It may be due to natural disasters such as hurricane Katrina, or sudden losses of loved ones who were primary breadwinners. Many women flee situations of domestic violence and end up homeless with their children. Some are political refugees from war torn countries and others are families who have been caught up in patterns of dysfunction and poverty who seek ways to stabilize their lives.

In a given year, Homestretch will work with as many as 120 families and 300 children. It is important to note that the average age of a homeless child in Homestretch is eight years old so it is imperative to break the cycle of poverty and help these children have promising futures.

Success

The success of Homestretch’s approach is reflected in its positive track record. 

• Since 1990, Homestretch has assisted over 900 families and over 2,000 children. 
• Of those families entering Homestretch, 83% complete the program and successfully transition into permanent affordable housing. 
• Recent tracking demonstrates that after two years of having left our program, 93% of graduates remain stable, housed and employed. 
• To date 20 Homestretch graduated families have become first-time homeowners. 10 more families are expected to become first time homebuyers within two years. 

Comprehensive Program
In addition to providing subsidized housing, families in Homestretch receive a variety of services including case management, employment counseling, ESL classes, computer literacy training, GED tutoring, domestic violence education and counseling, therapy, substance abuse counseling, life skills training, transportation assistance, and numerous services for children. Families can stay with Homestretch for two years or more as they acquire the skills and resources they need to live productive and independent lives.

Evaluation System
Homestretch uses a customized, performance based evaluation system to track families progress as they go through the program and as they make steps toward meeting their identified goals. This assessment covers twelve essential family functions that are critical to the family’s self-sufficiency, including housing, income, employment, transportation, mental and physical health, domestic abuse, substance and alcohol use, parenting and family relations, child care, education, language capabilities, and immigration status.

Programs
Homestretch places a special emphasis on children. In fact, Homestretch only accepts families with children under the age of eighteen. Families may remain in Homestretch for two years or more, during which time they can avail themselves of multiple services that are aimed at helping them be better equipped to become self-sufficient. These services include: 

Children and Youth

• Child-teen enrichment program   
• Health and Nutrition education   
• Individual tutoring   
• Back to school program   
• Summer camp   
• Holiday Shopping spree   
• Family adoption at holidays   
• Youth Mentoring
• Teen Club
• Scholarships
• Financial assistance for uniforms, sports teams, ballet classes, music classes, etc.

Family Support Services

• Case Management
• Job Counseling and Placement   
• Credit counseling, debt reduction and money management   
• Domestic violence education and counseling   
• Psychotherapy   
• Substance Abuse Counseling   
• Legal Counseling   
• English as a Second Language Classes   
• Life skills training   
• GED Tutoring and Computer Literacy 

Housing Services

• Rental subsidies   
• Utility Assistance   
• Furniture, Kitchen supplies, linens, etc 

Transportation Assistance

• Donated Used Cars for clients when available
• Subsidized car repairs
• Gas cards and Metro fares