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Community Corner

HomeStretch Graduates Six from the HomeStretch Transitional Housing Program

(Roswell, GA) – Six families have an opportunity for a better life, thanks to HomeStretch, a Roswell-based non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness through comprehensive training, goal setting and financial counseling. HomeStretch families are provided with affordable housing while participating in a year-long individualized care plan designed to improve self-reliance and stability.

The theme for this year’s event, held on June 10, was “Celebrating a New Chapter,” because graduation is a reason for celebration, said Carol Swan, Program Director for HomeStretch.

“Goals may be educational or related to securing a better job to increase family income and radically decrease debt,” Mrs. Swan said. “At HomeStretch, we know that for every family in the program, homelessness is just one chapter in the family’s story. It is our hope they will live and thrive in a future that never includes homelessness because of their achievements while participating in the program.”

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The HomeStretch program combines education classes, ongoing meetings with budget mentors and social workers along with a focused effort to support family goals which will lead them to stability. Parents work full-time and contribute to the cost of housing while participating in the program.

Kimberlyn told her story of moving from a state of homelessness to enrolling with HomeStretch and getting her second college degree. She plans to travel to Rome, Italy, to realize her goal of teaching English there, she said. Kenya, another program graduate, described her life before coming to HomeStretch. “I remember driving around with all of our stuff in the car and moving from place to place,” she said. “HomeStretch is literally like having another family. My daughter was struggling in school, and now she is getting A’s and B’s.”

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David Whisnant, an attorney and Executive Director for the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless, keynoted the event, which was held at Roswell United Methodist Church and attended by more than 100 HomeStretch supporters.

 

“HomeStretch is one of the finest transitional housing programs in the metro-Atlanta area, and the best in the state,” Mr. Whisnant said. “Beyond shelter, HomeStretch provides the critical life skills and training required for people to attain and maintain stability.  HomeStretch understands that the causes of homelessness are numerous, and systematically attempts to help clients reduce the risk factors that could threaten their future housing status. Most importantly, a safe, caring and supportive environment is provided for clients and their children during this process.”

HomeStretch volunteer Justin Ely, Young Adult Pastor at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church in Norcross, also spoke. Pastor Ely serves as mentor for one of the graduates along with his wife Hillary.

“It has been a pleasure to be a part of this organization through mentorship and a great joy to watch the woman we have mentored, Heather, grow and blossom under the guidance of the program,” Pastor Ely said. “We really feel blessed by God to know her and to have participated in her growth at HomeStretch; we know it has grown us a lot as well. HomeStretch really is in the business of permanent solutions; our community is certainly better off because of the good work and people at HomeStretch.”

HomeStretch Executive Director Rose Burton said, “Today is your do-over.” She added that success in life is when opportunity is met with preparation. “HomeStretch is all about providing the time and the tools to help you succeed.”


About HomeStretch
Established in 1991, HomeStretch of Roswell, Georgia, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving homeless parents and children safe, comfortable surroundings in which to live while helping them address the root causes of homelessness to return to a life of self-reliance and independence. HomeStretch guides clients to reach goals of stable employment, stable housing, stable finances, and stable families by offering support services--including financial assistance, literacy classes, vocational training, job readiness skills, transportation assistance, emotional support, as well as transitional and affordable housing. A comprehensive care plan is developed for each family and addresses goals, support plans, and financial counseling. For more information, or to donate time, money or resources please visit http://www.homestretch.org. Also visit HomeStretch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homestretch.

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