Family Support Program
Addison Housing Works mission is to enrich the lives of low- and moderate-income people of Addison County by ensuring the development, management, and maintenance of safe, quality, affordable homes and related support for families, seniors and individuals. Back in 2020, thanks to the support of several generous donors, AHW developed a pilot program to provide a new level of support for its residents to help them successfully remain in their new homes. Family Supportive Services is available free to residents young and old in AHW housing who have a history of such problems as: housing instability or homelessness, struggles with mental health or addiction, need of support retaining employment and/or maintaining household income, and the added demands of juggling any such challenge on top of growing a young family.
ACCT hired Precious Chamberlin in 2021 as its first Family Support Coordinator. Over time she will work with as many as 40 separate families (approximately 100 individuals). Some of these families will be identified as being in need by property managers; others may be referred by local social service agencies; and still others might hear about the program and apply themselves. For all residents, participation in the program is entirely voluntary and all services are free.
Precious came to AHW from sixteen years working as a benefit program specialist because she wanted to be closer to her clients; able to help them on the ground. Since she began working, she has been most surprised by the extent of food insecurity in Addison County. Many people, she said, live at the edge at the end of each month. She identified transportation as another vital issue. Although Tri Valley Transit is available to drive people to appointments, it cannot help when emergencies arise. Precious also noted that Addison County lacks sufficient mental health service capacity for all residents in need. Long waits, she added, can scare people off from receiving that kind of assistance.
ACCT hired Precious Chamberlin in 2021 as its first Family Support Coordinator. Over time she will work with as many as 40 separate families (approximately 100 individuals). Some of these families will be identified as being in need by property managers; others may be referred by local social service agencies; and still others might hear about the program and apply themselves. For all residents, participation in the program is entirely voluntary and all services are free.
Precious came to AHW from sixteen years working as a benefit program specialist because she wanted to be closer to her clients; able to help them on the ground. Since she began working, she has been most surprised by the extent of food insecurity in Addison County. Many people, she said, live at the edge at the end of each month. She identified transportation as another vital issue. Although Tri Valley Transit is available to drive people to appointments, it cannot help when emergencies arise. Precious also noted that Addison County lacks sufficient mental health service capacity for all residents in need. Long waits, she added, can scare people off from receiving that kind of assistance.