It’s this time of the year when the word “home” has a special meaning. Whether it’s going back home for a big dinner with the family, opening your condo for a friendly get-together or moving into your dream home just in time for the holidays, it’s a place of security where memories are made and shared.
However, not everyone has such a sanctuary of stability where they can seek peace of mind. They are the homeless and those in fear of becoming homeless.
Luckily in North Texas, Housing Crisis Center has been “working to prevent homelessness and to stabilize those at risk of becoming homeless.”
And while it will continue its mission to “prevent homelessness, respond to the immediate needs of those facing crisis and sustain their stability in safe, affordable and permanent housing while empowering them to solve their housing problems in the future,” a name change was deemed necessary.
Board Chair Carolyn Goelzer announced that the new name Home Point “better reflects the two aspects of what the organization provides which are Housing Assistance and Homelessness Prevention Services.”
Its various services include
- Utilizing “scattered-site” apartment homes, Home Point provides safety and shelter to veterans, single-parents families, dual-parent families and other individuals that have been referred to Home Point through a Coordinated Assess System of the Continuum of Care. Home Point has Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs.
- Coaching sessions and other vital support services to help participants address the issues that contributed to their becoming homeless and to empower them to solve their own housing problems in the future.
- Free legal clinic, where eligible participants can learn more about their rights and Texas landlord tenant housing laws. An advice-only opportunity allows them to meet with an attorney to discuss specific tenant related concerns. The State Bar of Texas has cited the Home Point legal program for its outstanding service.
In addition to the name change, Carolyn revealed that a new signature event, “All Points Home,” will take place on Thursday, February 6, with Catherine Jaynes serving as chair.
According to Home Point CEO Kelvin Brown, the 501 (c)(3) organization’s vision is “to create a world where the homeless and nearly homeless are not just housed but are also embraced by a network of care and support that transcends the physical walls of shelter, firmly rooted in the belief that restoring dignity to those facing their darkest hours uplifts the entire community.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Home Point