We may not picture
young women, small children and babies as victims of homelessness,
but in far too many instances, they are, and it is not a third world
country or major metropolitan issue - it is happening in our own
backyard.
In 1987, when a
group from Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Buffalo began noticing
a disturbing trend within the local homeless
population of increasing numbers of homeless adolescent families,
they decided that it was time to respond to that growing need and
help these young families. Area shelters were sometimes able to
offer temporary housing to these young families for up to 30 days,
but
many of them were turned away because there simply wasn't enough space.
After much research and discussion, Homespace Corporation was formed
in 1989 to determine how best to meet the needs of these young families.
The mission of Homespace was to create a solution to this problem
that would provide not only transitional housing, but also would
provide support programs to help families in need break away from
dependency and begin a new life of personal growth and economic independence.
In 1993, St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church joined Trinity in making
this idea a reality.
Years of talking to social service providers, negotiating with government
officials and ongoing stalwart efforts and persistence on the part
of the founders finally paid off. Homespace opened
its doors in March 1994.
Homespace has been recognized nationally for its work with these
young homeless families. In 1999, J.C. Penney awarded Homespace Corporation
its national Golden Rule Award. Homespace was the first organization
in New York State to receive this award. Homespace was also honored
by the United Parcel Service, which gave the organization a $100,000
regional grant from the company’s charitable foundation. At
the time, this was the largest grant awarded by UPS, and again,
it was the first in New York State.
The program at Homespace has proven to be highly successful for
13 years. During that time, Homespace has provided a safe, nurturing
environment for almost 300 families. With the help of all of those
who have contributed to Homespace’s success, we
hope we can continue to help change the lives of young homeless
families for as long as this type of service
is needed.
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