What is the history of Home For Now?  

CAPSC took over Home For Now on 05/01/2024. Since that time we have only been accepting families into the shelter. We know that not all families look the same and accept all families.

How does HFN tailor its support services to meet the unique needs of families experiencing homelessness, particularly in terms of housing stability and access to essential resources?

Home For Now staff recognize that each family’s needs are individualized, knowing what is good for some, is not good for all. Staff aim to meet people where they are, allowing for the ability to tailor the support given to the unique needs of the families here. We provide case management services in the shelter, allowing space for families to receive further individualized services with the common goal of returning to stable housing.

Provide an overview of the shelter’s facilities, including the number of rooms or units available and any communal areas or family-specific spaces that help create a supportive environment for residents.

Home for Now aims to provide a space as close to typical living circumstances as possible, including play areas for the children, a living room, a dining room and a kitchen. Washers and dryers are present as well, allowing families to do their laundry on the property. Home for Now has 10 rooms, with 23 beds total. Pack-and-plays are also available for families that have infants or toddlers.

Are there any programs or partnerships in place to assist families in securing permanent housing, employment, or educational opportunities for both parents and children?

One of our biggest strengths as a shelter is that we are part of a larger organization that offers a variety of programs for our clients to access. We also have a great partnership with local welfare offices. 

How does the shelter accommodate the diverse needs of the families you serve, such as single-parent households, families with young children, or those with special needs?

Clear communication with each family to determine what they need from us as a staff is important in order to accommodate each family’s needs. We use trauma-informed practices to anticipate the needs of our clients and to address them as they arise.

What are the biggest challenges HFN faces in ensuring it meets the safety and comfort standards necessary for families, and how do you work to overcome these challenges?

I would never say that the shelter is under any stress of maintaining the physical property, it is more so the social dynamics of everyone within the house. Systems within CAPSC already exist to address safety and comfort. We have weekly house meetings and really listen to the families and do what we can when we can to make everyone as comfortable as possible.