The “one-stop-shop” model employed by Haven for Hope in San Antonio continues to help homeless people turn their lives around, including single mothers.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the nonprofit Haven for Hope services people experiencing homelessness through a “one-stop-shop” model in which supportive programs and housing are provided on the same campus. The model has been credited with a 77% reduction in homelessness in San Antonio.
In a video posted by Haven for Hope, single mother Ke’Andra Thomas shares her testimony about her and her two daughters being homeless before finding stability through the services offered by Haven.
“For five to six months last year, I was homeless, going home from home,” she said. “I just decided … a shelter don’t sound too bad.”
“When I came here, they took me and my kids in. They offered a GED class. I’m currently graduating from there. They gave us free clothes,” she continued. “I have a good support system. My case worker, my job coach … they help keep me on track.”
Thomas said one of her main goals while staying at Haven was to become a better woman and a better mother for her two daughters.
“I don’t want to leave here the same person I was when I came here,” she said. “I know that it may sound bad being at a shelter, but you’re at least able to do what you have to do for you and your kids — able to be independent. You have a very good support system here.”
“It’s almost like family,” she continued. “You [don’t] need to be out on the streets or worry about your kids’ next meal … because they have all of that here for you.”
Meanwhile, Dallas residents remain frustrated with homelessness, vagrancy, and panhandling, according to polling. The City government has not yet pursued the “one-stop-shop” model despite such a strategy polling favorably among Dallasites.
However, some local stakeholders have embarked on bringing the “one-stop-shop” model to Dallas, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
