According to the FM Coalition to End Homelessness, on any given night in the F-M community more than 1,075 individuals experience homelessness. When safe and stable housing is found, these individuals often move in with nothing more than the clothing on their backs. To combat this gap and transform houses into true homes, our local United Way of Cass-Clay created an initiative to provide home essentials to community members that are transitioning out of homelessness (to hear a first-hand account of the transition from homelessness to home, watch “Jamie’s Story”).
The Barriers
Community members that are transitioning out of homelessness face steep and intense barriers to success. Many people are facing lack of education, exposure to abuse, incidences of domestic violence, mental health conditions, chronic health conditions, and substance abuse. To add to the complexity, these individuals also struggle to find safe and affordable housing along with a living wage. According to the FM Coalition to End Homelessness, nearly one in five individuals experiencing homelessness reported also being diagnosed with a chronic health condition, serious mental illness, and/or substance abuse disorder. These are intense conditions that require support, treatment, and contribute to ongoing instability if left unaddressed.
A BOLD Initiative
The United Way Cass-Clay Home for Good initiative focuses on filling gaps in services for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. In alignment with their mission to reduce hunger and homelessness, United Way of Cass-Clay found an opportunity to create a positive, encouraging, and much-needed program to provide household essentials to new home residents: Home for Good Baskets.
Each Home for Good basket includes:
Kitchen Dining Kit:
-Kitchen Dinnerware Set
-Silverware Set
-Drinking Cups Set
Kitchen Essentials Kit:
-Cooking Knife
-Dish Soap, Sponge & Dish Towels
-Can Opener, Scissors & Pizza Cutter
-Garbage Bags & Paper Towels
-Hand Soap, Windex & Disinfecting Wipes
-Hand Broom and Dust Pan
-Coffee Maker
-Pots and Pans Set, Baking Sheet & Spatula
Bathroom Essentials
-Kleenex, Toilet Paper, Plunger & Toilet Bowl Cleaner
-Shower Curtain, Body Towels & Wash Cloths
Bedroom Essentials:
-Bed in a Bag
-Pillows
-Laundry Detergent
-Clock
Ways You Can Give
United Way of Cass-Clay understands that community members have diverse preferences on supporting initiatives, especially during our current environment. Here are some unique ways you can make an impact, even from home!
- Give Financially
- Give through the Amazon Wish List
- Order Fargo Mom’s “Strong as a Midwest Mother” t-shirt and all proceeds go to this initiative!
- Share this article or the Facebook Event(not an in-person event, but rather a list ways people can support the initiative)
Everyone deserves a warm home to live in, now more than ever, when our homes are where we are most safe.
For more information, visit unitedwaycassclay.org or contact the United Way Cass-Clay team at [email protected].