For individuals and families struggling to survive, housing and food insecurity are just some of the aspects of poverty that they must learn to navigate. Cold winter conditions in the Miami Valley are an added element as warm winter clothing is an additional expense. It is hard to know where to turn for help, and that is where Dayton’s Homefull comes in.
Homefull began in 1988, as The Other Place (TOP), giving homeless people a place to go during the day after night shelters closed in the morning. Today, Homefull’s mission is “to work to end homelessness by providing housing, services, advocacy and education.”
Tina Patterson is Homefull’s CEO. She adds that the program works toward its mission by focusing on a continuum of care for people living in poverty and facing housing instability.
“Our programs address housing instability by creating affordable housing options, food insecurity by developing food programs in communities where access to food is limited or nonexistent and providing livable wage employment opportunities for people who have barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment,” she explains.
The 16 Acre Project is an ambitious undertaking to decrease childhood poverty through affordable housing by providing more than 140 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for households that earn less than 80% of the average median income.
As part of the 16 Acre Project, Homefull is also opening a grocery store this month and a regional food hub in the west Dayton food desert. The grand opening will be a community event that also includes a holiday party with small gifts for children and a visit with Santa.
The 16 Acre Project will eventually include a Kettering Health Primary Care Center, ZIKS Family Pharmacy, job training and employment opportunities.
“We are excited every time we get a chance to break the cycle of poverty,” Tina enthuses. “Our new programs in West Dayton will provide over 200 new jobs, opportunities for access to health care, food and affordable housing.”
Some upcoming events for the organization include an annual holiday campaign to support all of Homefull’s programs. Anyone interested in offering assistance can donate online or sign up to adopt a family. Donors and adoptable families will be matched together so families in need can have a positive holiday experience.
Homefull has 100 staff members and many volunteers. Tina notes that they are always looking for more volunteers, whether it is a one-time event or a regular schedule.
“We are always looking for financial support,” Tina explains. “We are looking for volunteers and individuals willing to collect items for the winter and our families. We would also like to partner with a corporate sponsor to help families stay warm through the winter.”
Tina emphasizes that Homefull is about providing solutions. “Our innovative programs are sustainable and creatively designed to tackle one of society’s most difficult problems, poverty. We believe everyone deserves the right to safe, decent affordable housing, access to healthcare and healthy foods and livable wage jobs,” she shares.
For more information, visit Homefull.org.