This mother and her eight-month-old son are residents of Second Chance Homes, a non-profit that works to break the cycle of addiction within families. According to the annual point-in-time housing survey, addiction is the number one cause of homelessness in Billings. Anti-addiction and other homeless prevention initiatives are outlined in Welcome Home Billings.‘Welcome Home Billings,’ the Mayor’s Committee on Homelessness’ ten-year plan to end homelessness, is approved and the war on poverty begins. Over 400 people worked on the plan and experienced firsthand why the Committee was needed. Interviewing individuals from local shelters and day centers explains why the top four goals of ‘Welcome Home Billings’ are housing, prevention, services and assets. Here are some stories.
Michael and his family arrived in Billings with three suitcases, $81, and a criminal record. Struggling to overcome tremendous obstacles, he applied everywhere for employment. At MasterLube, a Social Enterprise business that employs at-risk populations, Michael was given a job which helped him get back on his feet. “I’m really excited about the opportunities they are giving me,” he said. “I can go somewhere and be something.” ‘Welcome Home Billings’ supports the expansion of community-based, criminal reentry programs and increased advocacy for visionary businesses like MasterLube and the Downtown Billings Improvement District.
Both Audrey and her husband, Mike, worked full time but lost their car and their home. “We would save money,” she said, “but when you don’t make that much, it’s hard to hold onto it for emergencies.” Unable to afford the initial expenses for a new residence, the couple took their children to the shelter. ‘Welcome Home Billings’ expresses the need for more affordable housing and will utilize housing first and rapid re-housing philosophies.
Due to circumstances beyond his control, Stephen found himself homeless with two year old Skylar and was forced to go to the shelter. Without family and few friends here, he struggles to find child care during his late night shift work. Although he has an Associate degree in Medical Science, he is forced to sacrifice opportunities to care for his son. To prevent situations like this, ‘Welcome Home Billings’ plans to establish childcare assistance, mentoring support systems, and life skills trainings.
Sometimes, living in poverty is not a choice. “Lots of people at the Mission have suffered great loss of self-respect. Many have lost the drive to get them out of the rut,” says John, a former Mission resident. ‘Welcome Home Billings’ will provide more opportunities to help individuals succeed.
