Hope for tomorrow
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 |
"To inspire and build hope for the future of our valley children and their mothers."
This is the vision for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry's Hope For Tommorrow - to build supportive housing for homeless children and their mothers. We have seen an increasing number of homeless women and children come through our doors seeking assistance and shelter.
Through the generosity of a local family, land was donated to SVCM, allowing us the opportunity to plan and construct housing for homeless mothers and their children. Eight 1-bedroom apartments, and two 2-bedroom apartments have been built and have enabled us to house nine families, children and their mothers. There is also an on-site resident manager who occupies the tenth unit. There is a play area for the children. |
There are many reasons for homelessness, but the outcomes are often the same - chronic housing insecurity, lack of support by social services, poor nutrition, an uncertain future, poor medical support, interrupted educational opportunities, and more. The goal of Hope for Tomorrow is to ensure that families are able to achieve self-sustainability upon completion of the program. There are an increasing number of homeless children in Buncombe County, and SVCM hopes to play a critical role in supporting such a vulnerable population.
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This ongoing program will have rotating clients each year. We work closely with Buncombe County Schools Homeless Liaison to ensure that a viable partnership is developed with long-term strategies to address any problems. One of the other concerns in our area is a lack of affordable housing. Our clients receive assistance in financial management so they are be able to save money and learn to budget by the completion of the program in order to be successful in finding long-term suitable housing. This is ongoing, long term program and SVCM relies on generous partnerships with our local churches, civic organizations, and individual donors. We hope the impact of this program will assist families for generations to come.
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About the Program:
Under the supervision of a case manager who will assist each mother in her goal setting, the children will attend public schools, and receive tutoring and mentoring, Mothers will receive support and education in life skills conducted by other non-profit groups, church groups, and individuals. These life skills classes will include nutrition and healthy eating classes through Bounty and Soul; Budgeting classes through On-Track Financial Management;
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the development of personalized long-term goals with a case manager; self-esteem, parenting, and individual and family counseling through Black Mountain Counseling Center; career building classes and, when appropriate, enrollment in our AB Tech GED Program; and support from our churches. SVCM Scholarships will be available to any of the mothers wishing to take classes at AB Tech toward a degree or a certificate program.
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