Caritas Family Solutions helping unhoused families through new program

By Managing Editor | May 15, 2024 |

For those either experiencing homelessness or on the brink of it, Caritas Family Solutions’ new Community Family Stabilization program has been a life-saving gift. Since the program began last year, 66 families have been helped and 150 more families are on the nonprofit’s list to receive assistance. The program provides families who are struggling financially with the resources they need to provide safe and stable environments for themselves and their children.

Dr. Teresa Williams

Caritas’ Community Family Stabilization program is funded by annual grants from the United for Families grant and a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant and provides both financial and/or housing assistance. Dr. Teresa Williams, Caritas Executive Director of Community Services, oversees the program and said while they knew there was a need in this area, the level has surprised her and her staff.

“We get referrals every day,” Williams said. “It was surprising to see just how many families are struggling to get by and in some cases, hiding the gravity of their situation from people because of the stigma around homelessness. We have moms who are living in their cars with their young children or families living in temporary shelters or on the streets. Homelessness doesn’t always look the way people think it does, especially in the case of families who are struggling. Ninety percent of the people we work with have jobs. Typically they’ve had some type of medical crisis happen that has caused them to get behind on their bills and they have no family support system to help them get back on their feet. We’re here to be that support system for them.”

Caritas works with other local nonprofit groups and government agencies to identify families who may need their assistance. Once a family is referred to Caritas or reaches out for help, the agency works to place them into a home or help them stay in the one they are in and manages the rental agreements with property owners. From there, families are encouraged to put 30% of their income toward housing and to work toward goals that benefit their family’s future. Caritas currently has two coordinators for the growing program and is actively searching for property owners in Metro East to partner with.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for Caritas to fill a gap we are seeing in the communities in terms of reducing homelessness while making a tremendous difference in the lives of the children in those families,” Williams said. “Having a stable place to live can be instrumental for children in terms of their mental health and feelings of self-worth. I have seen firsthand how we’ve been able to turn things around for a family and provide the kids with a bedroom and a backyard to play in. We’ve had many parents who cry when they see us because they’re so grateful for how different their lives are now.”

Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. Services include adoption, pregnancy care for women who are homeless, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities (CILA), and assisted living and employment assistance for low-income seniors. Caritas serves more than 7,000 individuals annually across Southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton, and Effingham as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta.