The Problems & BeyondHome Solutions
As a Transitional Housing Program, we know that the cycle of poverty puts future generations at risk and is defining the lives of thousands of families in Jefferson County and the Denver Metro area, daily. The impact is far reaching. . . strain on our healthcare system, increased dependence on government assistance, greater crime rates, and an uptick in alcohol and substance abuse.
At BeyondHome, we understand that compassion and accountability working in tandem create sustainable change. When vulnerable families are equipped with their basic needs AND empowered to pursue their health, education, and careers, they thrive in newfound self-sufficiency. When our families move into our housing, they gain immediate access to resources such as our foodbank, financial literacy courses, job readiness courses, parenting courses, emotional health courses, free trauma-informed therapy with private practice clinicians, and so much more.
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Average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Denver is $2,300/month. The average mortgage in Denver is $3,844/mo. From 2010-2019 rent increased by 85% and median home prices increased by 104%. While some apply for subsidized housing, they have only a 6% chance of having their application pulled in the lottery. In total, there are 168,752 extremely low income renter households in Co. And, there are 26 affordable and available rental homes per 100 extremely low income renter households.
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We provide safe housing for working families at a reduced rate. Families pay ⅓ of their monthly income toward rent while building their careers and their financial stability.
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The average salary in Denver is $77K/yr. This is only a 55% increase since 2010 (while rentals have increased by 85% and mortgages 104%). Families need to be making at least $92k/yr to not be rent burdened in the Denver metro area or $154k/yr to not be mortgage burdened in the Denver metro area.
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Residents work alongside their coach to explore livable wage jobs. Outside partners such as Thrive Colorado, assist families in resume building, interview practice, etc.
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A recent study shows that 91% of people experiencing homelessness have experienced at least one traumatic event and 99% have experienced childhood trauma. Neuroscience shows that trauma alters the structure of the brain shrinking the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex. This translates into memory struggles, propensity toward self-destructive behaviors, and substance abuse, all of which contribute to difficulties in functioning that can lead to poverty, difficulty in job performance, social functioning, etc.
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BeyondHome partners with 12 private practice clinicians. Every individual at BeyondHome has immediate unlimited access to therapeutic services. Additionally, BeyondHome staff are in a continual process of increasing their degree of trauma informed care.
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Youth who do not have a high school diploma or a GED are 346% more likely to experience homelessness. Those without a bachelor’s degree are 3 times more likely to experience unemployment than those with a college degree. And, the weekly income of those with a bachelor’s degree is typically more than double that of someone without a college degree. Interruption to academic accomplishment creates massive barriers to both employment and housing stability.
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BeyondHome provides the time, space, and opportunities for residents to engage various education opportunities including GED, ESL courses, and college degrees.
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Many BeyondHome families enter our program when they are on the verge of homelessness. Typically this means they are one crisis away, a bounced check, a needed car repair, a hospital bill, etc. from losing everything. The frantic financial re-assignment of funds distracts from making long term financially sound decisions. You cannot plan for the future if you are unsure if you will be able to feed your children tomorrow.
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If residents experience an unexpected financial hardship such as a hospital bill, or immediate car repair, BeyondHome will provide financial assistance so residents can continue to focus their funds to plan for the future.
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Many families experiencing homelessness have developed powerful survival skills that help them navigate chaotic or unstable situations. These skills are vital for survival but can unintentionally hold them back when they’re in a safer, more stable environment, as all their energy is focused on just getting by.
At BeyondHome, we provide housing and access to food, meeting these essential needs first. This stability frees up energy for families to focus on building new skills that will help them thrive. Through our programs, families can learn a wide range of competencies that prepare them for a diverse and changing job market. -
Families participate in various group night courses that provide space to engage emotional intelligence concepts, parenting strategies, interpersonal skills, etc to navigate life in safety.