Financial Stability

 

Goal:  To increase the percentage of low income individuals and families who are financially stable. Stable adequate resources include income, affordable housing, goods and services, and emergency financial supports.

 

Sustainable Employment

Strategy:  Connect low-income individuals and families with affordable, effective education and job training, such as English as a second language (ESL)  classes, GEDs, and necessary supports to complete course work, including child care subsidies.

 

Affordable Housing

Strategy:  Increase the quantity of quality, affordable housing while ensuring that individuals and families at risk have access to services to prevent homelessness and maintain housing.

 

Income Supports

Strategy:  Ensure that individuals and families connect with income supports, such as tax credits, for which they are eligible, and are working with agencies to streamline enrollment processes. Emergency financial support services, such as rental assistance and fuel assistance, are also included.

 

Financial Management Skills
Strategy:  Connect low income individuals and families to targeted financial management education on budgeting, purchasing and available credits.

SUCCESS STORY:

Despite juggling two part-time jobs, Susan (34) and her husband (who also works) struggle to raise their three children.  Their youngest child is 1½ years old and was born severely brain-damaged. “I miss a lot of work ferrying my son back and forth from Boston’s Children’s Hospital,” said Susan.

When she doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid so “it’s hard to make ends meet between paying the mortgage and all the bills.” Although Susan and her husband are low income, they do not qualify for food stamps.  The Open Door’s Food Pantry and Mobile Market are the only options left to help Susan and her family when “money runs short.”

NSUW funding supports The Open Door’s core programs: the Food Pantry, Community Meals, and the Mobile Market.  All provide healthy, nutritious food to families like Susan's.