News Summary
The ARCHES Family First Resource Center has opened, providing essential services to families facing homelessness. Located in a transformed youth center, it aims to support families with health care, food assistance, and more. In just ten days, around 60 families have accessed vital resources, highlighting the urgent need for such support in a region with the highest rate of unsheltered homeless children in the nation.
New Resource Center Opens to Help Families in Need
In an encouraging move to support families grappling with homelessness, a brand-new resource center is now open to the public. The ARCHES Family First Resource Center has made its debut just ten days ago and already has made a big difference in the community by helping around 60 families access vital services they desperately need.
A Closer Look at the Services Offered
The center provides a variety of essential services designed to tackle the challenges of homelessness head-on. Families visiting can receive help with health care, community shelters, food assistance, and even support for paying rent. It’s a one-stop shop where parents can find various resources to help them get back on their feet.
Notably, about half of the families seeking assistance have opted to visit the center in person. This means they can not only access valuable resources but also allow their children to enjoy a dedicated play area—offering a breather in what can be a difficult situation.
The Heart Behind the Center
The launch of the center comes from a collaborative effort involving local organizations aiming to provide a space where families can find the support they need. The initiative was spearheaded by a deputy executive director of a well-known community action agency, who has expressed a sincere wish to create a nurturing environment where families can find stability and rebuild their lives.
Unfortunately, the need for such services is all the more pressing as this region has recorded the highest rate of unsheltered homeless children in the country. The numbers are staggering—children experiencing homelessness here are at rates 14 times higher than the national average. Such statistics highlight why this new resource center is so critical.
A Welcoming Environment
Situated at 1255 Broadway St. N.E., the center has transformed a previously used Youth Drop-In center into a welcoming space for families. Here, families can find essential items like diapers, hygiene products, meals, baby food, and toys for children—all the little things that can make life just a bit easier during tough times.
The facility boasts computers and communal areas where families can gather and relax, emphasizing that this is a judgment-free zone. For parents, knowing that their children can enjoy a safe environment is vital. There’s a commitment to make sure that troubling conversations stay away from the little ones, allowing them to play and thrive.
Help is on Hand
On-site case managers are available to assist families in navigating through the complexities of applying for Medicaid and other essential services, including dental care. This hands-on support means families don’t have to feel overwhelmed while seeking help. Plus, there is bilingual staff available to ensure that language isn’t a barrier to accessing these vital resources.
As of now, five staff members are working at the center, with plans in motion to hire three more to expand the support options available. The organization behind this initiative is also developing management and policy procedures, with hopes that the model could be replicated in other communities.
How to Get Involved
Overall, the opening of the ARCHES Family First Resource Center is a promising step toward addressing the pressing issue of child homelessness. It stands as a testament to the power of community and the difference that can be made when people come together to provide care and support for one another.
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Additional Resources
- Salem Reporter: Oregon Has the Highest Rate of Child Homelessness
- Statesman Journal: Arches Nest Shelter for Homeless Families
- Oregon Capital Chronicle: Governor Extends Emergency on Homelessness
- Salem Reporter: Salem Area Homeless Deaths Declined in 2024
- Salem Reporter: A Look Inside Salem’s Newest Shelter for Homeless Families
- Google Search: Homelessness Resources in Oregon
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