(Lodi, CA) - The Lodi House Board of Directors is excited to announce the opening of a four unit property to expand transitional housing for homeless families, representing a monumental step forward in helping bridge the gap between single working mothers and the challenge of finding affordable housing. Just blocks away from their shelter, Lodi House was able to purchase and renovate the facility with the help of CARES Act funding from San Joaquin County.

On February 1, a Lodi House graduate and mother of three young children was the first to move into an apartment in the new building. “This is my first time being on my own in my own apartment. Lodi House is such a blessing” said the Lodi House graduate.

When this mom entered Lodi House’s shelter doors last year she had no prior work experience and her opportunity for education had been cut short by chronic instability. Today she has completed the Lodi House program, is working full time, gaining confidence and building a healthy home environment for her children.

Finding affordable housing is one of the greatest barriers single working mothers face in our community and a crucial part of helping Lodi House graduates continue their path from homelessness to stable home environments.

“This ongoing challenge impacts all our Lodi House graduates in their efforts to continue on their road of self-sufficiency” said Shelby Young, executive director of Lodi House. “The disparity between the average monthly income for a working Lodi House graduate, the cost of housing, and the rental application requirements is a clear and growing problem. Without hope of being able to afford housing, women are faced with the dilemma of resorting back to unsafe housing options with their children.”

To address this concern and help support long term stability, Lodi House began a small transitional housing program in 2011 that allowed graduates of their shelter program to have a safe, affordable housing option while still staying connected to support and accountability. The acquisition of the new property two months ago has more than doubled the capacity of those who can participate in the transitional program.

“This model answers the immediate need for our graduates to obtain affordable housing, while also strategically setting them up for long-term success in maintaining permanent housing,” said Young. “Some solutions such as job advancement, adequate savings safety nets and improved credit only happen over time. Graduates are given that gift of time by being able to stay in transitional housing, while still maintaining the dignity of paying rent and working hard towards self-sufficiency.”

San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn expressed his approval stating, “Lodi House has for years been a beacon of hope for struggling families. This expansion of transitional housing in the north County area perfectly complements the investments made by San Joaquin County and the City of Lodi to expand emergency shelter in the region. Our system of services and housing for the homeless is only effective if individuals and families can move quickly through it, and this transitional project by Lodi House will provide a much needed place for homeless families to get back on their feet and reestablish self-sufficiency.”

Lodi House maintains its vision of giving women the opportunity to grow and evolve in their independence by providing graduated levels of support and accountability through each stage of their journey towards independence. This is accomplished through the three stages of programming Lodi House offers: four-month intensive shelter program, one to two year supportive transitional housing program and our lifetime alumni support network.

Lodi House believes the long-term success of the families they serve is directly connected to maintaining the ongoing relationships, safety net and affordability that transitional housing provides. The priority of Lodi House’s leadership is to continue acquiring additional property near the shelter.

“This will further our capacity to provide the time, resources, accountability and support that is required to end cycles of poverty,” stated Young.

Lodi House, established in 1999, was the first shelter program in Lodi for women and began accepting homeless women with children into the program in 2000. Since then, Lodi House has served more than 1,000 women and children. In addition to the shelter, Lodi House has two transitional apartment buildings and operates the Lodi House Thrift Store, 221 W. Lodi Ave., to help financially support the program and to provide needed clothing and housewares for graduates.

To learn more about Lodi House visit us online at www.lodihouse.org.

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