As the Bay Area grapples with housing challenges, it's heartening to see actionable efforts taking root nearby. A partnership among Douglas County, Arapahoe County, and Family Tree has come to light as champions for families struggling with homelessness. The Douglas County GOALS program has historically offered up to 9 months of support for families in need, housing, employment services, and mental health assistance all part of the package.
The program is set to grow, thanks to a $1 million federal grant, championed by US Rep. Jason Crow. This expansion means to quickly provide aid to five more Douglas County families starting December 2024. As obtained by Douglas County, Commissioner Abe Laydon, credited with founding the Douglas County Homeless Initiative, said, "In Douglas County, we do our best work in partnership with others." He emphasized Thanksgiving as a poignant moment to appreciate this collaboration, stressing that "housing plus wrap-around services gets to the root of why someone is experiencing homelessness and gets them on the path to long-term self-sufficiency."
The collaborative efforts between counties and organizations reflect a model that others could mirror. Not just a band-aid solution, but a comprehensive approach aiming to secure sustained stability. The GOALS program is deeply rooted in the principle of providing a holistic support system to empower families towards self-reliance.
