2008-2009  Program Highlights

• In 2008 the Inter-Faith Hospitality Network provided 1,513 nights of shelter to 11 different households totaling 22 people (11 adults, 11 children)
• In 2008 transitional housing provided affordable rental housing with supportive services to 22 different households totaling 30 adults and 50 children.  Full program capacity is 18 households.
• From 2006-2008 a family of 4 (2 parents, 2 children) progressed from homeless shelter through transitional housing to become first-time home owners in 2008!
• In 2008 the "needs counseling program" (information & referral) responded to calls from 601 households totaling 1,412 people (673 of them children).  493 of the 601 were literally homeless, doubled up with family or friends, or facing the threat of eviction.  536 of the 601 were from Montgomery or Bucks Counties.
• The Community Case Management program provides all kinds of social services including rental and utility assistance to prevent homelessness and application for public benefits in 3 languages:  English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• Spanish-speaking (2 people) and Vietnamese-speaking staff (1 person) regularly interpret at parent-teacher conferences and medical appointments, and translate legal documents
• Our staff Financial Educator counsels clients on all aspects of money management.  He is certified by the IRS to prepare tax returns, specifically to households eligible for Earned Income Tax Credits.
• The food pantry hit an all-time high in January 2009, serving 225 households. 100 of these received food January 6-8.
• The education department includes 12 ESL classes taught by certified ESL teachers, one-on-one ESL tutoring by volunteers, and a GED class.  About 410 students attend classes each year, with another 24-30 tutored.
• The Family Literacy program partners with Souderton Head Start to provide young child education and parenting education to 33 ESL families.  Keystone's Family Literacy program is ranked #6 out of 55 in Pennsylvania!

February 2009