Even before the COVID pandemic, the state of Washington declared a state of emergency for family homelessness. Now, we are anticipating that the need for the programs and services we offer at Acres of Diamonds is going to increase due to increases in domestic violence, job losses, and substance abuse during the shelter-in-place orders during the pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic, there are fewer calls for child abuse, which is usually identified by schools, and increasing calls about domestic violence. This means vulnerable women and children are living in unsafe homes and unhealthy situations, exposed to violence and drug use without any relief. In addition to increased trauma, vulnerable and at-risk families are also grappling with less job security, hastening the recurrence of a downward spiral into homelessness.
This only strengthens our resolve to expand our capacity in order to serve more families.
Currently, Acres can annually serve up to 17 homeless families (17 moms & about 37 children) in our transitional housing program, and 16 families (about 22 children) in its AfterCare program. In order to address the growing issue of homeless families in Western Washington, we must continuously work towards expanding our capacity to help more moms and kids.
Help Us Serve More Homeless Families
A strong, resilient community looks out for one another. Acres aims to provide this community to homeless moms and kids, but we can’t do it alone. Please consider making a donation or an in-kind gift to help us expand our capacity and reach more homeless families in our community.