Amandla Crossing is a 30 unit transitional housing program for homeless, single parent families on public assistance. Situated on 3.2 acres of federal surplus property, Amandla Crossing consists of six apartment buildings connected to a common reception area. There are studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, a laundry room, classrooms, children's resource center, an after-school and summer enrichment program, and staff offices. The minimum age to be eligible for the program is 17. Each family lives up to 12 months in a fully furnished apartment with kitchen and bath. Near the completion of their stay, residents work with staff to locate permanent, safe, affordable housing. Amandla Crossing also provides a unique program addressing the social, emotional, and academic needs of the families through our in-house professional staff and specialists from community agencies.
Services and classes are offered to develop or improve functioning and self-sufficiency in the following: Adult Basic Education Mental Health Counseling Building Self Esteem Family Literacy Nutrition Computer Training Parenting Case Management Home Management Good Tenancy After-school and summer enrichment Housing and Relocation programs for school age children Health Education
Through these services, our residents learn practical skills to help provide a healthy and positive home environment for their children; improve their educational and social skills to move toward economic self-sufficiency; and acquire appropriate skills to secure permanent housing by becoming responsible and stable members of their community. Living in poverty, existing on the welfare system, and experiencing homelessness create a feeling of powerlessness in the families we serve. It is for this reason that "empowering" homeless families is essential in helping this population. Amandla, which in Zulu means power, was selected as the name of this facility to further avow this message. |