Homestretch

Mission:
Homestretch, Inc. is dedicated to providing housing and comprehensive supportive services to homeless families, with a focus on helping them achieve long-term self-sufficiency and stability.

Program Overview

Homestretch offers a rigorous, structured program for families experiencing homelessness. Entry into the program requires a referral from a social service agency. The organization is funded by the City of Falls Church, as well as corporations, foundations, civic groups, faith institutions, and individual donors.

Services Provided

• Transitional Housing: Safe, stable housing for families in crisis.
• Case Management: Intensive, individualized support from a team including case managers, housing navigators, and employment counselors.
• Financial Counseling: Families are required to dedicate 10% of their gross income to a savings account that also functions as a debt reduction program. The average family pays off over $5,000 in debt within a year and graduates with over $5,000 in savings.
• Employment Services: Assistance with job placement, career advancement, and skill development.
• Education and Training: Support for further education and vocational training, with 69% of graduates enrolling in additional education or training.
• Children’s Services: Programs such as Kidstretch, which provide early childhood education and support for children in participating families.
• Credit Improvement: Ongoing support to help families improve their credit scores and financial literacy.

Outcomes and Impact

• 88% of families remain safely housed 2-7 years after graduation.
• 87% maintain employment after leaving the program.
• 78% retain or increase their income post-graduation.
• 64% continue to improve their credit scores.
• Over $369,225 in debts paid off for families over 10 years.

Eligibility

• Families must be experiencing homelessness and be referred by a social service agency.

Service Area

While based in Falls Church, VA, Homestretch serves families referred by agencies and is recognized for its impact across the region. The organization’s model and outcomes have been studied by major universities and honored by local governments and chambers of commerce.

Recognition

Homestretch has received numerous awards for its work, including Nonprofit of the Year from the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and the Sprague Champion Award for Affordable Housing Advocacy.