BUILDING HOPE, BREAKING BARRIERS BY COLLABORATING WITH SHELTERS

67+% of families return to a shelter within 3 years of finding permanent housing
The Growing Challenge of Family Homelessness, The Boston Foundation, 2017

The Families Empowered Program

The Families Empowered Program was meticulously and strategically crafted using an evidence-based approach, drawing upon the valuable professional insights of Dr. Jehu Leconte, Founder and CEO of EDEN, who gained firsthand experience and implemented effective strategies to tackle recidivism within homelessness. This initiative aims to optimize productivity and housing preparedness by alleviating chronic stress and isolation through participation in Families Empowered Program.

Dr. Jehu's observations and expertise are reinforced by two influential reports highlighting the numerous challenges and obstacles faced by families residing in shelters. "The Growing Challenges of Family Homelessness" (2017) by The Boston Foundation, revealed a disheartening statistic: 67% of families return to shelters within three years of securing housing. Another significant case study sourced from the report "Family Experiences of Homelessness in Massachusetts: The Case for Family Centered Care" (2017) by Homes for Families further underscored these issues.

The program's foundation rests upon four core pillars, each meticulously crafted to address critical aspects of holistic development:

Workforce Development:

EDEN’s commitment to nurturing the future workforce of families experiencing homelessness involves the creation of pathways and opportunities tailored to streamline the hiring process, thereby meeting the requirements of esteemed employer partners like Boston University, Boston Medical Center, and Modvicare.

Financial Literacy:

EDEN diligently prepare families for a financially independent and mobile future, equipping them with the tools and knowledge required for lasting financial stability. EDEN equips families with financial skills, assist with short-term tenant based rental assistance, financial assistance with move in cost and services to households.

Self-Development:

EDEN implement individualized strategies that inspire and motivate families towards personal growth. This pillar focuses on cultivating essential life skills, fostering sustainable success, achieving personal goals and nurturing a sense of purpose that extends to both them and society at large.

Wellness Training:

EDEN is dedicated to fostering an endurance of family well-being, cultivating evidence-based wellness practices that empower families to navigate life's challenges effectively. And enhance their overall health, to mitigate and minimize the impact of homelessness.

Our Impact

Program participants are achieving significant benefits:

triangle graphic showing 80 have gotten jobs 75 have accumulated savings and 90 have reported improved well being

Breaking the cycle of homelessness and multigenerational poverty.