It's a problem affecting families all over the world, as well as here in Boise.
“There are people that are homeless through such a variety of circumstances,” says CATCH recipient Molly Walker.
A court victory for some of Boise's homeless as the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the ban of sleeping in public places. In part, because Boise's shelters limit the number of days that homeless residents can stay. That victory doesn't provide shelter for the homeless population in need, however.
One local non-profit is trying to help take that next step.
"We rapidly move people out of shelters, off the streets and into a permanent, safe and stable house with the lease in their name," says executive director of CATCH Wyatt Schroeder.
CATCH helps homeless families in Ada and Canyon county get back on their feet, starting with housing. They've identified 174 homeless families in the area. With so many families in need, a big concern about homelessness is the stress it can levy on a child.
"Unfortunately for a child growing up in the streets, we're robbing them of that opportunity to just be a kid and to play and to be stress-free, and that's what housing can do, it can be the lifesaver for these children," says Schroeder.
Molly Walker knows the struggle herself. The mom of four says she often worries about the future for her children. She lived in a shelter for six months after serving time for drug charges, while her kids were in foster care. CATCH helped her find an apartment.
"My fears had to do with while I be able to afford rent but also shoes, toiletries, things like that for four children,” said Walker.
That apartment meant she could provide her children a stable home.
"Once I got housing, my kids could come home, and the CPS case was dropped," said Walker.
Thanks to CATCH and hard work of her own, she was able to move into a bigger house and get her life back on track.
"I really wanted them to see that even though we went through a dark place in our lives that there was hope and it is possible to take advantage of community resources and put your life back together," says Walker.
CATCH is currently building apartments to help transition more homeless families off the streets and into a home they call their own. They're expected to be complete this November.
