New Futures Inc.; Family Services Lift Housing Program; and Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley to receive split donation

PRESS RELEASE

(L-R): Jeremy Foulks, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley and Commissioner Violet Edwards, Madison County Commission, District 6 (courtesy photo)

MADISON COUNTY- Commissioner Violet Edwards is delighted to announce the backing of programs that move families from homeless to self-sufficiency. A donation of $65,000 will be split between New Futures Inc., Family Services’s Lift Housing Program, and Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley-three organizations providing a path from homelessness to transitional housing to permanent, stable homes.

“This money addresses the ‘situational’ homeless cases that often occur after missing a paycheck due to unforeseen circumstances such as job loss, a medical crisis, or a rent increase,”

Edwards said. “Thousands of people are just one paycheck away from eviction. Once that happens, it is very difficult to overcome.”

According to data from the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless, the last official homeless count determined Huntsville had 549 people.

Three hundred eighteen of these lived in Huntsville shelters and transitional housing. Commissioner Edwards says this money will help agencies move families out of shelters into stable living arrangements.

For one agency whose mission results in home-ownership, this funding is not just about building houses but about community and hope.

“This partnership between the Madison County Commission and Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley provides an opportunity to bring our community together and get to know our neighbors from across the county for a purpose we all can support- safe and affordable housing for everyone,” said executive director Jeremy Foulks.

Commissioner Edwards adds, “It is expensive to be poor. Even with employment, it is difficult to save for deposits, down payments, and all other expenses that come with rebuilding. My office fully supports programs offering wrap-around services to those genuinely trying to improve their situation. People on the street, let’s find them shelter. For those in a shelter, let’s find rentals. For those in rentals, make homeownership accessible if that is their goal. The solutions are simple, but the execution takes a village.”

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