Homelessness is a devastating experience for families.  It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life.  It damages the physical and emotional health of family members and interferes with children’s education and development.  The sooner a family is stabilized and able to return to permanent housing, the more successful the family will be in breaking their cycle of homelessness.  With less income available for housing, food, and necessities, many families are only an accident, illness, or paycheck away from becoming homeless.  Nearly 40% of the homeless population consists of families with children.

For the past 25 years, the Barrett Foundation has responded to the needs of women and children experiencing homelessness.  The organization provides housing and supportive services to this extremely vulnerable population.

The organization’s first program was Barrett House, an emergency shelter.  The shelter houses up to 23 women and 20 children and is located in a beautiful 12,000 sq.ft. facility that was built in 2005.  Women can stay up to four weeks and receive meals, clothing, case management services, and emotional support.

In 1988, the Casa Milagro program was added to provide psychosocial rehabilitation services for women who are over the age of 35 and suffering from chronic mental illness.  Clients can remain at the group home for up to 24 months.  Upon successful graduation, clients can transition into the Casa Verde permanent housing program that provides continued follow-up and art therapy.

In 1997, we added our Bridges to Self-Sufficiency supportive housing program to address the needs of non-disabled women with or without children.  This program provides supportive housing to clients who are motivated to move towards independent housing and self-sufficiency.  Participants must be employed or attending school and can stay in the program for up to 24 months.

In 2004, we founded Casa Socorro, a permanent housing program that was started as a pilot project to serve chronically homeless women.  All of these clients were homeless for more than one year or were homeless more than four times the previous three years at the time of admission and have a mental disability.   

The Barrett Foundation truly makes a difference in the lives of over 800 women and children every year.  Although our clients come from many walks of life, they all have things in common – the need for safe housing, nutritious meals, counseling, emotional support, and hope for a better tomorrow.

Please check our website at www.barrettfoundation.org for information on how you can help and for upcoming events.  Our annual gala will be held on Saturday October 2, 2010!  We hope you can join us.