In August 2021, The Bloom Group was awarded an amazing $357,120 for a new program in support of women and children – From Crisis Response to Prevention, Diversion and Stabilization. Funds were donated from Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society and Vancity Community Foundation as part of Reaching Home for COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (CERP) grant funding. The pilot project aims to prevent homelessness, divert shelter users, and help stabilize housing for women and women-led families.

The program works with women at Powell Place shelter and women and women-led families at Springhouse shelter to find meaningful permanent housing once the resident is ready to transition from shelter. The program also diverts women and families from entering shelter by intervening in situations dealing with precarious housing and possible eviction.

For the first time, Bloom is able to provide short-term financial assistance to pay bills, negotiate with landlords to address payment in arrears, and offer permanent housing placement costs to set up women and women with families for success when housed.

COVID has been particularly tough on women and families. Many women and single moms became unemployed or had their hours reduced as a result of the pandemic. For many women, support couldn’t have come at a better time. According to Lanna Many Grey Horses, Manager of Bloom’s Women and Children Services, “We have been able to work with women to increase their financial security and decrease expenses by making referrals, advocating on their behalf, or encouraging them to ask for reduced rates of services.”

Recently, a young mom moved into a two bedroom, affordable housing unit. She did not have a bed or furniture for her child’s room. With funds from the Reaching Home grant, we supported her in getting the furniture she needed to set up her child’s room. The mother was in tears as she thought it wasn’t possible to get the furniture right away.

In August 2021, The Bloom Group was awarded an amazing $357,120 for a new program in support of women and children – From Crisis Response to Prevention, Diversion and Stabilization. Funds were donated from Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society and Vancity Community Foundation as part of Reaching Home for COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (CERP) grant funding. The pilot project aims to prevent homelessness, divert shelter users, and help stabilize housing for women and women-led families.

The program works with women at Powell Place shelter and women and women-led families at Springhouse shelter to find meaningful permanent housing once the resident is ready to transition from shelter. The program also diverts women and families from entering shelter by intervening in situations dealing with precarious housing and possible eviction.

For the first time, Bloom is able to provide short-term financial assistance to pay bills, negotiate with landlords to address payment in arrears, and offer permanent housing placement costs to set up women and women with families for success when housed.

COVID has been particularly tough on women and families. Many women and single moms became unemployed or had their hours reduced as a result of the pandemic. For many women, support couldn’t have come at a better time. According to Lanna Many Grey Horses, Manager of Bloom’s Women and Children Services, “We have been able to work with women to increase their financial security and decrease expenses by making referrals, advocating on their behalf, or encouraging them to ask for reduced rates of services.”

Recently, a young mom moved into a two bedroom, affordable housing unit. She did not have a bed or furniture for her child’s room. With funds from the Reaching Home grant, we supported her in getting the furniture she needed to set up her child’s room. The mother was in tears as she thought it wasn’t possible to get the furniture right away.

On another occasion, an Elder wanted to return to the shelter because she could not afford to buy groceries. She was too frail to go to the food bank or line up for food. She did not want Meals on Wheels because she’s proud and likes her cooking. The Elder was grateful to receive support from Reaching Home, which enabled her to purchase groceries and cookware to create meals for herself.

Since the program was launched in the fall of 2021, Bloom has helped 114 women and 94 children. “Many of the women are used to having doors shut on them,” stated Many Grey Horses. “The program has been successful largely in part because we meet women where they’re at.”

Samantha’s Story

“Eases all the stress of not having to worry for the next month or two…”

Samantha, a single mom of a six-month old daughter and three-year old son, struggled with paying her bills and feeding her family. With no family support or daycare, she was unable to return to her job as an apprentice carpenter. With assistance from The Bloom Group and funding for From Crisis Response to Prevention, Diversion and Stabilization, Samantha received the help she needed.

See why this matters.