$11,000 Grant: Nonprofit transforms the lives of families by providing transitional housing and support. They provide safe, stable housing to families who are experiencing homelessness. Their professional staff work with families on regaining dignity, finding employment and ultimately, obtaining permanent housing.

“Since 1986, we have served over 7,000 individuals to overcome homelessness, become self-sufficient, and move toward permanent housing,” says House of Refuge Executive Director Nancy Marion in an interview. “Every item a family is given while living at House of Refuge is theirs to keep even after they move out. We want families to be treated as if they are worth it.”

 

An Idyllic Place to Rebuild

House of Refuge is located less than 10 miles south of Leisure World on Power Road. It sits on 20 acres in the former Williams Air Force Base.  It is surrounded by an Arizona State University site and the Bureau of Land Management. It consists of 88 homes, which has a playground, basketball court and a community vegetable garden.

Every enhancement to the grounds has garnered support from the community, such as Boy Scout Eagle projects and grant awards from the Attorney General’s Office.

A Leisure World Foundation Challenge Grant provides $11,000 of direct services for a family living there for a year. One of the 88 two-bedroom homes has a plaque which affirms the foundation’s support for the family and the organization.  Each home’s plaque has the names of various sponsors, including individuals, churches and businesses.

 

Learning Life Skills

At House of Refuge, families receive classes on practical life skills on parenting, budgeting and healthy relationships. The parents are assisted by an employment and education center. A case manager also develops a personalized plan for each family.

Residents are encouraged to grow and become independent. But they are also held accountable.

Another aspect of family residence is the motto, ‘We love, but verify.’ It is a safe, alcohol-free, drug-free, caring environment,” explains Marion.

House of Refuge’s future goal is to work with landlords to provide affordable housing for the families who eventually leave.

For more information on supporting House of Refuge, visit www.houseofrefuge.org or call 480-988-9242.