The St. Teresa of Avila Conference, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit organization that helps those living in poverty, was awarded a $20,000 Systemic Change Grant from St. Vincent d Paul USA to conduct a 12-month Motel 2 Home pilot project.
SVdP will collaborate on the community outreach program with the Carson City School District McKinney-Vento Program (Hannah Etchison), the Northern Nevada Dream Center (Susan Sorenson) and the Ron Wood Family Resource Center (Scott Morgan).
The goal of the Motel 2 Home pilot project is to relocate 10-12 McKinney-Vento families who live in expensive and cramped monthly hotels and motels into affordable permanent rental housing units.
McKinney-Vento and SVdP will identify potential families to participate in the pilot program, evaluate and screen the families to see if they are eligible to participate in MOTEL 2 HOME and then assist these families with finding rental apartments or homes.
When a landlord or owner or property manager accepts their rental application and is ready to sign a lease, SVdP will make a one-time payment to cover the first month’s rent or the security deposit.
If necessary, SVdP, may also assist with electric and gas utility service deposits. Once the family is in their new rental unit, all four collaborators will provide case management and their specialized social service programs for these families to become self-sufficient.
The success of our Motel 2 Home pilot project will be judged by how many participating families are offered a renewal lease after their initial 12-month lease. SVDP is interested in receiving monetary donations, new or gently used household furniture, cleaning equipment and supplies, cooking and kitchen items and linens and towels to support these families in their new homes.
The Carson City Motel 2 Home pilot project is patterned after similar programs being done by SVdP in the greater Atlanta, Georgia metro area and in Richmond, Virginia.
If you or your business is interested in supporting this program, please contact Ed Choklek at 775-882-1968 ext. 119. Help us to end homelessness for 10-12 families who have children enrolled in the Carson City School District.
