2021 Budget Forecast
Budget Forecast
.
Adapting to change became the theme of 2021 for so many of us as we navigated our way through the phases of the pandemic. Lydia Place families have had to adapt to reduced childcare options, reduced income or work opportunities, and many became more vulnerable in the process.
As the impacts of the pandemic continue to require us to shift and adapt how we provide services and meet an increased need in our community, the 2022 Financial Budget is our forecast as we look ahead into next year.
To learn more from Emily O’Connor, Executive Director, about these impacts and this year’s 2022 budget forecast, please click this link here.
Housing Program
The number of Whatcom County families in need of housing support has increased by 77% between March 2020 and March 2021.
Annie’s Story
Annie came to the Lydia Place Transitional Housing Program after several months of sleeping in her car, on couches, in garages – anywhere her and her two-year-old twin boys could be out of the elements. Months earlier, Annie had loaded the car with as much as she could and drove to a friend’s house, sure that if she stayed any longer her life would be in danger as the father of her twins had become increasingly violent. She stayed with her friend as long as she could but soon the landlord posted notice for unauthorized guests. She moved on to another friend’s couch but encountered the same problem.
Eventually, she found herself huddled in her car – snuggled next to her twins to keep them warm. When Annie finally found her way to Lydia Place, she had exhausted all her resources and felt defeated. Despite this, Annie’s strong spirit and determination to turn things around shined through. She enrolled in the Lydia Place Parent Support Program and started counseling. She found a program that helped with pre-requisites to apply for nursing school. The twins started going to preschool and loved it. Annie took full advantage of Lydia Place case management, learning to live on a meager budget, manage debt and build credit after years of financial control. She developed goals to increase her income and stability.
Less than a year later, she is enrolled in nursing school, working part-time, and raising two loving, boisterous boys. Most importantly, she moved from the Transitional House into an apartment of her own that is safe, affordable and provides her little family with the chance to dream about their futures.
Become a Housing Advocate!
Learn more by watching our Micro-series
“How the Housing System Works”
Under Construction – Heart House!
Heart House is a three-story, mixed-use development consisting of 11 units of one and two-bedroom Permanent Supportive Housing apartments designated for mothers with children experiencing homelessness. The units will support high-needs families as identified by our community’s Coordinated Entry System and further identified as needing Permanent Supportive housing.
Parent Support Program
More than ever, our Family Support Specialists are supporting families in navigating the overwhelm of parental challenges created by the pandemic.