Formerly homeless families have a new lease on life, thanks to The Esplanade House in Chico.
Seventeen families graduated Tuesday from the first phase of the program, which helps people overcome the challenges that made them homeless in the first place. The shelter provides support that makes the transition to a real home, and a better life possible.
The Esplanade House graduates have good reason to celebrate. They're on their way out of homelessness, thanks to a program that provides help with everything from addiction recovery, to education, job skills ... and better parenting.
Program Manager Gloria Rodgers says, "They have very little belongings, maybe suitcases and the generous community helps supply with household items, clothing and food until they can get on their feet again."
Sharlee Clark is a graduate who says she grew up in a drug addicted family, and her daughter had been taken from her when she started treatment 8 months ago. She's now studying to be a medical assistant, "They kept pushing me and believed in me and said you can get out there, get a job, do anything you want to do. It's totally amazing how much support I got from it."
The Esplanade House was founded 20 years ago, and last year served 75 families, with 144 children. Greg Webb is one of the Co-Founders. "Most of the families come from dysfunctional families and we're really training them how to be a family."
It takes commitment by these families in crisis to be successful. And, with a waiting list of applications about a foot high ... it takes help from the community to keep the program afloat.
Tom Tonorio is with the Community Action Agency of Butte County, "What happens as you've seen here are people who've come back to society, buy homes, get jobs or are now employers. It's really encouraging for us."
While there are a variety of funding sources, they don't cover expenses...so community donations are critical. We have a link on our website to the Esplanade House if you want to find out more.##
