Preventing homelessness today. Building housing stability for tomorrow.
When a family faces the threat of losing their home, every moment matters. A missed payment, an unexpected expense, or a sudden life change can quickly escalate into a housing crisis. Thanks to renewed second-year funding from the Jefferson Foundation, the Housing Access Initiative (HAI) with Community Services continues to stand in that critical gap—helping families remain safely housed while building the foundation for a more stable future.
A Continued Investment in Stability
In May 2026, the Jefferson Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to local families by awarding $40,000 to support the Housing Access Initiative for another year.
This renewed funding reflects more than financial support—it represents trust in a proven model that combines immediate crisis relief with long-term solutions. The initiative is designed to meet families where they are, offering help at the exact moment it’s needed most.
Responding When It Matters Most
At its core, the Housing Access Initiative provides immediate financial assistance to households facing urgent housing challenges—whether it’s preventing eviction, addressing foreclosure risk, or securing a new lease.
In the previous funding cycle, assistance averaged about $1,665 per household, helping families overcome barriers that might otherwise lead to homelessness. While each situation is unique, the goal remains the same: stabilize housing quickly and effectively to prevent displacement.
This proactive approach ensures that families don’t fall deeper into crisis before support arrives. Instead, they receive timely help that keeps them rooted in their homes, schools, and communities.
Prevention as a Priority
The Housing Access Initiative is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: it is far more effective—and more humane—to prevent homelessness than to respond after it occurs.
By focusing on early intervention, the initiative identifies households at risk and provides targeted assistance before they reach a breaking point. This prevention-first strategy not only protects families but also preserves community stability and reduces the long-term impacts of housing insecurity.
More Than Financial Assistance: A Whole-Family Approach
What sets the Housing Access Initiative apart is its commitment to addressing not just the immediate crisis, but the underlying challenges that contribute to housing instability.
Every household that receives assistance is also connected to Empowerment Coaching, creating a dual-support system that promotes lasting change. Through coaching, families gain access to mentorship, goal-setting support, and skill-building opportunities that strengthen their ability to maintain stable housing moving forward.
This whole-family approach recognizes that lasting stability requires more than a one-time payment—it requires support, guidance, and opportunity.
Building Lasting Impact
While financial assistance can resolve an immediate crisis, the work doesn’t stop there. The Housing Access Initiative continues to walk alongside families as they rebuild, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to sustain their housing long-term.
This ongoing support transforms a moment of crisis into a turning point—helping families not just recover, but move forward with greater resilience and confidence.
A Partnership That Makes It Possible
The impact of the Housing Access Initiative would not be possible without the continued partnership of the Jefferson Foundation. Their investment allows Community Services to respond quickly, act strategically, and reach families when it matters most.
Together, this collaboration demonstrates what is possible when community partners align around a shared goal: ensuring that every family has a safe, stable place to call home.
Looking Ahead
As the Housing Access Initiative enters its second year of funding, the mission remains clear—meet urgent needs today while building pathways to long-term stability tomorrow.
With continued support from the Jefferson Foundation, more families will have the opportunity to remain housed, regain stability, and move forward with hope.
To learn more about the JFCAC Housing Access Initiative, contact Community Services at 636-789-2686 x4 or email [email protected].
When a family faces the threat of losing their home, every moment matters. A missed payment, an unexpected expense, or a sudden life change can quickly escalate into a housing crisis. Thanks to renewed second-year funding from the Jefferson Foundation, the Housing Access Initiative (HAI) with Community Services continues to stand in that critical gap—helping families remain safely housed while building the foundation for a more stable future.
A Continued Investment in Stability
In May 2026, the Jefferson Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to local families by awarding $40,000 to support the Housing Access Initiative for another year.
This renewed funding reflects more than financial support—it represents trust in a proven model that combines immediate crisis relief with long-term solutions. The initiative is designed to meet families where they are, offering help at the exact moment it’s needed most.
Responding When It Matters Most
At its core, the Housing Access Initiative provides immediate financial assistance to households facing urgent housing challenges—whether it’s preventing eviction, addressing foreclosure risk, or securing a new lease.
In the previous funding cycle, assistance averaged about $1,665 per household, helping families overcome barriers that might otherwise lead to homelessness. While each situation is unique, the goal remains the same: stabilize housing quickly and effectively to prevent displacement.
This proactive approach ensures that families don’t fall deeper into crisis before support arrives. Instead, they receive timely help that keeps them rooted in their homes, schools, and communities.
Prevention as a Priority
The Housing Access Initiative is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: it is far more effective—and more humane—to prevent homelessness than to respond after it occurs.
By focusing on early intervention, the initiative identifies households at risk and provides targeted assistance before they reach a breaking point. This prevention-first strategy not only protects families but also preserves community stability and reduces the long-term impacts of housing insecurity.
More Than Financial Assistance: A Whole-Family Approach
What sets the Housing Access Initiative apart is its commitment to addressing not just the immediate crisis, but the underlying challenges that contribute to housing instability.
Every household that receives assistance is also connected to Empowerment Coaching, creating a dual-support system that promotes lasting change. Through coaching, families gain access to mentorship, goal-setting support, and skill-building opportunities that strengthen their ability to maintain stable housing moving forward.
This whole-family approach recognizes that lasting stability requires more than a one-time payment—it requires support, guidance, and opportunity.
Building Lasting Impact
While financial assistance can resolve an immediate crisis, the work doesn’t stop there. The Housing Access Initiative continues to walk alongside families as they rebuild, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to sustain their housing long-term.
This ongoing support transforms a moment of crisis into a turning point—helping families not just recover, but move forward with greater resilience and confidence.
A Partnership That Makes It Possible
The impact of the Housing Access Initiative would not be possible without the continued partnership of the Jefferson Foundation. Their investment allows Community Services to respond quickly, act strategically, and reach families when it matters most.
Together, this collaboration demonstrates what is possible when community partners align around a shared goal: ensuring that every family has a safe, stable place to call home.
Looking Ahead
As the Housing Access Initiative enters its second year of funding, the mission remains clear—meet urgent needs today while building pathways to long-term stability tomorrow.
With continued support from the Jefferson Foundation, more families will have the opportunity to remain housed, regain stability, and move forward with hope.
To learn more about the JFCAC Housing Access Initiative, contact Community Services at 636-789-2686 x4 or email [email protected].
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