For Further Information, Contact:
   Janice Davidson, Program Coordinator

   175 Fulton Ave
   Hempstead, NY 11550
   516.485.4600, x1225

A Brief History:

In 1989, Community Advocates, Inc., (CA), a well known advocacy group for the poor, acquired a vacant apartment building in Roslyn Heights for rehabilitation and development. CA’s mission was accomplished when it opened the first affordable, mult-unit rental housing for homeless families in Nassau County.

In 1995, CA asked Children's House (now known as Family and Children's Association) to assume management of the complex because of the agency’s strong record in providing residential services to Long Island's children and families in need. Family and Children's Association is honored to be the sponsor of this pioneering venture for homeless families in Nassau County.

Individual Counseling is provided as needed regarding:

• Parenting skills
• Health and nutrition
• Home management
• Money management
• Home care maintenance

With a Little Help:

Family and Children's Association believes that homelessness, overcrowding, substandard or dangerous living conditions can be devastating to even the strongest individual or family. The availability of safe and affordable housing is a vital first step in preserving the integrity of the family. It enables parents to provide the immediate physical and emotional care needed by their children. We recognize that every family has strengths and a potential for achieving significant growth and self-sufficiency...with a little help from their friends.

Support Services:

Family and Children's Association provides a professional social worker to work with tenant families. The goal is to promote stability in the short-term and eventually, to assist family members towards self-sufficiency. The social worker acts both as an advocate and case manager in an effort to assist families to attain their individual goals. Assistance is provided in the following areas:

• Setting short and long range goals
• Assistance to achieve these goals

Eligibility Criteria:

• Primary consideration is given to homeless* families with children from the Town of North Hempstead
• Priority is given to families with children who are at the greatest risk of placement outside of the home
• Families must meet Department of Social Service and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) eligibility criteria
• Applicants must complete and follow through with all screening procedures
• All applicants must meet the New York State definition of homeless*

*"Families living in emergency housing (shelters, motels, unsafe and overcrowded rooming houses) and those doubling or tripling up with relatives or friends in unsuitable circumstances."

Terry Wood, LCSW, Program Director