Mr. Thomas came to Colorado a few years ago to try to find a way to support his family, who still lived out of state at the time. Mr. Thomas was able to find work at the airport as a baggage handler, making $7 an hour. He was living in the basement of a church that took him in. Soon, his family moved to Colorado to be with him (his wife and 5 children, ages 10 to 20). However, there wasn’t enough room for all of them to live in the church basement. The director of Colorado Homeless Families was informed of this family’s situation, and after applying for the transitional housing program, they moved into a nice, quaint house owned by CHF property.
The Thomas’ worked together as a family to become self-sufficient. Mrs. Thomas was able to find a job at the airport with her husband while the 5 children went to school. The family was unique in their honor and respect for each other, and they were very polite and kind to others. From time to time the Thomas family would surprise the CHF staff with lunch and coffee to show their appreciation for being at CHF. They also put in countless hours at CHF mowing lawns, shoveling snow and they did numerous other community service projects to show their gratitude. They were all hard workers, never had a complaint and were very serious in the commitment to reach self-sufficiency.
CHF families are required to attend weekly educational seminars and support groups as well as meet with their case manager. The CHF food bank is available twice a week, as well as a donation warehouse filled with clothing, furniture, and appliances, all provided by local generous families and businesses. While at CHF the Thomas family received valuable life skills through the educational seminars and support groups. They met regularly with their case manager who was there to advise them as well as direct them toward their goal of self-sufficiency.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas still each make under $10 an hour, but they are making ends meet. The two oldest children have studied hard in school; one is working toward becoming a doctor and the other a lawyer. The other three siblings are following in their paths. The oldest children have been able to find jobs as well and they contribute to the expense of the family. The Thomas’ have been through a lot together, and they are a great example of loyalty, sacrifice, and support of a strong family. In fact, they have just recently purchased their own home!
Metro Denver area (7 counties) and to help them become self-sufficient within 18 months to two years.