Transitional housing program earns grant

LAKE COUNTY — SAFE Harbor was notified in March that it has been selected for a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the State of Montana Continuum of Care.

This program involves a lengthy review and selection process that originates with each local Continuum of Care (COC). A COC is a formal body established to help address shelter and care for the homeless within a given jurisdiction, generally based on population. Funding for this project will assist the SAFE Harbor Transitional House provide services to the homeless in Lake County.

In December 2010, SAFE Harbor started operation of a transitional house. This house has been maintained up to this time with the assistance and support of community members, civic groups and churches. Selection for the COC funding will enable SAFE Harbor to move forward with this program which is open to all, based on availability and a formal intake process.

The Transitional House is a temporary, emergency facility for the homeless in the area to start a new path in their life, with the ultimate goal always focused on finding each client permanent residence. Since last year, the SAFE Harbor Transitional House has served more than 60 individuals from the area, the majority of which included families with at least two young children.