SPOKANE, Wash. — A local organization that helps vulnerable pregnant women become self-sufficient is facing a Friday deadline to secure thousands in emergency funding needed to open its first permanent housing facility.
Covenant Homes has prepared a fully equipped house with beds, cribs and stocked bathrooms, ready to welcome six women who are experiencing homelessness, escaping abuse, and, or struggling with addiction.
The organization teaches women essential life skills including parenting, financial responsibility and independent living.
“So we’re about generational transformation,” said Karen Fournier, executive director of Covenant Homes and Resources.
Fournier brings personal experience to her mission. She spent 20 years on the streets struggling with drug addiction before getting clean at age 35 and founding Hearth Homes, which provided housing for women and children.
“I didn’t realize how many just single pregnant moms there were, women that are either in abuse, coming out of abuse, drug-addicted or homeless,” Fournier said.
The need for such services has become increasingly apparent. Covenant Homes has already received referrals for at least one woman per week, and about a month ago, five women called seeking help in a single week.
“So really we could open probably ten homes right now,” Fournier said.
Kristen Matthews understands the critical importance of these resources firsthand. Fifteen years ago, she received help from Fournier and Hearth Homes during her own time of need.
“Learning that I needed to support myself. I needed to get a job and build a resume and [learn about] the housing options and being able to learn how to take care of myself and the kids, because that was just nothing that I was ever taught,” Matthews said.
The organization needs to secure $20,000 more in funding by Friday, June 27.
Without the additional funding, the organization will be unable to open the permanent facility.
Despite the funding challenge, Fournier remains committed to the mission regardless of the outcome.
“I believe in it so much that I can’t stop; I won’t stop,” she said.
For more information and to support Covenant Homes, visit www.covenanthomesandresources.org.
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