At LTHC Homeless Services, we believe that stable housing is the foundation for stability, security, and self-sufficiency. But what does that process look like? Lee Ann Tate, Housing Services Manager, shares her firsthand experiences of what happens when families move from crisis to home.

Q: How have you seen rehousing efforts impact the families we serve?

Lee Ann: “I have seen the impact as I watch their faces relax, like one of their burdens has been lifted when we hand them the key to their apartment. They have a lot of gratitude when items are already in the apartment because many don’t have transportation to haul a bed, dresser, couch, or table and chairs. Kids are so excited, especially if they have not had a bedroom of their own in a long time, or ever!”

In 2024, LTHC helped 57 families and 92 individuals—including 120 children—move into stable housing through our Rapid Rehousing program; and our permanent supportive housing sites provided long-term stability for 117 individuals. But stability is more than just four walls—it means learning to live in a community again after months or years of uncertainty.

Q: What are the biggest challenges families face after moving in?

Lee Ann: “The biggest challenges for many are understanding housing rules, learning that not everything is now perfect; that challenges exist, including co-existing with neighbors who may or may not have their own issues. A family’s emotions are already all over the place from the trauma of possibly couch surfing, or car-sleeping, or being in a shelter, to moving-in.

This is even a struggle for neighbors that have lived there a while. They’re used to things being a certain way and then someone new comes along, so now parking might be an issue, or someone came from domestic violence, and the neighbors are constantly yelling at each other, which affects their mental health. Families are processing whether they feel safe because they’ve had to sleep with one eye open to keep an eye on kids and keep an eye out for anyone that might prey on them or their family.”

LTHC provided more than 69,000 meals, 8,056 bed nights of emergency shelter, and 644 medical respite bed nights in 2024. These services are critical, and long-term success comes from ensuring that families can access counseling, employment support, and conflict resolution resources to remain housed.

Q: What services are most crucial for long-term stability?

Lee Ann: “Mental health services are very important. Tenants get accurate diagnoses, treatment plans, help with working through past trauma, conflict resolution techniques, life skills, family counseling, etc. These things are all useful even after moving on from our programs. But especially in the early months while they’re processing all they’ve been through. I’ve seen successes that many take for granted, like getting a driver’s license, establishing educational goals or getting employment. Just having someone to finally listen to what they have to say. I think they need daily, consistent access to our staff and all our healthcare service partners because they seem to be more at peace knowing help is nearby.”

With a 20% increase in people seeking assistance this past year, the lack of affordable housing continues to be one of the biggest drivers of homelessness throughout Region IV. LTHC’s Engagement Center provided essential services to 865 individuals last year. The work we do isn’t just about housing—it’s about restoring dignity and building a support system that helps families thrive.

Q: What do people misunderstand about homelessness?

Lee Ann: “For those that don’t know the causes of homelessness, they’re not all substance users, it’s not a lifestyle choice like being in a cabin in the mountains; and they all don’t have mental health issues. Sometimes leases aren’t renewed, properties are sold to the highest bidder by an heir that has no interest in being a landlord; sometimes relationships end, disasters happen, and all these people are unable to locate affordable housing in a timely manner. Some landlords will not accept someone even with paid-off evictions, and sometimes those evictions are the result of things beyond a family’s control. Our work aims to house families regardless and keep them in housing together, connected to employment, education and healthcare.”

While it’s true that individuals with lived homelessness experience face barriers, so do many people who have never been unhoused. Every year, millions of people worldwide struggle with substance use, developmental challenges, or mental health conditions—challenges that don’t disappear just because someone has a home. Housed and unhoused families navigate these realities daily, often seeking help for a loved one. If your child, your sibling, or someone you love needs support, intervention, or a fresh start, this is why connected services exist in our community.

It is also true that some individuals return to an unhoused and unsupported lifestyle even after accepting help. But just as housed individuals struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, or developmental barriers continue to seek recovery and stability, LTHC remains hopeful, present, and available offering the services and connections that can make stability possible.

Q: How do partnerships with other service providers enhance the impact of our rehousing efforts?

Lee Ann: “From mental health help to Easter Baskets, from Christmas gifts to employment help, from birthday presents for the children to clothing help, from swimming passes to cook-outs and on and on – our partners and donors help us make every tenant feel seen and heard. They feel like they are cared about as human beings. They are not statistics; they are human beings that matter to themselves, their families, and to the community!”

Q: What motivates you to do this work every day?

Lee Ann: “As I was working on this yesterday, I had also been corresponding with a tenant that shared a success story. I sent a congratulatory email, and as I was calling it a day at 6:30 pm, I received a heart reaction from them. When you are at your most tired moment, you’ve had 10 people expressing displeasure with their situation during the day, then getting through to someone that finally has a small win and appreciates you for your help in that win – that keeps me coming back!”

LTHC is dedicated to making stable housing a reality for families across our region. What do you want to do to help families come home?