Share ASPIRE

 
Share ASPIRE—Achieving Self-sufficiency Personal Improvement and Resource Education—provides case management to families and single adults on their way to stability and self-sufficiency. ASPIRE is a coordinated system for providing case management, housing and connection to supportive services in our community for homeless families and individuals.
 

 
Currently, the ASPIRE program serves 145 households each month. The program has experienced an 80% success rate and has served more than 560 households over the past six years.
 
Those eligible for ASPIRE include families, disabled
individuals and honorably discharged veterans. Applicants
must be homeless at the time of application and working
with a qualified case manager on a monthly basis.
 
ASPIRE offers resource education for: employment training,
family counseling, debt reduction, budgeting, drug/alcohol
abuse, domestic violence, counseling, mental health,
education, parenting, life skills, childcare referral and
transportation.
 
In Fall 2007, ASPIRE implemented a Bridges to Housing (B2H) Project. B2H is a targeted initiative aimed at moving high-need, homeless families out of the cycle of homelessness.
Clark County joined with Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties in Oregon to jointly develop B2H to support families in their efforts to overcome poverty and progress towards self-sufficiency. The grant will provide housing for at least 15 new households in 2008.
 
In Oct. 2007, Share received $140,000 in grants to fund Individuals Development Accounts (IDA) for ASPIRE clients. IDAs are bank savings accounts for a future asset. With the grant money, 50 households, over the course of three years, will save up to $4,000 to be used as a down payment on a home, to purchase a car or computer, start a business or pursue higher education. Clients will save money by placing it in a restricted savings account at Pacific Continental Bank; through the grant, Share will provide a 2:1 match.
 
For more information on ASPIRE, contact Dee Sanders, ASPIRE Program Director, at (360) 448-2121.

The Boudreaux Family
“Share has helped me make a new life for myself and my children and I will always be grateful.” Monique Boudreaux, ASPIRE Client

© Copyright 2008 Share