By Kevin Enners
For the AJC
Tucked behind commercial buildings on Alpharetta Highway and Holcomb Bridge Road, there is a house. It’s not a big house, but it is a beacon of hope for North Metro Atlanta single mothers, with a staff working diligently to defeat poverty, offering emergency housing and teaching life-skills. It is called The Drake House.
Beginning in 2004, the nonprofit’s initial goal was to provide safe emergency housing to single mothers and their children. Today, it continues to provide temporary crisis housing but has incorporated educational programs encompassing life skills and career services. The fusion of education, empowerment and mentoring is what makes The Drake House successful.
During intake, housing must be the number one need among applicants. Once accepted, residents must complete mandatory programs to remain in the housing. The first is to work with a career coach to identify strengths and weaknesses that will aid them in seeking better employment as many of the residents are underemployed. The second, attend a nine-week life-skill class based on Dave Ramsey’s financial and household budget seminar. Then, a six-week session talks about how to set boundaries and assume responsibility. Fun classes include cooking and art sessions.
The Drake House provides onsite childcare, tutoring and mentoring for children eliminating obstacles that hinder single-working moms’ success. The average age of mothers is 38 years old, the average age of their children is 8 and the average number of children per family is two.
Drake House Executive Director Kathy Swahn has been there since its inception. She said they are seeing more and more higher educated, professional women who are being priced out of the housing market due to escalating rents and lack of affordable housing in North Fulton.
Currently expanding, The Drake House - which has 16 apartments - provides for a temporary stay of up to 180 days. The future The Drake Village will add an additional 16 apartments and allow for up to a 24-month stay for successful Drake House program graduates.
“Federal funding through HUD provides permanent supportive housing,” Swahn said. “Our model provides services, training and career development. It doesn’t just put families in houses.”
The formula has not changed in 12 years because it works, says Swahn.
Information: https://thedrakehouse.org/
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