James is a certified professional with a CDL. He had a good job and a nice house for his wife and five daughters. Things were going well. But then he lost his job and things began spiraling downward from there. His family lost their home and moved in with his mom in a two bedroom apartment. However, because of the rules of her lease, they can only stay for two weeks. After that, this family of seven could be out on the street.
James said he thinks his wife and daughters can stay with her family for a while but he has been gearing up for life on the streets for himself. He’s hoping that after the first of the year, companies will start hiring again.
James and his family are homeless.
Merriam-Webster defines homeless as “having no home or permanent residence.”
By this definition, a person is homeless even if they are living with friends or family for a few days or weeks at a time.
There are many faces of homelessness. There are those who are living under a bridge, in a car or in someone’s garage, but there are also those like James who are staying with family or friends for short periods of time.
They all need help and, until recently, there was not much hope to be found.
Brown County Home Solutions (BCHS) is seeking to provide hope and help for the homeless in Brown County and, with the gift of property and a facility, they are one step closer to meeting those needs.
The newly formed non-profit organization is made up of leaders of other local social services and helping organizations, as well as interested business and community members.
Doak Givan, Chairperson of BCHS and Executive Director of Family Services Center, said that for the past couple of years BCHS has been working behind the scenes to address the needs of area homeless.
“Our focus is on prevention, education and rapid rehousing,” Givan said. “Though we are in the very beginning stages, our goal is to have a highly structured program designed to keep families in their homes as well as to provide classes that will benefit the individuals in their search for jobs, permanent housing and financial well-being.”
Initially, he said, a group of social services agencies met to determine the need and begin applying for 501c3 status. These agencies included the Family Services Center, Good Samaritan Ministries, Center for Life Resources, Central Texas Opportunities, Salvation Army, City and Rural Rides and The Ark.
The group has been working diligently to lay some of the basic groundwork and then, about a month ago, they were approached by someone from Avenue D Baptist Church. They were informed that the church was disbanding and they would like to donate the property and buildings to BCHS.
Givan said the location is ideal as it is within walking distance to Family Services Center, a grocery store, drug store and convenience store.
Now that they have a facility with utility bills, insurance and remodeling needs, Givan said donations are welcomed. Having obtained 501 c 3 statues and received the IRS letter of determination allows donations to be claimed as a tax deduction. Donations can be mailed to or brought by 901 Avenue B. Checks can be made out to Brown County Home Solutions or BCHS.
As with anything new and different, Givan said the project has been met with both excitement and reservations. “This is a community-wide effort. As board members we want to keep folks informed and involved as the program develops.” Givan added that BCHS will hold its first community meeting on January 20. Anyone interested in the program is welcome and encouraged to attend. The meeting is scheduled for noon and will include a simple meal of soup and crackers. It will be held at the BCHS facility located at 1101 Avenue D in Brownwood on the corner of Durham and Avenue D.
Givan, along with the BCHS board members, hope to have the program up and running as soon as possible. “We want the community to know that this will be a highly structured, educational program designed to promote self-sufficiency through a collaborative approach with community partners,” he said. “Though still in the planning stages, this focus will not change.”
To understand what BCHS stands for, perhaps their vision statement says it best: to end homelessness in Brown County by assisting homeless individuals and families or persons at risk of homelessness to quickly regain stability into permanent housing.
There are still many plans that need to be made, lots of work that needs to be done and plenty of time for discussion and questions. Anyone who would like to help in any way or who has questions about the project may call Doak Givan at 325-646-5939.
