Families Matter: A new role for some fathers

By Family Coach Frenchie Pulluaim

 

One of the fastest growing homeless family types is that of fathers raising children.  Due to chronic drug issues, domestic abuse and mental wellness, fathers are finding themselves as the sole caretaker and provider for their children. 

 

Mr. F. G. is one of those fathers. 

 

We always think of women when we hear about abusive relationships, but we are finding abuse to be an equal opportunity issue.  Mr. F. G. found himself to be a victim and was injured by someone connected to his estranged wife.  Although he suffered life altering injuries and scars, he was left to support and care for his two daughters.  His injuries caused him to lose his employment and his home.  But, he continued to have faith because of his love for his daughters.  He immediately began to work on his comeback, struggling to make ends meet until he applied and entered the City Union Mission homeless shelter. 

 

He received a referral to Community LINC for rapid re-housing back in October.  He quickly began to job search and apply for positions.  He was hired in November, and he immediately started applying for childcare and other services that would assist him until he made his first pay check. 

 

He found it virtually impossible to get through the process of applying for childcare, but he stuck with it, his family filling in where they could, etc.  He still has not gotten state paid child care, although he is eligible.

 

Mr. F. G. is learning the pitfalls of having to depend on programs and agencies. The process sometimes seem never ending, and you are at the mercy of the social worker following through for the services you are applying for.  Mistakes often happen, but sadly it is the person who is in crisis and in desperate need for services who pays the price for the mistakes.

 

Mr. F. G. is saving and working hard to pay fines and tickets that are keeping him from getting his driver’s license. His next step will be to purchase a car as soon as possible.  A car will make it much easier to get his girls to daycare and assist to work each day.

 

He has won several gift cards at work for quality control, (Panera Gift card, and Applebee’s Gift card). 

 

Mr. F. G. is a hard worker and is focused on getting permanent housing for him and his daughters.  I appreciate the opportunity to work with him and his family.