Habitat for Humanity’s UCLA Youth United Chapter received a grant from the Community Service Commission of UCLA student Government to continue with the Homework Help program at the Habitat for Humanity Pierce Street Villas Community in Pacoima.
The UCLA Habitat of over 50 active members will provide all the materials (curriculum, writing utensils, etc.) to teach and supplement the homework that the children have for the week. This is offered to the Habitat families as part of Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys’ Enrichment program.
Our enriched neighborhood model provides no-cost social and educational services to the neighborhoods. These services include: Health Information, Dental Hygiene, Teen Empowerment and Children’s Programs such as tutoring, and are unique to our Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Other programs like home ownership and repair and money management are also provided.
To be successful, this type of housing must include a supportive environment that provides training, and a neighborhood culture that encourages self-sufficiency. This vital link is all too often missing in housing programs. That is why we connect our families with other social service agencies to bring services right into housing neighborhoods.
This Enriched Neighborhood® model relies on the partnership of other local organizations, like Youth United groups, regional non-profits, caring corporations and small businesses to provide support to our families 6 months before and 12 months after moving into their new homes.
Although the numerous programs offered to the participants are exciting, what really counts are the results they produce. That is why we are thrilled to report the results of the Pacoima community are remarkable:
- In the city of Pacoima, where the average dropout rate is 51%, children who grow up in a Habitat Enriched Neighborhood® have over 99% graduation rates.
- Grade point averages among Habitat families are above 3.1.
- The average time Habitat homeowners have been at their current jobs is 7.18 years.
- Despite current trends, there have been no foreclosures among the over 214 families served.
- Over 10% of parents in Habitat households have returned to school for a degree or certificated program to advance employment.