Bridging the Gap: Child Care and Transportation
A multitude of factors can greatly impact family success during their time with us. Partners in Housing staff have recently identified transportation, housing affordability post program, and childcare accessibility as the most pressing barriers faced by families. A recent Partner, Christina, * had an issue with transportation that impacted her ability to drive to and from work and drop her daughter off at daycare. Christina was enrolled with CCCAP – the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program. This program helps eligible families pay a portion of childcare costs while they are working, searching for work, or are in school. Many families in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program access this support. However, if a certain number of days are missed then benefits can be removed, and childcare then shifts to self-pay. To restart CCCAP benefits, families must work with the provider on any amounts owed to become eligible and re-apply.
This scenario happened to Christina when she faced car troubles. She transferred to self-pay for childcare but simultaneously lost her employment due to attendance issues from lack of transportation. This caused a snowball effect for Christina – without a job, the amounts owed for childcare self-pay were overwhelming, and she could no longer access it to then work toward securing employment.
Christina found support within the Partners in Housing “Work It! Program” where dedicated volunteers assisted her in developing a new plan to access employment and daycare for her child. Going back to the drawing board is a difficult choice to make, but thankfully with the support of Partners in Housing, Christina managed to readjust and make progress toward her career and financial goals.
Through our Child Enrichment Center, access to respite care for families drastically improves their ability to focus on work, school, certifications, housing navigation, or other appointments with Partners in Housing staff to access stable housing and brighter futures post program. By losing access to one piece of the puzzle, whether that is licensed childcare, transportation, or employment, this can develop into a setback that can feel insurmountable. At Partners in Housing, we work to remove barriers, improve circumstances, and work toward their financial and career goals.
If you would like to take part in removing barriers for families on their path to self-sufficiency, here are some ways you can contribute:
- Volunteer at the Child Enrichment Center
- Provide information on employment opportunities
- Donate items such as diapers and wipes
- Contribute to the Flat Tire Fund
- Host an in-kind or cash donation drive
- Sign up for King Soopers Community Rewards or Walmart’s Spark Good programs
*Partner’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
To read the full 2024 Spring Newsletter, please visit HERE.
