Housing Advocacy
THF’s Housing Advocacy Department improves housing outcomes through housing navigation, financial assistance, resource coordination, and community partnerships. The department assists individuals and families experiencing housing instability by helping them overcome barriers to stable housing, access available resources, and connect with services that support long-term self-sufficiency. Through programs such as the Motel Shelter Program and other housing stabilization initiatives, Housing Advocacy provides direct support to households facing housing crises while promoting lasting housing security. Through housing advocacy, THF listens first, responds quickly, and stays grounded in the real, lived experiences of our neighbors.
What We Do
Housing Advocacy
From crisis to stability
We help individuals and families move through crises with immediate support, resource navigation, and a focused plan for long-term housing stability.
Housing advocates assist people who are:
- experiencing sudden loss of housing
- a family with nowhere safe to stay
- seniors priced out of their longtime communities
- working parents juggling systems they can’t easily navigate
They stabilize households through:
- immediate shelter using motels
- navigation of affordable and workforce housing
- guidance on documentation and applications
- referral to health, justice, and social service systems
Advocacy as the Bridge Between People and Systems
Housing Advocates are the link between residents and the systems meant to support them. Through daily, direct interaction, they identify barriers early, see gaps between programs that data alone can’t capture, and understand where resources fall short—while witnessing the real housing challenges families face.
This real-time insight guides THF’s role as a comprehensive housing partner. It informs how we design solutions, expand housing affordability, support regional collaboration, and contribute to policy—ensuring our work stays responsive to real needs, including gaps in transitional, supportive, and rural housing.
Emergency Motel Shelter Program
The Emergency Motel Shelter Program provides immediate, short-term housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to crises such as domestic violence, eviction, or natural disasters. It is a direct-response shelter program that uses local motels to offer safe accommodations, especially suited for families, individuals with medical needs, and survivors of trauma.
More than just shelter, the program pairs each placement with personalized housing advocacy. Within 48 hours, Housing Advocates work with clients to create a stability plan, address barriers, and connect them to resources to help secure and maintain permanent housing.
Events that may qualify for emergency motel shelter assistance include:
- Natural disaster (flood, fire, etc.).
- Weather-related event (freeze).
- Domestic violence.
- Imminent risk of eviction.