Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Walker-Little.
Deborah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In the mid-eighties, Sister Carolyn Oberkirch, a Sister of Mercy, collaborated with thirty churches of all denominations to support homeless families. They pooled their resources and ideas to build a transitional home for families who were struggling to stay together as they work toward self-sufficiency. In 1992, IOH opened its doors to the first family and has continued this service to countless families in need. In 2002 Deborah Walker-Little joined the staff implementing a savings component to the already comprehensive program.
Adults family members who come to live at IOH are working full-time but face significant barriers to permanent housing including low credit scores and prior evictions. Unable to address these issues, many are trapped in extended stay hotels paying up to $1300/month for a day-to-day existence.
IOH offers a clean furnished apartment (420 square feet) for $150/month and utilities at no additional cost. The game changer for our families is the opportunity to save. Each family is required to save a minimum of $500/month but may exceed the minimum requirement. Families are empowered to address derogatory credit issues, ultimately raising their credit scores. This positions families to qualify for home loans. To date, 51 families graduated from the program as first-time homeowners and many others have become homeowners since graduating from the program.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
IOH takes no government funding and depends on gifts from the dwindling list of founding churches, individuals and foundations. Our existence is “hand to mouth” unlike the families we support, but a small paid staff, a lean operating budget and the support of volunteers make it possible. Hearing the testimonies of graduated families keeps us motivated to stay in the game.
Alright – so let’s talk about your work. Tell us about Interfaith Outreach Home – what should we know?
Our program is 12 – 24 months long, allowing families significant time to re-establish themselves. We as an agency, absorb the true cost of operating because of our investment in our families. Recovering from homelessness takes time and calculated steps. While we have an extensive waiting list, we take the time to acknowledge the “relevance” of each of the families we serve.
Children deserve stability, nature and a safe, violence and drug-free environment. We provide that and the return is inspiring. We continue to follow our families post-graduation. Children of the program thrive while they are living here and go on to do amazing things beyond IOH.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We are supported significantly by volunteers who generously offer their time, talent and gifts to our program and the families we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iohome.org
- Phone: 770 457-3727
- Email: dwlittle@bellsouth.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ioh_atl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interfaithoutreachhomeIOH/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IOH_ATL
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