This summer, we launched a pilot program dedicated to supporting unhoused families, providing a safe and enriching space for 73 families and 117 children, including 72 school-aged kids.

The results? Life-changing progress:

• 8 individuals housed
• 3 clients employed
• 2 children enrolled in school
• Bought shoes for 12 children 
• Bought several items for a newly house family 

Creating a dedicated space for families made a huge difference in what we could accomplish. It allowed us to connect with them on a deeper level, offering the tailored support they need to move forward.

With your ongoing support, we hope to make this a permanent part of our shelter programming. Together, we can continue to make a difference for local families in crisis and help them build brighter futures.

Shirley, a mother of two young children—a three-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter—began her journey with UP in January 2024. When she first came to us, she lacked the essential documents needed for herself and her children. Our team worked closely with Shirley to secure these documents, opening doors for critical services and support.

While at UP, Shirley connected with several of our partner providers, including the common assessment team regarding housing. After months of perseverance, she and her children recently moved into their own home. To help make this transition a little easier, we provided Shirley with a "newly housed" basket, filled with essentials for her new space. Additionally, UP was able to assist her with a $100 security deposit to help secure her new home.

Since the opening of the Children's program in Dean's Hall, Shirley and her children have been frequent visitors. She often shares how much she appreciates having a safe space for her children to play, especially after spending time in an emergency shelter, where space was limited. UP has consistently supported Shirley’s family by providing snacks, hygiene items, diapers, and TARC passes.

One of the most impactful moments of Shirley's time at UP occurred in Dean's Hall, where she connected with HANDS, one of our trusted partner providers, and secured childcare. This critical resource allowed her to keep her job and increase her work hours, bringing her closer to long-term stability.

Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. At UP, we believe every woman and child deserves a pathway to safety, dignity, and hope. With the support of our partner providers—and the generosity of people like you—we're creating those pathways and making a life-changing difference for families like Shirley’s every day.

We are participating in Give for Good Louisville again this year, an annual day of giving hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Louisville on Thursday, September 12. We are seeking to raise $7,500 to support our our mission of providing a healthy, safe environment for homeless women and children by offering opportunities and encouragement for achieving self-sufficiency.