Our House e-newsletter September 2011 | Page 23

Much of Melissa‘s success is due to her participation in Our House‘s Family Housing Program. The Family House is a transitional housing facility that allows residents to stay in private family rooms and share a common living room and kitchen. Residents of the Family House have more responsibility than shelter residents. They are required to purchase their own food, pay a low rent, keep up with chores, work, save 75% of their earnings, and participate in educational and training activities. The program allows residents to obtain the skills necessary become successful tenants or homeowners. The Our House Family House is also the only shelter in Arkansas that allows single fathers to stay with their children. 23