Our Program

About Families Flourish

Families Flourish is a three-year program that empowers low-wage families and their children to gain economic security. Our graduates raised their incomes by 58%, or $17,000 on average, and improved their mental and physical health.

We equip families with tools they need to flourish, including career and financial coaching. Our partial rental support enables them to move to neighborhoods with quality housing, better schools and a safe environment for their children. Working together, Families Flourish families set and achieve their personal goals.

2 bedroom apartments are available in the following communities:

1 bedroom units may be considered by a single parent with one young child

  • Bexley
  • Big Walnut
  • Blacklick
  • Columbus
  • Dublin
  • Gahanna
  • Grandview
  • Hilliard
  • Licking Heights
  • Lewis Center
  • New Albany
  • Olentangy Local
  • Reynoldsburg
  • Sunbury
  • Upper Arlington
  • Westerville
  • Worthington

Qualification Criteria

Read the below criteria and then scroll down to fill out the online application form.

Eligible applicants:

  • Are a single parent, or couple, with both adults jointly raising the child(ren)
  • Adults are at least 18 years old
  • Have 1-3 children, ages 13 and under (with a household size of up to four people)
  • Have children who are eligible for Medicaid
  • Are currently experiencing housing insecurity in a lower opportunity area in central Ohio
  • Household income between:
  • $35,000 - $49,704 for a family of 2
  • $35,000 - $55,917 for a family of 3
  • $37,000 - $62,130 for a family of 4
  • If applying as a couple, both adults must be working or in school
  • Have personal transportation or can demonstrate ability to access a job, etc. without a car
  • Willing to meet monthly with a life coach for three years for all adults in the household
  • Willing to attend monthly evening programs (primarily virtually) on Thursday evenings for three years for all adults in the household
  • Willing to move to a community with a participating landlord

*Note: A Housing Choice Voucher cannot be used with Families Flourish’s rental support

What does Families Flourish offer?

  • $500/month for first 18 months, then $400/month for the final 18 months
  • Access to safe, quality, and healthy housing in a 1- or 2- bedroom apartment
  • The assistance of a life coach to support you on reaching your financial, career, educational, andwellness goals for you and your family
  • Life skills workshops and educational programs oncea month

What is Families Flourish unable to offer?

  • Eviction prevention
  • Emergency housing
  • 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom apartments
  • Support for families larger than 4 people
  • Intensive therapeutic or trauma care

Brochure

Please read our brochure to learn about the application process, what we provide and what you will be expected to provide should you be accepted into the Families Flourish program.

Download Brochure
Summary

Apply Now

Participate in the Families Flourish program. Families Flourish offers 3 years of temporary rental support, life coaching, and access to safe, quality, healthy housing in an apartment in a higher resourced community.

Please note that applications are online only; no paper versions will be made available. If no application is available on the “Apply Now” page our applications are currently closed.

Applications for admission to our program are now open.
Please click the button below to see our application page:

Apply Here
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does Families Flourish offer?
Group workshops online and in-person with other families for 3 years; One-on-one life coaching for 3 years; Rental support for 3 years: $500 per month for 18 months, then $400 per month for the final 18 months paid directly to the landlord.

I’m about to be evicted. Can Families Flourish help families who are in a housing emergency?
No, we are not set up for emergency assistance.

Does Families Flourish help families who are homeless?
Yes, some of our families do come from homelessness but are able to show a measure of stability in their lifestyle and work history.

Does Families Flourish allow evictions?
Yes, families are allowed to have eviction filings in their history.

I’m behind on rent or utilities. Can families owe money to a past landlord or utility company?
No, unfortunately, all past due balances to landlords and utility companies need to be paid off.

Are families eligible if they have a criminal record?
Yes they are still eligible to apply and are considered on a case by case basis.

Do families need to have custody of their child(ren)?
Yes, they need to have residential custody of their child(ren) with a plan to attend the local school district associated with their Families Flourish housing.

My lease ends in 6 or more months. Should I still apply?
We encourage families to apply when their leases will be up in the next few months. We admit two groups of families per year — in the spring and fall.

Does Families Flourish pay for utilities, move-in costs or security deposit?
No. Utilities and security deposits are paid by the family. However, the security deposit is reduced to $250.

I need rental support but I’m not interested in the coaching or programs. Is that ok?
No. Attending monthly coaching and programming is required to be a part of our program.

Can only single mothers apply?
No! Single fathers, guardians, couples, or others with custody of child(ren) may apply.

How long does it take from application to moving into an apartment?
It depends. Normally it can take anywhere from 2-4 months, but it can be more or less depending on many different factors. Generally, it is not a fast process. Our process is detailed because we want to fully understand each family’s situation in order to plan for the long-term success of each family who moves forward with our program. This gives each family the best possible foundation for long-term stability and growth.

Why is your application process so in-depth?
We are a long-term program. We work hard to foster positive relationships with our landlord partners and our families. We work to preserve the integrity of our program and therefore need to see that a family will be able to handle the long-term growth process of being part of our program while staying stably housed for the entire 3 years.

I am in addiction recovery. Can I still apply?
Yes! If you are in recovery, you can apply! You will need to have residential custody of your child(ren).

Does Families Flourish provide in-depth services for families coming from trauma?
We are equipped to provide life coaching support currently. We can refer out for more in-depth counseling services if needed.

Once I am in the Families Flourish program, if I increase my income, will I be asked to leave the program?
No! We want you to be able to grow your income and career. We generally only check paystubs before you enter the program.