Last year, more than 1,200 children enrolled in St. Lucie County’s public schools were considered homeless. Of these, 25 percent lived in ill-equipped, temporary campgrounds or called the family car their ‘home.’  

The total number of children in St. Lucie County without a ‘permanent’ home and considered to be ‘homeless’ is much higher. School authorities believe that many homeless families do not register as they are frightened that their children will be removed from their care and turned over to the legal system.

Housing options are few – and mostly unacceptable. Excessive rental rates for apartments are not viable for the high percentage of families whose incomes are considerably below federal poverty guidelines, as well as those living paycheck to paycheck. The cost to purchase a house greatly outweighs the ability of those who have very low-paying jobs.

The problem has been compounded by the fact that the county has only one part-time, homeless shelter. Residents’ needs for immediate assistance have greatly exceeded the area’s limited supply. 

Due to such limited options, GraceWay Village is developing plans to expand its initial mandate to those in need. The next stage will provide a Family Restorative Living Facility. This ‘rapid rehousing,’ and restorative living alternative will provide temporary and safe housing for families and their children facing unexpected, serious upheavals to their lives.

Initially, families will be able to stay between 30 to 90 days depending on their specific circumstances. This flexibility allows sufficient time to recover from the events that had led them to this stage. They also will be assessed by the GraceWay Village professional staff to determine if additional services and an extended stay are warranted, moving them into restorative care where they can improve skills and form successful habits.   

The goal is for them to become self-sufficient, healthy family units. 

“As we begin construction, we also must build another strong foundation: the vital support of those who acknowledge the dire need for a temporary and safe home for those families with young children and who have so little,” explains Chris Morhardt, GraceWay Village’s Board of Directors chair. “We ask that everyone join us in this critical, humanitarian commitment. Their first step is to signal their interest by emailing us at info@gracewayvillage.com. “The next step is to keep us in their prayers of support.”