About Elijah Family Homes - Elijah Family Homes

Who We Are

Elijah Family Homes (EFH) is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves families with low income who do not qualify for public housing because of past criminal offenses, often as a result of drug and alcohol addiction.

We aim to ensure that all families with children in Benton and Franklin Counties, regardless of substance abuse history, are given the opportunity to make unique and valuable contributions to the community while being self-sufficient and stably housed.

Our Transition to Success program provides families safe, stable, affordable housing and supportive services in the form of highly individualized case management for up to 3 years. Elijah Family Homes provides services without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

Mission

Elijah Family Homes fosters hope, dignity and self-sufficiency through stable housing and supportive services for families seeking recovery.

Vision

All families with children in Benton and Franklin Counties, regardless of substance abuse history, make unique and valuable contributions to the community while self-sufficient and stably housed.

Background

There are many families throughout the Tri-Cities whose income is below 50% of the poverty level and who live long-term with children in homelessness or transient/temporary housing because they do not qualify for public housing due to activity during periods of active addiction.

History

Elijah Family Homes began as a faith-based group that started at Christ the King Church. Clients are not required to hold any particular religious beliefs or to participate in any religious services. We are not affiliated with any church or denomination.

Our Clients

EFH tenants are a special population in need of services. They include families in which:

Children & parents have experienced trauma
Children, once removed from their parents’ care, are now reunited
Parents often lack a supportive family safety net
Families have often experienced multiple generations of poverty, substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, and poor education

Community Impact

We have maintained financial growth through fiscal responsibility.
We are the only Tri-Cities housing agency addressing this specific population and need.
We have increased our housing options from 1 housing unit to 12.
We have progressively increased our understanding of the needs of our clients and responded by refining and increasing the depth and number of our programs and services

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are an integral part of Elijah Family Homes. Be a part of something big and give a helping hand in inspiring someone in need.

JOIN US NOW!

LEADERSHIP

All board member positions of Elijah Family Homes are filled by volunteers. Volunteers offer time, talents and experience to develop plans and manage Elijah Family Homes. Their diverse backgrounds — accounting, law, libraries, management, marketing, public relations, real estate, social work, state/federal agencies, teaching – bring skills that greatly enhance EFH.

Board of Directors

Michelle Hara

President

Brenda Bamford

Vice President

Barbara Puigh

Director, Past Treasurer

Judith (Judy) Dirks

Past President, Secretary

Jason Jones

Director

Wendy Veysey

Treasurer

Anh Mai-Windle

Director

Joan Witherrite

Director

Robert (Bob) Parazin

Director

Dawn King

Director

EFH Staff

(509)943-6610

admin@elijahfamilyhomes.org

Matthew West

Executive Director

mwest@elijahfamilyhomes.org

Carissa Lieberman, BSW

Case Manager

clieberman@elijahfamilyhomes.org

TBA

Program Director

Kirsten Hendry

Administrative Assistant

khendry@elijahfamilyhomes.org

PCAP Leadership

PCAP

In addition to our housing program, Elijah Family Homes was thrilled to open up a Parent-Child Assistance Program site in Benton and Franklin counties in July 2017.

View PCAP Leadership