Colorado Homeless Families Honors Four Families Who Overcame Homelessness

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 7.3 percent of individuals live below poverty level in Arvada, Colo. Non-profit organization Colorado Homeless Families (CHF) recently recognized four families who successfully transitioned from homelessness to home ownership. The families and individuals were honored in April at a graduation ceremony.

The four families who graduated to self-sufficiency include:
• Andrey and Elena Russ and their four children
• John and Mira Etsa and their four children
• Anatoli and Svetlana Shevchenko and their four children
• Vanessa Borrego and her two children

Additionally, Taw Taw Soe received the Outstanding Business Leadership and Community Outreach Award for his hard work and diligence to seek and obtain employment at Colorado Knitting Company, where, since his employment, has grown the company’s sales by 20 percent.

These families have overcome cultural and financial hardships and demonstrated a willingness to obtain work, dedicate time to community service, learn English, and/or pursue academic success. About 60 percent of the families who turn to Colorado Homeless Families are single, low-income mothers, while the remaining are often immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.

"We are so proud of these families and individuals who have achieved their goals to become independent and self-sufficient citizens who positively contribute to society," said Connie Zimmerman, executive director and founder of CHF. "It is always heart-warming to see families transition from difficult situations to success, and we are honored to have had a part in their social and financial growth and development.”

All families have to meet certain requirements to be selected for Colorado Homeless Families’ programs. Families undergo a background check and are selected based on their desire to improve their financial and social situations by learning English, attending school, obtaining a better job, and/or volunteering their time to advance the community.

About Colorado Homeless Families
Colorado Homeless Families has provided transitional housing and supportive services for homeless families with children in the Metro Denver area since 1987. The non-profit organization began renting six properties from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and has since expanded to purchasing and maintaining 42 properties. CHF seeks to direct families toward self-sufficiency within 18 months to two years by offering counseling, seminars, case management and support group services. CHF serves between 47 and 72 families each year. For more information, call 303-420-6634, visit http://www.chfrb.org and find them on Facebook and YouTube.