Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley is reporting that the number of local homeless families seeking assistance has steadily increased.

“Even though our local economy is improving, the numbers of local homeless children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley continue to rise,” said Chris Najarro, executive director of Family Promise of SCV. “In the first four months of 2016 alone we have already assisted a total of 10 families through our temporary shelter program, 10 household units (individuals and families) through our in-kind donation center and four household units (individuals and families) with three-day emergency hotel shelter. That’s a total of 88 individuals, including 49 minor children in all programs, combined.”

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is scheduled to release a report this week that details the findings from their 2016 homeless count in Los Angeles County with analysis of the data and the geographic and demographic findings.

The LAHSA report will provide helpful information for the government agencies and other organizations that assist the homeless population in L.A. County.

Family Promise of SCV says it will continue to keep detailed statistics on local family homelessness.

“The collaboration with and contributions from our community are the only things keeping these families from living in their cars or on the street,” said Najarro.

Related Article: Family Promise SCV Is Looking For Volunteers To Help Feed The Homeless

As a local not-for-profit organization, Family Promise of SCV relies on monetary and in-kind donations.

“We are fortunate to have the support from our local businesses and faith communities as well as other non-profits, service groups and compassionate individuals,” said Laurie Ender, president of the board of directors. “We are a daily example of what happens when a community comes together to take care of one another.”

Family Promise of SCV has been in operation for nearly five years and provides family shelter and services 365 days a year, free of charge. The program has operated at capacity and has carried a waiting list for over a year.

Family Promise brings shelter, meals, and support services to families without homes and is a cost-efficient, effective community response to family homelessness. The goal of the program is to keep local families in their community and get them back on their feet and on the road to self-sustaining independence.

Ender sums up the Family Promise mission: “We believe wholeheartedly that no child should be homeless.”

Ed. Note: This article is a press release provided by Family Promise of SCV