Appalseed saved my life.
It saved me from the street.
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An $800 payment can mean the difference between homelessness and stability.
The Issue
Evictions are Common
For those living in precarity, a brief period of illness, a temporary job loss, or a surprise payment can quickly lead to catastrophe. In Appalachia, evictions are a common and growing problem.
Affordable Housing is Scarce
A shortage of affordable housing means many who are evicted are forced to resort to living in motels or out of their cars — even if they have a stable income through employment, SSI, or SSDI.
Housing Stability Can Become Out of Reach
The high costs associated with housing-insecurity (a month in a motel can cost upwards of $2000) results in many becoming stuck in a cycle of housing insecurity, unable to save up for the costs associated with finding stable housing, such as a security deposit and first months rent.
Our Intervention
Small, targeted grants that make an immense impact
$800 can cover a security deposit for a family living out of a motel and secure a move into stable housing.
We work with social service agencies in Madison County, Kentucky to identify individuals and families who would benefit most from these grants.
Recipients then work with case-managers who help them find and transition back into stable housing.
The results have been transformative for these families.
Our Timeline
MarCH 2024
Checked in with families, and met with more individuals with similar needs. Provided top-up funding for some families who needed help with utilities, internet bills, groceries, etc.
August - September 2024
Implementing second round of deposit assistance grants with the goal to move 10-15 families into housing
December 2023
April 2024 - August 2024
First wave of deposits distributed to four housing-insecure families in Berea. All four were moved into housing within the next month.
Second wave of fundraising.
