MIFA Housing Opportunities
Why we do it
Sixty percent of residents in the 38126 zip code live in poverty. 74% of children in the 38126 zip code live in poverty. Those statistics make MIFA’s neighborhood the poorest zip code in Memphis and the second-poorest in the state of Tennessee. MIFA Housing Opportunities is the only transitional housing program in Memphis that accepts single fathers with children and boys over the age of 13.
What we do
MIFA Housing Opportunities (MHO) provides each eligible homeless family with a furnished apartment for a year, during which time the head of household obtains employment and attends
Life Skills classes at MIFA. Clients learn how to be financially independent and how to create a positive environment for their children. They pay rent (part of which goes into a savings account and is given back when the family completes the program), participate in group activities, work with case managers to pay down debt, and learn positive parenting techniques to guide their children. MHO is the only transitional housing program in the area that requires comprehensive education on money management, parenting and employment.
What we've done
Last year, we provided shelter and life-changing education for 153 parents and over 342 children in our 96 housing units.
What can you do to help?
You can
volunteer to teach Life Skills classes on any subject to any age group, serve as a mentor for a family, or donate furniture and other household essentials for families entering the program. Seasonal opportunities are also available for volunteers, such as Holiday Hope Chest and other volunteer opportunities.