Admissions: Family Relief Program

Our first 6-month session runs from January to June 2025

Admissions Process

Mothers who are interested in Gracewood's Family Relief Program should begin by reviewing the Application Criteria. If you meet each of those requirements, then please fill out and submit the online Family Relief Application form. We carefully review every application we receive to determine if families might be a good match for our program. Applicants will receive a response from Gracewood within 5-7 business days of submitting an application.

If Gracewood determines that an applicant is ineligible or not a good fit for the Family Relief Program, then we will be happy to offer referral information for other community resources.

If it appears that a mom will be a good match for the Family Relief Program and is interested in participating in all the supportive services we have to offer, we will invite her to visit Gracewood and begin a thorough interview process. Once a mom successfully interviews and agrees to the program commitments, she will be registered to join an upcoming six-month Family Relief Program session.

Application Criteria

  • Single mother currently residing with at least one child under age 18 in full-time custody
  • Stable job (working full-time hours) and have been employed at your current job for more than 6 months
  • Stable living situation (home owner or renter) and have been living at that address for more than 6 months. Participants are not eligible for the Family Relief Program if they live with someone else or are not primarily responsible for a monthly rent or mortgage payment.
  • Able to provide proof of valid US residency
  • Must have a reliable personal vehicle
  • Able to provide valid US driver's license
  • No use of any controlled or illegal substance within the past 3 years
  • Must have a personal checking and/or savings bank account in good standing

Family Relief Application

Please click on the button below to access the Application.

Family Relief Application

FAQs

  • Rental assistance
  • Money management coaching
  • Recreational opportunities
  • Connection with community resources
  • Aftercare Program
  • Patti's Place Boutique
  • Food pantry
  • Case management services

No, the Family Relief Program provides rental assistance to single mothers who already have stable housing. If you are in need of housing, please consider applying for our residential Family Care Program.

Participants who are accepted into the program are eligible for $500 of rental assistance per month for the duration of the six-month program. This equals a total of $3,000 of assistance for participants who meet all program participation and attendance requirements. All funds provided by the Family Relief Program may be used for rental assistance only and cannot be used for any other purpose.

In-person case management meetings, group cohort meetings, educational classes, and program support services such as Patti's Place and the food pantry are all located on Gracewood's campus. To attend the required meetings, you will need to drive to Gracewood's campus approximately 3-4 times per month. All participants should live within a reasonable driving distance of the Spring Branch area of Houston.

Yes, childcare is provided on Gracewood's campus during scheduled client meetings and events. Childcare is available for all ages, and they will be supervised by Gracewood staff and background-checked volunteers.

The Family Relief Program lasts for six months, and rental assistance is provided during that period only. After successful completion of the program, you may be eligible for Gracewood's Aftercare Program, which continues to support former clients by providing access to clothing and food donations.

No, applications that do not meet all the criteria will not be considered for the Family Relief Program. Additionally, please be aware that while it is not required for mothers to have English as their primary language, they do need to have a good understanding of the English language in order to interact with the staff and other families.

For more information about the Family Relief Program, please email info@gracewood.org or call 713-988-9757.