Champ Homes Receives Grant from the Barnstable County District Attorney’s Office

Champ Homes, a local non-profit providing transitional housing and support services to Cape Cod residents, recently received a $4,000 grant from the Barnstable County District Attorney’s Office in support of their Transitional Housing Assistance Program. Champ Homes’ ongoing mission is to provide transitional housing to adults on Cape Cod who are homeless or near homeless in a safe, compassionate, respectful environment, where they instill confidence and hope by providing life skills, mentoring, vocational opportunities, and self-advocacy.

Founded in 1989 and established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1991, Champ Homes provides supportive, sober, transitional housing to individuals aged 18 and older on Cape Cod who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. It is a community of people who benefit from the care, compassion, and the support of others. The organization serves individuals who are struggling with housing instability due to a variety of reasons including the current housing crisis.

The goal of the program is to get participants back on their feet and to a place of regained self-worth and self-sufficiency. In 2023, 90% of participants who moved on from Champ Homes obtained long-term, sustainable housing. Champ Homes’ goal for 2024 is to help the Champs maintain this incredible success.

Transitional Housing is an intermediate step between emergency shelters and permanent housing. It is generally more long-term (typically up to two years) and provides support services.

The program addresses immediate concerns such as hot showers, clean towels, clothing and toiletries, an address and mail services, one prepared meal a day and food to make their own breakfast and lunch. However, once participants have established a place here, the program goes much further. Participants work closely with a team of care coordinators to navigate continuing education, access healthcare, housing applications, obtain employment, and learn how to advocate for themselves.

The Champ Homes Transitional Housing Assistance Program has been a proven approach to addressing homelessness on the Cape since opening their doors over 33 years ago—serving more than 3,000 individuals in that time. This program is unique to Cape Cod and strives to meet the individual needs of each participant who seeks assistance. It is unique in how it runs as a community of people—people who are benefiting from the care, compassion, and support of others.

Champ Homes believes in the value of providing a refuge where love, respect, and support enable each person to overcome the difficulties that led to their homelessness. It is through this caring, individualized program that participants can learn to thrive, sustain independent living, and regain their ability to be productive members of society.