Homeless Services

Following the example of Jesus by helping those in need, we provide transitional housing and support for homeless families on the path to self-sufficiency. We work with these families to eliminate barriers to access by bringing hope and healing to families right where they live. Through our Powerlines Community Network platform, we are able to recharge communities and strengthen families by providing the support and wraparound services they need to succeed.

What programs do we have to
serve our city’s homeless?

Families in Transition (FIT) is a transitional housing program dedicated to providing transitional housing and support to homeless families and their children fleeing domestic violence. Our FIT families receive counseling, housing, life skills, parenting skills, job readiness training, budgeting guidance and more. An Agape social worker helps each participant develop a personal case plan. These plans are designed to help identify strengths and achieve success. FIT provides support and networks with other agencies to provide services to participants which will help lead them toward self-sufficient living.

Last year alone, we served 266 homeless and imminently homeless individuals.

In the past two years, not a single family has returned to homelessness.

No child has entered foster care, and every child was promoted to the next grade level.

FIT is the only program of its kind in Shelby County serving homeless families and their children in transitional housing for up to two years. FIT also provides the following services at no cost to the families served:

  • Duplex or apartment to live in with their children for up to two years (called transitional
    housing) Life Skills classes and training to equip the women to live successfully on their own
    (in areas such as parenting, financial matters, employment/career, etc.)
  • Counseling to address relational and personal issues
  • Mentors to assist them in their journey
  • Opportunity to come to know Jesus
  • Case management services
  • Chaplain Services

Criteria for FIT:

  • Age: 18 years of age or older
  • Marital Status: Single
  • Parental Status: Pregnant or parenting with up to three other children
  • Housing Status: Homeless
  • Residency: Resident of Shelby County
  • Criminal Record: Criminal record clear of felonies.
  • Medical Records: Provide copy of current medical record.
  • School/Employment Status: Participants must, on a full-time basis, pursue education, employment or be employed.

Rapid Rehousing helps eligible homeless individual/families ages 18-24 quickly obtain permanent stable housing. This program assists tenants in acquiring the skills needed to maintain permanent housing when they exit the program.

Criteria for Rapid Rehousing:

  • Residency: Applicants must be Shelby County individuals and/or families with minor children who meet HUD’s definition of literal homelessness and have no other resources to prevent homelessness.
  • Age: This program is targeted to serve youth households ages 18-24 with or without children.
  • Duration: Households can be served up to 12 months with housing stabilization, case management, and financial assistance.

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To apply for A4A Rapid Rehousing:
Contact Agape at 901.323.3600
Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact our partner in service, the Family Safety Center, at 901.222.4400.

Family Stability is critical to individuals and the community. Families come to us on the edge of homelessness and in a crisis. Children who live in unstable homes face the risk of increased school mobility, decreased attendance and poor school performance. The primary goal of this program is to increase stability and reduce student mobility through outreach and case management services.

Requirements for Eligibility include:

  • Family muse be residents of Shelby County
  • There must be at least one school-aged child (ages 6-18) in the family
  • Annual income must be at least 30% of the Area Median Income Homeless Prevention

Agape’s homeless prevention services help eligible families who are at risk of being homeless, having received court-order eviction notices.

For more information, contact:
Ceaira Brunson
901.323.3600
[email protected]

Help us serve the homeless.