The work of a Belmont Housing Resources for WNY housing specialist who assisted a Town of Tonawanda household facing the threat of becoming homeless is featured on HUD's national Homelessness Resource Exchange website.

Linda Roberts of Belmont's Housing Programs staff, provided case management that included outreach and intake, eligibility determination, financial assistance assessment, landlord negotiations and referrals to appropriate service providers.

A profile of the case appears under "Success Stories" that highlight how various communities are using funds provided under the federal Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to effect change and positively impact lives.

When the Town of Tonawanda received the funds in 2009, it contracted with Belmont Housing to provide overall program administration and case management. Since November 2009, 230 families have received financial assistance and preventive services to stabilize their housing situations.

The area story featured on the HUD website is about "Rob," a single employed man whose life changed dramatically when the mother of his children was placed in rehab and he was awarded full-time custody of them. Not previously involved in their lives, Rob was overwhelmed by new responsibilities for daily living such as preparing meals and dealing with school and homework routines.

Ms. Roberts helped to stabilize his housing by arranging for payment of back rent, while he caught up on outstanding debts. She guided him toward resources for households with dependent children, particularly subsidized child care from Social Services, and helped him to develop a realistic family budget.

Eight months later, Rob exited HPRP with a secure housing situation, past bills paid, a budget in place, a year-round child care plan, and children who are doing better in school and having fewer behavioral issues. HPRP was the temporary support he needed to strengthen himself as a father and to set his children on a positive course. Belmont Housing's Linda Roberts was pleased to assist with ongoing advice and moral support.