In response to Gov. Steve Bullock’s request for state agencies to reduce their budgets by 10 percent, the Department of Public Health and Human Services is proposing two significant reductions in services to young families provided by Mountain Home Montana.

The first is the proposed elimination of Second Chance Homes, an annual grant program that houses young mothers and their children. The second is the proposed elimination of mental health case management services.

Mountain Home Montana has served more than 800 mothers and children since we opened our doors in 2000. Before these moms came to us, most were homeless — living in cars or beneath bridges or in unheated trailers. Mountain Home provides food, shelter and clothing, as well as 24/7 staffing to help them hone life and parenting skills. Case managers work with clients to find permanent housing, to increase income, to connect their children with quality daycare and healthcare providers. With our help, most moms get jobs and move into independent housing in less than a year…

More at:
http://missoulian.com/opinion/columnists/dphhs-cuts-would-be-detrimental-to-young-moms-and-their/article_4873ef08-13b7-5540-a181-94ac359d1db7.html