A roof over every head
<p>Robert Daneri and his family found themselves homeless for three and a half months, but through local programs have recently moved into an apartment in Coeur d'Alene. Daneri has also started up a software company that he operates from his home.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - Robert Daneri is a success story in a suit and tie. He describes his journey as the rise of the Phoenix, the mythical bird that resurrects anew from the ashes of its own burnt nest. After moving to Coeur d'Alene from Reno, Nev., a couple of years ago, Daneri and his family found themselves unable to afford a place to stay.
COEUR d'ALENE - Robert Daneri is a success story in a suit and tie.
He describes his journey as the rise of the Phoenix, the mythical bird that resurrects anew from the ashes of its own burnt nest.
After moving to Coeur d'Alene from Reno, Nev., a couple of years ago, Daneri and his family found themselves unable to afford a place to stay.
Instead of floundering, Daneri took his family to emergency shelter provider Family Promise of North Idaho, which found them a place to live for three months and other services until they were on their feet.
"It's all about the support," he said. "They grab you and say, 'You can do this.'"
Today, he and his wife are earning college degrees online and they're about to move from an apartment into a bigger home.
"It's great to know that we are moving by choice and not out of necessity," Daneri said to resource providers at Kootenai County's 10-Year-Plan To End Homelessness meeting on Friday.
While the county's plan has produced many success stories like Daneri, more help is needed.
The latest count had the county with 644 homeless people - 237 of them students in School District 271. In 2009, it was a little more than 400.
Last year, it cost the county $6.5 million in services providing for those people without homes, perhaps $8.5 million when they factor in hospital indigent care bills. This year's financial totals will likely surpass that, said Mike Kennedy, committee chair.
But Friday's meeting was to bring more providers on board under the 2-year-old plan by incorporating faith-based nonprofits.
The plan focuses on eradicating - not managing - the homeless problem by providing housing, financial, medical and other services to those in need.
The growing collaboration will allow providers to share ideas and support and boost status on federal and other grant applications for finances.
"We're going to succeed. I'm very confident about that," said Kennedy. "The numbers are getting worse, but I think they'd be more extreme had we not done the work and the planning that we've done to this point."
Dozens of faith-based groups showed up Friday to join the cause.
Union Gospel Mission in Spokane representatives said they were looking at establishing services on this side of the state line.
"I had absolutely no idea of the need," said Molly Shirey, of New Life Community Church.
Shirey began a service called 'We've Got Stuff' that picks up donated household items like plates, utensils and mattresses to deliver to people who don't have those items when they finally find a place to live.
The venture started as Shirey's idea, but has grown to half a dozen helpers.
"It's an amazing group of people who all share the same heart," she said.
The "wrap around" specialty of teamwork, which has landed the plan state recognition, surrounds people in need with all the services they require. More than handing a check and a pat on the back, the collective support seals the cracks in which those people could potentially slip.
That model has the county committee optimistic that ending homelessness in 10 years isn't out of reach.
"Your support is not only needed, but it is helpful and it does make a difference," Daneri said.