Giving Connection

Building Lives Foundation

This nonprofit has verified the listed information.

Volunteer

2000 Mallory Ln suite 130 166, Franklin, TN 37067, USA

EIN Number: 20-5584526

contact information

Phone: (615) 678-4967

Hours: Closed

Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)

Sat Closed

Sun Closed

Website: https://www.wearebuildinglives.org/

Email: jeff@wearebuildinglives.org

NTEE Code: P85: Homeless Centers

MISSION - WHAT WE DO

Our mission is to eliminate homelessness among our country's veterans. We do this by providing assistance to veterans who are on the verge of going homeless through our Homeless Prevention Program. Through Project Advance, our program to transition homeless veterans to sustained independent living, we also seek to reduce the population of veterans who are homeless or incarcerated, by providing the opportunities necessary for a successful re-entry into society to those veterans who have made a decision to change their lives. We do this in gratitude to those who have given so much of themselves to preserve the freedoms we so greatly enjoy. Our mission is to support and service your housing needs by providing first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure counseling and debt management services. Our goal is to preserve homeownership for all individuals and families, regardless of their income.

SERVICES - HOW WE DO IT

Housing Building Lives provide housing for homeless veterans who have successfully completed transitional living programs (i.e. Operation Stand Down). An individual's income is considered in determining placement thus assuring affordability. We have a partnership with Urban Housing Solutions, First Nashville Realty Management, and one of our board members to provide housing for our participants. We also have a transitional home for men in the Nashville area. Job Placement Building Lives has a partnership with StaffMark and Prologistix to assist in placing our clients in jobs. We also utilize the state employment centers and contact many other corporations seeking employment opportunities. Employment is the key component to the successful transition for individuals from the ranks of the homeless or the recently incarcerated. Over the years, we have established a comprehensive group of partners who will hire our clients. These partners include: Home Depot, Midas, Mrs. Grissom's Salads, Dollar General, Demo's, Waffle House, and approximately 50 other corporations. Car Ownership and Asset Development Each participant must have reliable transportation in order to increase the probability for job retention. A creative program has been developed that allows each participant to purchase a car in an affordable way. Car Plus/Midas shops repair any found problems. Repayment is made with no interest charged. Payments are no more than $200/month for 12 to 18 months. Personal Assistance Building Lives provides up to $1,500 per participant for personal needs in the first 8 weeks of assistance. This includes meeting needs such as: furniture, home furnishings, rent, utilities, and food. While Building Lives addresses a number of basic needs, one primary emphasis is building the individual's "community". Re-connecting with family, becoming active in a church of their choice, and joining organizations with similar interests are all important in the individual's journey. Clothing Building Lives helps participants get appropriate clothing through partnerships with Churches or by purchases for the client at Thrift Smart, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. Transitional Housing Program Building Lives operates a transitional housing program named The Academy. The property, located 3541 Wood Bridge is leased by The Academy. Maximum capacity is 11 beds, and there is a full-service kitchen that provides three meals per day for the residents and staff. The residents are referred to us by VA, Street Works, TBOP, and other organizations who interact with the homeless in the Nashville and surrounding area. Upon successful completion of a 30-day probationary period, residents are provided a small stipend, and if able, are assigned to one of several work crews. The Academy is a "work therapy" program designed to get the men back into a responsible work routine while re-acquiring employable skills. Typical time spent in this program is from 8 to 12 months with some staying as long as 2 years. When appropriate, individuals are placed in outside jobs and with help and assistance, begin to prepare for the transition to independent living. This includes support in preparing resumes, setting up interviews with potential employers, helping them acquire an automobile, and helping them get established in a furnished apartment. They will remain in contact with Building Lives staff and volunteers as they begin to assume more and more responsibility for their future success. Homeless Prevention The Homeless Prevention program identifies veterans who are on the verge of losing their permanent residence. Once the situation is verified through an eviction notice, foreclosure notice, or notice from utility company of cut off, then financial assistance is provided to prevent the imminent loss of home. A case worker/resource coordinator is assigned to work with the client for up to a year to address issues, provide financial training, and provide opportunities/options that will stabilize their situation.