Where To Start
Housing
The first step to the housing process is signing up to become a member. Once you have your intake, you can either ask during intake to have a referral for housing, or message Katie Matthews at 321-326-7505 or katiematthews@waysforlife.org. Once we set up an appointment, we can discuss the next steps in housing, whether it's affordable housing, an FYI voucher, or the transitional house.
Services We Offer
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a cumulative list of affordable places to rent, with WAYS having connections to landlords for members who need someone vouching for them in their corner.
Transitional House
The Transitional House is a three-month rapid rehousing program. Unhoused members can finish work/school and save up for living independently after the three months.
The program includes transportation to our GED program, a personal bedroom, and a shared bathroom/kitchen.
FYI Voucher
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher is a voucher for former foster youth who aged out of the system; it helps youth work up to afford market-rate rent and helps pay the rent for 3 years.
WAYS You Can Help
1
Housing Team
There are many opportunities to volunteer within the transitional house and other housing programs
4
Move Out Specialist
Help members set up accounts for water, FPL, and wifi. Help explain the lease process, what the member's individual lease entails, their responsibilities, and what to do when someone first moves in:
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Taking pictures of the entire unit.
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Reporting any damages and avoiding fault during move-out.
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Getting their security deposit back.
Anything individuals need to know for their first time moving out!
2
Moving Specialists
Helping move furniture when individuals move into their own place.
(Many don't have anyone they can call to ask for help or afford a U-Haul.)
5
Life Skills Coach
Many of the members have had no experience with daily living activities, such as:
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The best practices for laundry.
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How to properly clean items.
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The fact that dryer lint can cause fires and needs to be emptied.
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And more.
3
Cooking Classes
This role has several options:
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Hosting cooking classes at the transitional house.
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Teaching members how to. grocery shop.
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How to utilize coupons and deals.
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The rules of cooking such as meat temperatures and cleanliness.
6
Yard Maintenace/Gardener
Helping manage:
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Mowing the lawn
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Taking care of weeds
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Trimming the bushes
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Teaching household members how to correctly mow/edge a lawn.
WAYS You Can Give
Housing Stats
Housing in Brevard
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Increase in Unsheltered Homelessness​
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In 2024, the number of unsheltered individuals in Brevard County rose to 779, a 17% increase from 2023. ​​
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Total Homeless Population
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The total number of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 was approximately 1,070, the highest recorded since 2015.​
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Apartment Deficit
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Brevard County has a shortage of 2,528 apartment units, contributing to housing scarcity.
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Cost-Burdened Households
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A significant number of households in Brevard County are spending more than 30% of their income on housing, indicating affordability issues.
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