A homelessness prevention program that began in Santa Clara County is expanding nationwide with a goal of helping more than 10,000 families avoid eviction and remain stably housed. Nonprofit Destination: Home announced it is partnering with 10 organizations across the United States to replicate a rental assistance and case management model focused on preventing housing instability before it leads to homelessness. The expansion spans large and small cities, rural regions and tribal communities, including sites in Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, and Asheville, North Carolina. Through the Right at Home initiative, Destination: Home will work with local partners to implement pilot programs based on its established homelessness prevention framework. The initiative is designed to demonstrate that eviction prevention and supportive services can be effectively scaled and adopted as part of broader housing policy. Destination: Home first launched its homelessness prevention program in 2017 after observing an increase in residents falling into homelessness in Santa Clara County. Backed by private funding, the nonprofit provided rental assistance, case management and supportive services to families at immediate risk of eviction. The approach aimed to stabilize households facing temporary financial crises, helping them maintain housing while addressing underlying challenges. In 2024, Santa Clara County formally incorporated the program into its countywide homelessness strategy and expanded it across the region. Since its launch, nearly 44,000 people in the county have avoided homelessness through the initiative, according to program data. A randomized control trial conducted by the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities found that 90 percent of participants who received assistance remained housed two years later, highlighting the long-term impact of early intervention. The national expansion has raised $77 million to date. Under the plan, each participating community will receive at least $5 million over five years, with a target of serving approximately 1,500 households per location. The Lab for Economic Opportunities will collect and analyze data to measure outcomes such as housing stability and economic resilience. Funding partners include Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation and The Audacious Project. Researchers involved in the evaluation say prevention plays a critical role in addressing the affordable housing crisis and rising poverty. Eviction can trigger a chain of negative consequences, including job loss, financial hardship and increased reliance on emergency services. By providing eviction relief and community support before families lose their homes, the program seeks to reduce long-term social and economic costs. For some residents, the program has provided essential support during periods of instability. Desiré Campusano received rental assistance multiple times while navigating job transitions and significant rent increases. The assistance helped her remain housed and later move into an affordable apartment, with continued guidance from a case manager. Advocates argue that as unemployment and economic pressures affect households nationwide, homelessness prevention must be prioritized alongside emergency response systems. Supporters of the initiative say investing in rental assistance and case management before a crisis escalates offers a more stable and cost-effective solution to housing insecurity. By expanding its model nationally, Destination: Home aims to build momentum for broader federal funding dedicated to preventing homelessness before it begins.

Three young brothers died Monday after falling through the ice on a private pond near Bonham, according to officials in Fannin County. The incident has left the local community in mourning and prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Authorities said emergency crews were dispatched to a pond located off Rec Road No. 3 after receiving reports that children had fallen into the icy water. First responders, along with a nearby resident, worked quickly to rescue the boys from the pond as temperatures and conditions complicated rescue efforts. Two of the children, ages 8 and 9, were pulled from the water and immediately given first aid at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, both boys later died. A third child, a 6-year-old, did not initially resurface after breaking through the ice. Officials said an extensive search was conducted before the youngest boy was recovered from the pond. All three children were pronounced dead, and authorities stated that their names would be released after family members were formally notified. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths Monday evening and said details remain limited as the investigation continues. Officials have not yet released information regarding how long the children were on the ice or whether additional safety factors may have played a role. Investigators said more information would be shared as it becomes available. The local school district confirmed that all three boys were elementary students within the district. In a statement issued Monday, district officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the children’s family, classmates, and teachers. The district said the deaths have deeply affected students and staff across its campuses. To support those impacted by the tragedy, the school district announced that counselors would be available for students and staff members in need of emotional support. Administrators encouraged families to reach out if their children require assistance processing the loss, emphasizing the importance of compassion and collective care during the difficult time. On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office publicly thanked multiple agencies and individuals who assisted during the emergency response. Those acknowledged included state and local emergency responders, fire and police departments, emergency management officials from neighboring counties, and community members who attempted to help at the scene. Officials said the coordinated response reflected the strong sense of community in the area. Authorities also urged residents to remain cautious around frozen ponds and bodies of water, particularly during periods of cold weather when ice conditions can be unpredictable. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with thin ice, especially in rural areas where private ponds are common. As the investigation continues, officials reiterated their condolences to the family and all those affected, noting that the loss has resonated throughout the Bonham community and beyond.

A warm and memorable Friendsgiving celebration brought together families from Santa Clara County’s support and advocacy programs at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose, creating an atmosphere centered on unity, wellness and meaningful connection. Held on November 15, the event welcomed families participating in the Dependency Wellness Court and the Court Appointed Special Advocates program. It offered them a rare opportunity to share time together in a supportive setting designed to reduce s

Families across Franklin County opened their homes to shelter dogs during the Thanksgiving holiday, offering dozens of animals a temporary break from the stress of kennel life. The Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center saw an enthusiastic response to its annual holiday sleepover program, with people lining up before the shelter opened on Wednesday to pick out a dog to take home for several days. Staff said it was one of the most encouraging sights of the season, as kennel rows gre

A growing number of Texas families are finding it increasingly difficult to put food on the table as financial pressures continue to mount. Rising grocery prices, inflation, employment disruptions and reported delays in SNAP benefits have created an environment where many households are struggling to cover even basic needs. Nonprofits across North Texas have been working to bridge the gap, relying heavily on community support to meet the surge in demand for food assistance. Among th

The City of Austin has concluded a three-week initiative aimed at addressing homelessness through both cleanup operations and social outreach. The campaign, coordinated by the city’s Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO) team, sought to connect unhoused residents with essential services while restoring public areas impacted by encampments. Over the course of the operation, more than 1.3 million pounds of debris were collected from nearly 700 sites across the city, marking one of Austin??

HOUSTON — This Veterans Day, restaurants and businesses across Houston are honoring service members with free meals, discounts, and special offers. From breakfast to dinner, veterans and active-duty personnel can enjoy a range of complimentary dishes and reduced-price dining experiences as a gesture of appreciation for their service to the nation. Texas Roadhouse is offering free meal vouchers to veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at

The annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, a long-standing tradition honoring American servicemen and women, has been canceled this year due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The decision, described as deeply disappointing but unavoidable, has affected veterans’ families, volunteers, and community members who look forward to the heartfelt event each year. Every November, volunteers gather at the DFW National Cemetery to place thousands o

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin community came together on October 26 for the 2025 Austin Kidney Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness, support, and critical funding for people affected by kidney disease. The walk, which took place on a cool Saturday morning, drew hundreds of participants, including patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and living donors, all united by a shared commitment to fighting one of the nation’s most pervasive health conditions. Organize

Several animals were killed and two people were displaced after a structure fire broke out in Prospect Park, New Jersey, on Friday morning. Fire officials confirmed that the blaze, which originated in the rear section of a two-story home on Fairview Avenue, caused significant damage before being brought under control. According to Prospect Park Fire Chief Doug Struyk, firefighters were dispatched shortly before 9 a.m. to the residence located between North 16th and North 17th street

Santa Clara County is taking an innovative step to reduce food waste and at the same time support residents struggling with food insecurity. The county has rolled out a food recovery program that directly places commercial refrigerators stocked with fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals inside affordable housing developments. Residents can now access nutritious food right where they live without needing to travel long distances or rely on irregular food distribution events. The initi

Hours after thousands of Chicago residents filled the streets to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, a disturbing hate incident unfolded outside the office of 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez. Chicago police confirmed that a dead rat and a threatening handwritten note were discovered at his office on Sunday evening. The message, described as derogatory and anti-immigrant, referred to undocumented immigrants as “vermin,” sparking outrage and concern across the community.

Cape May police are investigating an act of vandalism that has left the community frustrated and saddened after a well-known and beloved boardwalk statue was damaged in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident took place at the Ocean Putt mini golf course near the intersection of Jackson Street and Beach Avenue, a popular destination for families, tourists, and longtime residents. Authorities say the suspects were caught on camera around 4 a.m. when they climbed over a fence

Three firefighters in Colleyville, Texas, were injured on Wednesday evening while working to extinguish a blaze on Emerald Drive. According to officials, the call came in just before 5 p.m. in the 6100 block of the residential neighborhood. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but during the course of operations, three firefighters sustained injuries that required hospitalization. Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries are life threatening, and all th

A Chicago business owner is speaking out about the challenges she faces as crime and violence continue to impact her livelihood. Jackie Jackson, the owner of Fatburger in Chatham, has shared her story of struggle, resilience, and determination to keep her restaurant open while giving back to the South Side neighborhood she calls home. Jackson opened the Fatburger location at 825 E. 87th Street in November of last year. Since then, she has invested in extensive safety measures to pro

Families, retirees, and students in Los Gatos now have access to free groceries through a new community service that is aiming to reduce food insecurity in Santa Clara County. A refrigerated van, brightly painted and stocked with everything from fresh produce to packaged breakfast foods, is parked outside the Los Gatos Library twice a month as part of a mobile program known as the “park-it market.” The initiative, launched by West Valley Community Services, allows residents to pic

A Dallas church’s mission to support families in need faced a painful setback after vandals destroyed a van that had been donated to help fund the operations of its food pantry. The van, which could have generated thousands of dollars in support for food distribution, was demolished by two teenagers in a shocking act of vandalism that has left the Pleasant Grove community both saddened and concerned. The Inspire

Good News Bears (GNB), the beloved Livermore-based nonprofit that has been gifting comfort through teddy bears since 1996, has announced a major leadership transition. The all-volunteer charity, known for delivering “stuffed love” to people in need, has named longtime member and local teacher Lisa Kitzmann as its new Chairbear. Lisa, who has used teddy bears extensively in her classroom as reading buddies

In a powerful act of resilience and compassion, a 27-year-old man from North Texas completed a 100-mile run in less than 24 hours to raise money for families devastated by recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Motivated by deep emotional ties to the region and the widespread destruction caused by the floods, Jack Stradinger set out with one goal: to bring hope and support to a community grappling with loss and tragedy. Without months of preparation, and despite a history

In Columbus, Ohio, the annual Red White and Boom celebration draws massive crowds eager to enjoy fireworks, food, and festive fun. While most attendees focus on the colorful spectacle in the sky, there’s an entire network of behind-the-scenes workers and volunteers who make the event possible. From sanitation crews to community outreach organizations, several teams come together each year to support the event in meaningful ways—often unnoticed by the thousands of spectators.