The “family tree homelessness program” is not a single, official federal or national initiative, but rather a widely used metaphorical name for a family-based or kinship-care approach to preventing and ending homelessness. In practice, it refers to programs and policies that prioritize keeping families together—often by placing homeless youth or parents with relatives—and that use a family’s own network as the primary support system, rather than relying solely on shelters or institutional care.
Background: Why “Family Tree”?
The term “family tree” in this context evokes the idea of using a person’s extended family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings—as a resource. This approach gained traction in the 1990s and 2000s as research showed that family conflict is a leading cause of homelessness, especially among youth. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) have both promoted family reunification and kinship care as key strategies. For example, the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) funds the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, which explicitly encourages family reunification when safe and appropriate. The “family tree” concept is also used in some local programs, like the “Family Tree” model in certain cities, where caseworkers map a client’s family network and engage relatives as a team.
How It Works: The Core Model
While there is no universal manual, most programs described as “family tree” share a common framework:
- Initial assessment: A caseworker meets with the individual or family to understand the causes of homelessness, including family dynamics, mental health, and economic factors.
- Mapping the family network: The worker helps the client identify relatives who might offer housing, financial help, or emotional support. This is often done using a “family tree” diagram.
- Mediation and communication: Trained mediators arrange conversations between the client and relatives to address past conflicts, set boundaries, and negotiate terms of support.
- Reunification plan: If a relative agrees to take in the person or family, the program provides a safety plan, follow-up visits, and sometimes financial assistance for the host family.
- Ongoing case management: The program stays involved for several months to ensure stability, connect the family to benefits, and prevent a repeat of homelessness.
This model is distinct from emergency shelters or transitional housing because it uses the family’s own resources first, with public funds as a backup rather than a first resort.
Who Uses This Approach?
Several types of organizations and government bodies implement family-tree-style programs:
- Runaway and homeless youth shelters: Many use a “family reunification” model, which is essentially the family tree approach. For instance, the National Runaway Safeline helps youth and parents communicate through conference calls.
- Child welfare agencies: Kinship care, where children are placed with relatives instead of foster homes, is a parallel system. In 2020, about 3% of U.S. children lived in kinship care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
- Housing authorities: Some public housing programs give priority to families who can double up with relatives, as a form of “private” housing intervention.
- Nonprofits: Organizations like Family Promise use a “family” model, though they typically use congregate shelters rather than relatives’ homes.
It’s important to note that the term is not an official program name—it’s a descriptive label. So when someone searches “family tree homelessness program,” they may be looking for a specific local initiative (like the Family Tree in Denver, Colorado, which is a nonprofit that offers housing and family support) or for the general strategy.
How to Choose a Program
If you are looking for a family-tree-style program for yourself or a loved one, here are practical steps:
- Call 2-1-1 or the local United Way to ask about family reunification services in your area.
- Contact the nearest Runaway and Homeless Youth shelter—even if you’re an adult, they often know of kinship resources.
- Ask your school counselor or social worker if you are a student; they can connect you to family mediation services.
- Search online for “family reunification program” plus your city or state.
- Verify the program’s credentials—check if it’s funded by HUD or the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which ensures basic standards.
Be cautious of any program that pressures you to live with relatives against your will. A good program will always prioritize safety and consent.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that “family tree” means forcing a homeless person to move back in with abusive parents. In reality, the approach is only used when the client agrees and when it is safe. However, there are real challenges:
- Reluctant relatives: Many family members are unable or unwilling to take in a homeless relative due to their own housing insecurity, financial strain, or past conflicts.
- Overcrowding: Doubling up can lead to overcrowded homes, which may violate housing codes or lease agreements.
- Lack of follow-up: Some programs reunite families but offer little ongoing support, leading to a breakdown and a return to homelessness.
- Not a solution for all: For unaccompanied youth fleeing violence, reunification may be dangerous. In such cases, programs should offer alternatives like independent living or LGBTQ+ affirming shelters.
Another misconception is that this approach is cheaper than shelters. While it can be, the costs of mediation, case management, and potential financial assistance to host families can add up. A 2019 study by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago found that family-based interventions are cost-effective only when they prevent long-term homelessness.
Comparisons: Family Tree vs. Other Models
To understand the family tree approach, it helps to compare it to other common interventions:
- Emergency shelters: Provide immediate safety but are often crowded, time-limited, and not family-friendly. The family tree model aims to avoid shelters altogether.
- Rapid Re-Housing: This HUD model provides short-term rental assistance and case management to help people get into their own apartments quickly. It doesn’t rely on relatives, but it can be combined with family support.
- Permanent Supportive Housing: This is for chronically homeless individuals with disabilities, offering long-term housing and services. It’s not family-based but is a stable alternative.
- Kinship care: This is the child-welfare version, where relatives become foster parents. It’s similar but focused on children, not the whole family unit.
The family tree model is best seen as a preventive and early-intervention strategy, not a solution for chronic homelessness.
Costs and Funding
There is no single cost for a family tree program because they vary widely. However, typical components include:
- Mediation sessions: $50–$150 per hour, often covered by grants.
- Case management: $500–$2,000 per family for a few months.
- Financial assistance to host families: Some programs offer a one-time payment (e.g., $500–$1,000) to help with moving costs or rent.
- Administrative overhead: Usually 10–20% of the program budget.
Funding comes from federal grants (like the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act), state child welfare budgets, and private foundations. For example, the Family and Youth Services Bureau allocated about $115 million to runaway and homeless youth programs in 2022, though not all of that is for family reunification.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
Safety is paramount in any family-based intervention. Programs must:
- Screen for abuse: Before reunification, they should assess the history of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect.
- Involve child protective services if minors are involved and there is any suspicion of danger.
- Respect the client’s choice: No one should be forced into a family situation they don’t want.
- Provide an exit plan: If the living arrangement fails, the client should have a backup plan, such as a shelter bed or a hotline.
For LGBTQ+ youth, family rejection is a common cause of homelessness. Programs must be culturally competent and offer alternative options if the family is not affirming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific program called “Family Tree Homelessness Program”?
No, it’s not a single official program. Some local nonprofits use the name “Family Tree” (like the one in Denver, Colorado), but the term generally refers to a strategy of using extended family to prevent homelessness.
How do I find a family reunification program near me?
Call 2-1-1, contact your local school social worker, or search for “family reunification services” plus your city or state. The National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY) can also connect youth to local resources.
Can I be forced to live with relatives?
No. All reputable programs require your consent. If you feel pressured, you can refuse and ask for alternative housing options.
What if my family doesn’t want me to come back?
That’s common. Programs can help mediate, but if relatives are unwilling, they will help you find other options like shelters, transitional living programs, or independent living.
Is this approach effective?
Research suggests that family reunification is effective for youth when it’s safe, with about 50–70% of runaway youth returning home after mediation, according to the National Runaway Safeline. However, outcomes vary by program and individual circumstances.
Does this program apply to families with children, not just youth?
Yes, the family tree model can be used for whole families (parents with children) who are homeless. In such cases, the goal is to place the entire family with relatives, keeping the unit intact.
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