“Welcome Home by SPIDACARES” Helping to Break the Cycle of Homelessness
SPIDACARES, the foundation established by NBA star Donovan Mitchell and his family, is committed to giving back to families in need and deeply understands the importance of home as a source of safety and stability. SPIDACARES is proud to introduce “Welcome Home by SPIDACARES,” a program created in collaboration with Inspirica that provides home essentials—including all-new bedroom furniture, bedding, and kitchen and bathroom basics—to families who are moving from Inspirica’s emergency shelters and transitional housing into their own permanent homes.
“It is so important to respect and support those who have overcome adversity and are trying to build a better life for their family,” said Nicole Mitchell, senior business administrator of SPIDACARES. “Housing is so much more than shelter; it is a foundation for success. As families begin their new journey, we don’t want them to arrive at an empty apartment and worry about how they will afford a bed for their children or other essential household items. SPIDACARES began the ‘Welcome Home by SPIDACARES’ program to provide hope and peace of mind to parents so that they can better focus on taking care of their families and on their children’s education.”
“I am excited to launch this ongoing program and see the legacy of my Panamanian Grandma extend beyond our family through ‘Welcome Home by SPIDACARES,’” said Donovan Mitchell. “My Grandma experienced what it was like to start from scratch and was determined to provide opportunities for her children and grandchildren that she never had. She knew the challenges we would face and taught us the importance of respecting yourself. I see her determination reflected in the families who are trying to break the cycle of homelessness so that their children can have better lives.”
Taking action to support the programs and services, such as those offered by Inspirica, that help break the cycle of homelessness is especially important today. In the weeks preceding the outbreak of Covid-19, over half a million people in the United States were experiencing homelessness on any given night. In Connecticut, the pandemic has deepened the inequity within the housing system and increased the economic hardships faced by individuals and families who live in or near poverty.
In addition to responding to the challenges brought by the pandemic, increased efforts to end homelessness are crucial to addressing ongoing inequity and the effects of discrimination. Longstanding historical and systemic racism has created disproportionality in representing people of color among those experiencing homelessness.
To help families overcome the barriers to success, “Welcome Home by SPIDACARES” is designed to support and complement the work done by Inspirica, the largest provider of residential and support services to homeless single women and families in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. By combining housing and support services, Inspirica is able to provide stable, safe, and affordable housing and the resources to live a meaningful and productive life. In collaborating with Inspirica, “Welcome Home by SPIDACARES” helps provide important household essentials to families.
“We are so thankful to Donovan Mitchell and his family,” said Denise Durham Williams, CEO of Inspirica, Inc. “SPIDACARES’s generosity allows these families leaving temporary housing to begin the next journey in their lives without the worries of purchasing much-needed items for themselves and their children. This extraordinary contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.”