Empowering Families Through Financial Literacy: A New Pilot Program from Horizons for Homeless Children and EDEN 

At Horizons for Homeless Children, our mission has always centered on the well-being of children ages zero to five. But we recognize that a child’s well-being is deeply connected to their parent’s well-being. That’s why our Family Partnership Program continues to expand—meeting parents where they are and giving them the tools they need to build a more stable, empowered future.  

In their work, Horizons’ Family Coaching Specialists work with parents to set clear goals, create actionable steps, and track progress toward achieving their broader objectives. Their own team discussions identified a knowledge gap they were seeing consistently with their parents. Money management was a pervasive issue so, recognizing an opportunity, they sought outside training.  

In a powerful new collaboration with EDEN (Empowered and Dedicated to Edify the Nation), funded by the generosity of the Theodore and Maxine Murnick Family Foundation, Horizons launched a four-week hybrid pilot program aimed at helping parents experiencing homelessness gain essential financial literacy skills. The goal? To equip families with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial futures—and, ultimately, break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. 

Responding to Real Needs 

A recent survey of Horizons families revealed the depth of financial insecurity faced by many: 

• 35% cannot consistently afford essentials like diapers or clothing 
• 66% are unable to pay or borrow for a $400 emergency expense 
• 42% skipped paying a bill in the past month 
• 49% have under $100 in savings 

These figures underscore the urgent need for practical, empathetic financial education that speaks to the realities families face every day. 

Why This Curriculum Works 

EDEN brings deep expertise in working with individuals experiencing homelessness, and that insight informs every aspect of their curriculum. The result is a program that is not only practical, but also sensitive and trauma-informed—designed to meet families where they are, with respect and understanding. 

More than 35 families enrolled across three language-based cohorts—English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole—ensuring accessibility for a diverse community of parents. 

A Week-by-Week Journey Toward Financial Empowerment 

Each session built on the last, combining interactive workshops with one-on-one financial coaching to help participants personalize their learning: 

Week 1: Financial Personality & Healthy Habits 
Parents explored their relationships with money and how to build healthier financial behaviors. 

Week 2: Budgeting & Cost-Effective Living 
Participants learned how to create realistic budgets, cut unnecessary expenses, and begin reducing debt. 

Week 3: Saving, Side Hustles & Identity Protection 
Strategies for saving, earning additional income, and protecting against scams and predatory lending were key topics. 

Week 4: Tax Filing & Future Planning 
The final week focused on preparing for tax season, setting long-term goals, and saving for future needs like housing deposits. 

Real Skills for Real Change 

By the end of the program, participants gained: 

• A clear household budget 
• A foundation for savings—even on tight incomes 
• Tools to build credit and reduce debt 
• Knowledge to avoid financial scams and predatory loans 
• The confidence to take control of their financial future 

“Our goal isn’t just to teach financial literacy—we want parents to walk away feeling confident, capable, and in control of their financial journey,” said Raysheema Rainey-Brittle, Senior Director of Family Partnerships. “This kind of empowerment is essential to building long-term stability for families.”