Human Services Department Still Housing Dozens

Rockford, Illinois- The Folk family home on 14th Street can be added to the growing number of houses being condemned. Kathy Folk and her son Brandon are trying to make the most out of their first night living in a hotel room. "Were here trying to go swimming and having a fun time right now after enduring all this suffering that we`ve been through," says Folk. "Firemen came and got us on a boat and took us to a bus and took us to some school," says Brandon. Their room is provided by Rockfords Human Services Department. At last count there were 30 households being put up in temporary housing. Executive Director George Davis says FEMA money has run out, so a state homelessness prevention program is funding the hotel stays. "The state has really given us some flexibility to use these funds for people that need temporary stays," says Davis. Davis says families like the Folks have as much time as they need to find housing. But to get people out of hotel rooms, short term apartment leases will be given to some people. "We know virtually every land lord in town that is willing to work with public funds," says Davis. But the Folks are focusing on getting their lives back on track. "It will be a start to a new beginning," says Folk. "I hope I can find a new place to live." The Human Services Department says it may be months before some families can move back into condemned homes.