volunteer
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about us
"AFC is a wonderful program and has truly helped me at the lowest time in my life."
working hand-in-hand
At the Anacortes Family Center (AFC), we do far more than provide a temporary roof over someone’s head. We offer emergency and transitional shelter alongside comprehensive, wrap-around support services to women and families with children experiencing homelessness.
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Our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by empowering families to heal, achieve financial independence, and transition into permanent, stable housing.
What we do: beyond the shelter
When a family arrives at AFC, we surround them with a trauma-informed, high-accountability framework designed to help them navigate crisis and build a foundation for self-sufficiency.
​1. Family-Centered Emergency Shelter (60–90 Days)
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Keeping Families Together: Unlike traditional shelter programs, AFC never separates children over the age of 12 from their parent(s). We believe families heal best when they stay together as a unit.
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Trauma-Informed Environment: Safe, compassionate living spaces tailored to help adults and children recover from hardship and domestic violence.​
2. Comprehensive Wrap-Around Support
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Personalized Case Management: Every family works with a dedicated case manager on individualized goal-setting, accountability, treatment referrals, and connections to community resources.
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Rapid Employment Readiness: Clients are paired with a career mentor within 48 hours of arrival. Through resume building, interview coaching, and partnerships with over 20 local employer partners, we fast-track parents into stable employment.
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Mental Healthcare: Licensed local therapists partner with AFC to provide specialized counseling for both adults and children.
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Education & Life Skills: Weekly classes cover budgeting, financial literacy, parenting after trauma, and tenant rights. Children participate in parallel, age-appropriate programs.
3. Other Programs and Services to Complete AFC's Continuum of Care
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Transition Shelter: Families needing extended support may move into the Family Transformation Center, AFC’s transitional housing program. Rent is collected based on income and placed into escrow, which is returned upon graduation to help secure permanent housing.
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Affordable Housing: AFC's commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty across generations is reflected in our affordable housing units. We offer both apartments and single-family homes.
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Youth Services: AFC integrates youth services into its programming, including educational support, enrichment activities, and connections to age-appropriate community resources that promote healthy development and stability.
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Affordable Housing
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Outreach: Beyond serving families enrolled in our programs, AFC provides outreach throughout Anacortes to individuals experiencing homelessness. We distribute essential supplies, offer referrals, and connect people with resources that often become the first step toward safety and stability.
who we serve & the challenges they face
AFC serves roughly 400 community members annually across all programs. In our shelter, we serve women and families with children.
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Demographic | Percentage | Context |
|---|---|---|
Experiencing Homelessness | 100% | Nearly one-third are considered chronically homeless upon arrival. |
Number of Children | >50% | Over half of our clients are children under the age of 18. |
Multiple Barriers | 100% | Navigating physical disabilities, mental health challenges, or more. |
Domestic Violence | ~75% | Fleeing unsafe environments to seek safety and stability for their children. |
our impact and results
Despite the complex challenges our families face, AFC’s high-accountability model produces industry-leading outcomes.
75% – 90% Success Rate
Between 75% and 90% of AFC clients graduate successfully, meaning they leave our program capable of supporting themselves and maintaining permanent housing. This outcome represents one of the highest success rates in Washington State.​
A Lasting Community Impact
Our work doesn't end when a family moves into permanent housing. Our former clients remain vital, active members of our local community:
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Workplace Leaders: Many work in local businesses across Anacortes.
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Local Families: Their children attend and graduate from our local schools alongside your kids.
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Homeowners: Several former AFC clients have achieved the ultimate milestone of purchasing their own homes right here in the community.
small-but-mighty
We operate with a small-but-mighty team so we can devote most of the funds we raise to the well-being of those we serve. Our trained staff – each one passionate about our mission and dedicated to working seamlessly together – is supplemented by hundreds of community volunteers who help in a variety of ways. We are also fortunate to receive incredible financial support from residents in our area who are kind and committed to working with us. Why not join them?