COUNTYWIDE : Temporary Homes Sought for Children of Families in Crisis

Volunteers are being sought to provide temporary housing, known as “cool homes,” for children of families undergoing counseling for serious problems.

“It’s a cooling off for both parents and kids,” said Brenda Benedict, crisis services outreach coordinator for Interface, a nonprofit family services group. “If tempers are still high or if kids are afraid to go home, we offer them a safe place to stay.”

Interface now has 10 cool homes and is looking for about 10 more. Interface reimburses families for the children’s expenses during the four- to five-day stay.

Home volunteers are licensed in the same manner as foster families, and undergo a lengthy application process. “We . . . go out and look at the arrangement,” Benedict said.