Downs suggested the idea after seeing the benefit of the East Coast program. Money for Heartland House comes from federal funds, corporate sponsors and private donors. About 170 families are waiting to get in to the home. Families that are accepted must give up some freedoms. Apartments are inspected regularly, and visitors must be cleared in advance.
Residents help keep up the grounds and commons areas.
Drugs and alcohol are prohibited, too. Families may stay up to two years if they follow the rules. While there, they formulate a clear self-sufficiency plan and figure out what they need to do to make it happen.