What Is Homeless to Homes?
Volunteers assist with our first move-in day May 17, 2008
Homeless to Homes (H2H) is a pilot program started in 2008 by the Urban Ministry Center to provide chronically homeless men and women the one thing they truly need: a home. By moving people directly from streets to home, H2H offers residents a chance to re-enter life with dignity. Our case manager has ten years experience with dual-diagnosed individuals and her daily supervision assists with moving from survival mode to living mode. Initially when residents first moved in (May 2008-October 2008), H2H assisted with simple living skills: grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, hygiene and apartment cleaning. As residents began to “live” again, personal goals were set and our case manager continues works daily with benefit coordination, health and wellness appointments and significant life goals (such as sobriety, employment, education).
Homeless to Homes Pilot Results: (Since May 2008)
- Housed 14 individuals (4 women and 10 men) directly from streets to home
- 86% have remained housed since May 2008
- One has secured full-time employment
- Two are applying for a job-training program
- One has completed the Jacob’s Ladder
- Three are attending classes at CPCC, one is pursuing studies towards his GED
- One has completed a nine-month treatment program
- Two have completed 28-day drug treatment programs
- Three have been placed with faith-based mentors
- Eight are receiving medical treatment for life-threatening or chronic illnesses
- Six are being assisted with mental health treatment
- Five are being assisted with dental care, one for the first time in their life
- Seven have received glasses or more extensive eye surgeries/testing
Income has been increased for residents:
- 10 tenants have applied for and 10 have received Food Stamps
- Assisted 8 tenants apply for and 7 have received Medicaid (one pending)
- One has obtained Medicare (4 pending)
- Assisted 7 tenants apply for SSI/SSA Disability Income (4 awarded, 3 pending)