Supportive Housing Program
Problems/Needs for which Services are Provided:
Friendship Apartments will provide both permanent housing to individuals who are homeless and disabled and transitional housing to individuals and families who are homeless.
The facility consists of 8 permanent one-bedroom apartments, 6 one-bedroom and 2 two or three-bedroom apartments for transitional residents.
Criteria for Admission
- must be homeless
- must be willing to receive services
- must be at least 18 years of age
Homeless individuals and families are defined as:
- an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and
- an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is
- a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;
- an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
- a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
Length of Stay
Transitional housing residents will be allowed to stay up to 24 months as long as they are enrolled in services and comply with their housing contract. In addition to regular supportive services, case management, and skill building, residents will be encouraged to their maximum ability to increase their income and therefore their self-sufficiency by obtaining employable skills or in developing a self-employment opportunity. These opportunities will be provided on-site and residents will be encouraged to take advantage of them. Once residents are stabilized and have a steady income, residents will be encouraged to participate in an Individual/Family Development Account program which allows residents to save money.
Supportive Services
Effective supportive services geared toward the needs of residents who are homeless are key to helping achieve self-sufficiency. All residents will actively work with their case manager in determining goals and outcomes. A range of services to assist individuals and families in their ability to maintain essential life skills and housing, thereby preventing further episodes of homelessness. Services available include but, are not limited to; case management, outreach, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, behavioral health, job training and placement. Additional referrals commonly include the Division of Family Services for food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, general relief and application for disability benefits if those are not already in place.
Referral
Referrals may come from any source. An agency, church or yourself may be the referral source.