Continuum of Care—Homeless Services

Homeless Services Program

This program started in 2008 and was designed to provide services that would be otherwise unavailable to the homeless population. It ideally works to fill the “gaps” in homeless services. In order to prevent any duplication of services provided, individuals and families are only eligible for services that are directly referred from another agency or organization within our Continuum of Care and geographical area that provides direct client services to the homeless population. The types of services provided are directly dependent on what services are referred and on the direction of the Leadership Committee of the Continuum of Care. However, types of assistance such as rent, security deposits, utility bills, fines, and medical bills are exempt from referral. The funding for this program cannot be used for those items, but there are few other restrictions as long as the services are directed at eliminating barriers to overcoming and exiting homelessness.

If a case manager or service representative from an agency or organization is assisting a homeless individual or family to achieve self-sufficiency and there is a service that the agency or organization is unable to provide, that service is usually referred to an agency that provides the service. If a service is not offered anywhere within the Continuum, or a service is temporarily unavailable due to the exhaustion of funding sources, that service can then be referred to the Homeless Service Program. The referral form can be obtained by service providers simply by contacting the Continuum Staff.

4th Week Program

This program was formed out of a concept that was developed during the authoring of the Continuum of Care’s 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness. The “4th Week Phenomenon” represents monthly population shifts by as many as 200 individuals who live in the inexpensive hotels and motels in the area until their monthly benefit funds run out. They then move into shelters or live on the streets for the fourth week of the month or until the money becomes available again on the first of the month. They then move back into the hotels and motels for as long as the money lasts.

If a case manager or service representative from a service provider encounters an individual or family that fits the description of the “4th Week Phenomenon”, they can refer that individual to the 4th Week Program. This program is organized much like the Homeless Services program and the Continuum Staff act as the case managers for the 4th Week clients.

Once admitted into the program, a client will attend two scheduled case management sessions per month for six months. During these sessions, they work with the case manager to assess their self-sufficiency in key areas including health, income, employment, education, etc. They then create and set attainable goals centered on increasing their self-sufficiency in each of those areas. Where applicable, the clients are referred to other agencies and organizations for services to assist them with the completion of their goals. Once per month over the six-month time frame, the program will pay for one week’s hotel or motel expenses. The payment is made directly to the hotel/motel on the condition that they are willing to accept payment and that the client is on good terms with the business. The goal set for completion of the six month program is for the individuals or families to attain stable housing and be well-connected with available resources in the area.