Home Connections A housing first program operated by

Home Connections A housing first program operated by St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore Kathleen Spain, Director Beans & Bread Center

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore l Mission – l To help people who are suffering from the effects of poverty meet their basic human needs and achieve a better future for themselves and their family. Operates 15 programs throughout Baltimore City and County

Beans & Bread Center l Beans & Bread- comprehensive day resource center (1977) l Frederick Ozanam House- transitional housing program for 20 men (1998) l Home Connections- scattered site housing first program for 28 people (2006)

Home Connections: Staffing structure Director, Beans & Bread. 33 FTE ~ 6 : 1 ratio Assistant Director Home Connections 1. 0 FTE Case Manager II 1. 0 FTE Case Manager I 1. 0 FTE Client Advocate 1. 0 FTE (Ameri. Corp) Peer Advocate. 40 FTE

Home Connections: Program structure ree me ag gre l. A Sta c tra nd on t. C ard en lea em se nta Re nt Landlord t Participant Program Participant Agreement

Home Connections: Program component l Participant Agreement – – – l Partnerships – – l Allow staff into unit at least once/week No long-term guests/drug trafficking Agency as rep payee Community mental health center Substance abuse treatment Socialization – – Monthly meetings Free events

Home Connections: Participant recruitment l Intake – – l Enrollment – – l Screen for eligibility (chronically homeless) Check for documentation Discuss program expectations Set-up client chart Assessment – – In-depth needs assessment Tour apartments

Home Connections: Program goals l Obtain and remain in permanent housing – – l 90% of participant who successfully complete an intake and needs assessment will move into permanent housing within 30 days from completion of assessment 90% of participants who successfully obtain housing will remain in permanent housing after 12 months Increase skills and income – 50% of participants who are placed in permanent housing will increase their skills and/or income either through enrollment in an education or vocational training program, employment or securing mainstream benefits

Home Connections: Program goals- cont’d l Achieve greater self-determination – – – 50% of participants with a history of substance abuse will enter a community-based recovery program such as Narcotics Anonymous within six months of placement 50% of participants with a history of mental health issues will resume treatment within six months of placement 50% of participants who are unemployed will commit to a regular community service position within six months of placement

Home Connections: Client Demographics

Home Connections: Client demographics

Home Connections: Client demographics

Home Connections: Client demographics Income Type

Home Connections: Client demographics Education

Home Connections: Client demographics Health Insurance

Home Connections: Residential component l Landlord recruitment – – l Utilities – – l 4 landlords, 9 different zip codes Rental Assistance Payments (RAP) Contract 6 units include utilities Addressing back debt, rising expenses Furnishings – – Hotel furniture liquidator “Extreme Makeover” donation flier

Home Connections: Financial component l Program funding – l Client assistance – l HUD (67%), CFAP (27%), Private (7%) Slush fund Client contributions – – Budgeting Personalizing apartment

Home Connections: Program highlights l l l 7 clients participate in relapse prevention services 6 participants are receiving mental health services 5 are volunteering on a regular basis l l l All 28 reside in original unit Only 2 continue to use ER as primary care provider All 12 who entered without income now have something

Home Connections: Lessons learned l Staff – – l Participants – – l Boundary issues Safety Extended guests “Client choice” Apartments – – – On-going repairs Neighborhood activity Telephones

Home Connections: Commonly used resources l l Internet Corporation for Supportive Housing Local housing authority NAEH – – Housing first list serve Annual conference

Home Connections: Contact information Kathleen Spain, Director Beans & Bread Center 402 S. Bond Street Baltimore, MD 21231 410 -732 -1892 [email protected] org