Housing Hope 2/22/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

City of Everett Human Needs Grant January 1 through December 31,2017 Housing Hope Commerce Building Housing and Social Services for Persons with Disabilities EXHIBIT A: Program Summary Program Objective: 1. Provide a permanent home for homeless Everett residents with disabilities. 2. Coordinate appropriate service agency linkages for residents in need of assistance. 3. Enhance and maintain the linked housing continuum for graduates of emergency shelter through local agencies, including Everett Gospel Mission,YWCA,CCS and Compass Mental Health. 4. Provide a stable living environment in downtown Everett that blends constructively with local retail,office and commercial activities in the neighborhood. Program Components and Structure: In 1995, Housing Hope converted a vacant office building in downtown Everett into 48 apartments-to serve29$io'triel�ss and 19 low-income individuals. This building offers permanent, private units to all residents. A site-based Property Manager coordinates the screening of prospective tenants, lease-ups, record keeping, reporting to multiple sources and... neighborhood relations. The Maintenance staff person oversees the daily physical operations of the facility. A Resource Specialist,who is knowledgeable in community human service resources and skilled in establishing rapport with this tenant population, assesses for individual need and refers to community resources when assistance is indicated. An Education and Employment Specialist is available to assist residents with employment activities such as job search, resume development and computer skills. The primary role of the Resource Specialist is to establish a trusting relationship with each resident and to leverage that relationship to help the resident access the supports, resources and services they need to successfully maintain their housing. Services range from a daily"check in,"to referrals for basic needs, coordination with other service providers (DSHS,Compass Health, etc.), life skill development(housekeeping,time management, money management, etc.)and crisis intervention. Residents experiencing difficulties associated with lease or rules compliance are supported to learn new skills and to develop new habits; residents are provided the opportunity to become lease compliant and thus sustain their permanent housing. The Resource Specialist also assists in training and support for tenant leaders who are recruited to provide leadership in the building and helps residents facilitate monthly resident council meetings,community social activities and group events. Target Population: The Commerce Building project targets homeless and low-income adults with special needs that include mental illness, developmental disabilities,substance abuse and needs related to chronic health conditions. Residents of the 29 SRO units must be homeless upon program entry. The remaining 19 units are designated for income-eligible persons regardless of housing status. How and When Service Will Be Provided: A Resource Specialist is available on-site 5 days per week to assist residents with a variety of needs,working frequently with outside agencies to provide residents with necessary healthcare,Veteran's assistance, disability services, counseling, chemical dependency treatment and employment assistance. Additionally,the Specialist assists with basic needs,such as obtaining furniture,clothing and food. The Specialist works with clients on an as-needed basis,aiming to connect with every Commerce Building resident multiple times throughout the month.