USICH on UserVoice

HousingCorps [updated]

2012-03-26T13:42:47-07:00

HousingCorps- It’s like AmeriCorps but instead it’s a housing program (it wouldn’t work for all sub categories of homeless youth but has potential to house more homeless populations). Take all the aspects of building a housing complex and employ homeless (priority status)/at risk of homeless/economically disadvantaged youth in the planning and construction (example 50% of the positions needed to build the complex would be filled by HousingCorps Volunteers from construction to hiring to ordering etc) of a subsidized housing complex. Participants could earn a stipend and/or be housed through the construction, upon completion they would live in the complex at some decided upon rate; they could also be a part of a governing board of the complex during building and through tenancy; The completed complex (federally owned) would allow for tenancy of other homeless populations employing the “Housing First Model”. Really successful corps could take their success to other communities. Maybe some cable network (HGTV, MTV, History) could pick it up as a reality TV series and then it could get some funding through corporate sponsorship (Home Depot), which in turn could possibly be written off as a “donation”.

Richard Currie said:

Housing Corp for Veterans, would be good fit as well. Many vets may have skills that youth otherwise may not have such as plumbing, carpentry, painting etc..These Veterans would be very proud to "earn their keep" so to speak by giving thier sevices to provide housing not only for themselves but for others in the community. The Youth who are homeless will have the guidance and support of the vets along the way.

Housing First. Stop requirements that mandate veterans to be sober prior to allowing them housing. [updated]

2011-11-26T15:00:47-08:00

Many homeless veterans have addiction disorders and/or mental illness, which can be directly attributed to traumas during their service to our county. The words "homeless veteran" should simply not exist in our wealthy society.

MarinePSU said:

I am a Iraq Vet who was also diagnosed and treated for PTSD in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. The PTSD residential treatment program at the Coatesville VAMC was phenomenal. However, I decided to transfer to a domiciliary program in order to ease the transition back to my professional life (engineer). The "dom" has now changed to the "Housing First" model, which sounds great on paper. Vets do need housing and employment to get back to some semblance of a meaningful life. However, if the root mental-health issues are not addressed via a thorough and tapered aftercare program, then the cycle will continue, often resulting in deaths, not just homelessness. I know...I have looped twice through anxiety/depression from PTSD; alcohol abuse to self medicate; treatment; get a job/apartment; then crash and burn again. I have even lost two OEF/OIF friends this year due to this cycle. My original plan of a gradual (appx. 6 mo) transition (which was working!) now has been expedited to 45 days, saving 90% of my part-time income (unrealistic due to delinquent bills), and being potentially forced-out of my current bed at the VA if I apply to other VA programs vice get a room in the local area where no job market exists. My opinion is that this will look great on the monthly reports to the higher-ups that vets are getting rooms, but to what expense if we can't pay the rent due to a relapse/recurrence of symptoms???? The VA needs to pause to reevaluate whether their motto of "Veterans First" is really truth in advertising.

We must ensure that the funding can be used for case management. [updated]

2011-10-24T11:18:33-07:00

Case management is proven to assist individuals and families stay in thier home longer. In order to keep people housed, we must support them with skilled paid staff.

6823k said:

As a graduate student myself, I have been doing research on the HUD-VASH program. Other homeless programs have modeled themselves after this program because it has proven to be very effective. And, yes, these vouchers are costly and staff is limited. So, if the concern is over funding, then why hasn't the idea of prioritization been implemented?

Housing First. Stop requirements that mandate veterans to be sober prior to allowing them housing. [updated]

2011-10-24T11:08:22-07:00

6823k said:

In CA, vet clients are not required to maintain sobriety to be eligible for vouchers. The reason for this is because it violates the Housing First approach. Given that this model has proven to be an effective measure in the fight to end homelessness, veteran clients are not mandated to quite their addictions to be considered a candidate for housing vouchers. However, they do have to be willing to engage with a SUD Specialist and be actively involved with a case manager so that improvements continue.

Increase the amount of HUD VASH vouchers, expedite homeless veteran disability claims -case manage! [updated]

2011-10-24T10:51:58-07:00

I work with over 500 homeless and formerly homeless veterans, the only program that has worked where veterans do not come back through a transitional or supported housing module is permanent housing achieved through HUD VASH. Tackling homelessness by putting someone in a 90 day program is a round about way to achieve permanent housing. Get the veteran in their own apt, do a bio, psyho, social, and attach appropriate supportive services. Many veterans that do not know about their military benefits would easily qualify for HUD VASH with a service connected, or non-service connected pension, but with a very slow processing system, many veterans miss the opportunity and spend more time bouncing from shelters and programs, than being able to take the necessary time to work on psychological, social, and medical problems. While this concept certainly does not stimulate the economy through tax payer money, and takes from that same system, we have an obligation as former veterans, and humanitarians to take care of those who have answered Mother Liberty's call to bear arms and protect our nation. Taking care of our military does not end when they decide to get out, in fact many returning veterans from combat are more vunerable and truly need America's assistance, and not in the form of line ups for an emergency shelter!

6823k said:

To get more done, hire more competent people who are interested in good pay & benefits. How about looking into bringing in more graduate intern students?

rehabing the boarded up houses and buildings for homeless families. We have houses we can use! [updated]

2011-09-10T17:34:15-07:00

These houses and buildings sit for years-vacant and deteriorating, why not give families the option-like Habitat- to rehab the houses themselves, with the materials being supplied by grants and the county or state funds. We could rebuild the hope of the family while protecting the family unit and providing permanent housing for them too. There is no place like home and many of our children have never had the privilege of living in a home of their own. The housing system is often cut throat and inconsiderate of some of their tenants, especially those with challenges who need the support of a case manager to keep and maintain their homes. Not everyone knows how to keep house or maintain their home but everyone needs a place to call home!

Theresa Hill said:

How can I get these boarded up houses in New Jersey. I see so many in atlantic county and want to know how to get them to rehab them for low income families

Case mgt must be holistc (covering all areas of life) & Collaborative (Coordinating all providers) [updated]

2011-09-05T18:35:51-07:00

We need to address the whole person, and provide the tools for all providers to be singing-off-the-same-sheet-of-music. This will require incorporating funding to support holistic & collaborative methodologies, web based tools (expand HMIS), and effective policy, that can overcome current & ineffective service fragmentation.

Anonymous said:

I know this idea is BS. Nobody cares about ongoing treatment of the whole. And until somthing is done to reform the US health care services- nothing willchange. People will continue to hospital hop and get whatever meds they need. Nevermind tha tmost people believe that treating the whole is not the anser. But continued medication. If it's ineffecient then the blame is placed on the US voters. We need to stand more strongly.

Lease or buy motels instead of providing motel vouchers [updated]

2011-09-05T08:09:20-07:00

Jody said:

My husband and I have three motels and one of which is specifically for homeless.... I would love to help in this plight as it is very close to our hearts.

Advocacy by and for homeless people at all levels of policy making. "Nothing About Us Without Us. " [updated]

2011-06-29T18:23:07-07:00

Homeless people of all ages and circumstances have to be included as partners in design and implementation of strategies to end homelessness. Evaluation tools for determining success begin and end with surveys, focus groups, leadership and training of homeless people in defining their aspirations. A COUNCIL for all boards, commissions and policies from the federal to the local levels must have a decision making process for problem solving. This includes out reach, counseling, reverse panels for education and awareness, fund raising, strategies for leadership must include child care, transportation, stipends, welcoming homeless people from the youngest members of the community to elders.

kim said:

hello due to a accident i found myself homeless with a child. I reached out to her school and they led me into the HPRP program which i was granted, however my aid is ending and back to the streets we go. I thought there was suppose to be some sort of counseling or guidance to prevent us from returning. I enrolled in school and Ive taken the steps I need to be a productive member of society" As a nurse " I just do not know if we will make it this time my daughter is 14 and many attempts were made to steal her youth. I need help I am on the waiting list for section 8 and I have tried to get help. no one as responded. I am in San Diego . I am grateful for the program however I might be worse off by the end. I have to decide if I want to be under a roof or the streets. For 2 months while the eviction process is going on. please help

Faith Support Circle model to house homeless families- Raleigh NC. -USICH HomeForEveryAmericanAward [updated]

2011-04-08T11:27:19-07:00

www.raleighnc.gov/endinghomelessness This model allows 6-10 volunteers from local congregations to support a homeless family with children for one year as they move into housing and regain stability in their lives. See the web site and the "what's up / Fact Sheets" word document which has a one page fact sheet about this program.

Anonymous said:

I am currently in the UNC Horizon's program in Chapel hill and I'm interested in getting help from support circle's after I complete the program. What do I ned to do to get involved. I am a single mother of a 4 year old son and will be graduating the program in about 3 months. Please help!

We must ensure that the funding can be used for case management. [updated]

2011-02-08T15:17:01-08:00

Case management is proven to assist individuals and families stay in thier home longer. In order to keep people housed, we must support them with skilled paid staff.

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