Coordinated Response: Rapid Re-Housing and Employment. Strategies for Improving Employment Outcomes for Rapid Re-Housing Participants

Transcription

1 Coordinated Response: Rapid Re-Housing and Employment Strategies for Improving Employment Outcomes for Rapid Re-Housing Participants Jackie Edwards, MHS, Service Area Director Emergency and Community Services Of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton 2013 National Conference on Ending Family and Youth Homelessness Seattle, February 21, A century of renewing lives and restoring hope.

2 The Mercer County Community and Rapid Rehousing Joining forces and pooling resources to remain responsive to emerging needs for housing and services Partner Organizations: Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness Mercer County Board of Social Services (MCBOSS) Mercer County, NJ Division of Family Development Provider Organizations: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton MCBOSS Funding Streams: SSH - Social Services to the Homeless allocation to Mercer County NJ Division of Family Development matched County commitment from SSH funds

3 Rapid Rehousing in Mercer County, NJ: A Coordinated System Approach Most effective response for ending homelessness because it replaces a decentralized system which too often adds stress for families dealing with a crisis Systems monitoring is a central part of the coordinated system that helps to resolve problems and achieve outcomes Participants and case managers develop participant articulated goals and needs and identify the supports needed for them to successfully transition back to their community as self-sufficient members Catholic Charities case managers and MCBOSS case managers share information by phone and in face-to-face meetings

4 Catholic Charities Response to Systems Change Operated a transitional housing program for 17 years In 2010, shifted our focus to Rapid Rehousing Applied for and was awarded funding for a rapid rehousing program for families receiving TANF from the Mercer County Department of Human Services (MCDHS), Office of Homeless Services Serves families annually with services that foster self-sufficiency Places families into affordable homes as rapidly as possible, in most cases within thirty (30) days or less from their entry into the program Wraps services around families, in their homes Works with families to identify and connect with natural supports that can provide additional resources and assistance needed to sustain permanent housing and achieve self-sufficiency Implemented a self-sufficiency program, Project Hope, to provide families with opportunities to acquire skills needed to obtain and maintain a job, manage finances, live healthy lifestyles, nurture positive relationships, and develop positive communication styles.

5 Minimal education Limited/low job skills Limited work histories Limited earning potential Poor credit histories Residential instability Limited social supports preventing them from attaining personal independence and financial stability

6 RAPID REHOUSING HOUSING STABILIZATION PLAN BUDGET EMPLOYMENT

7 Work-Related Services and Supports Case Managers Have an employment background Receive training to become knowledgeable of: TANF Benefits Supplemental Work Support Income Disregard WorkFirst Requirements

8 Work-Related Services and Supports Case Management Focuses on employment preferences, skills, and work histories of participants to maximize participants earning potential Incorporates an employment support plan with the Housing Stabilization Plan to maximize participants earning potential and identify hidden skills, talent, and interests Begins immediately following housing placement Has a goal of employment paying above minimum wage Includes: Developing a vocational profile Assistance with resume development Assistance with job search Job coaching

9 Helping participants to improve their earning potential and ability to obtain employment or better employment Career Assessment and Planning introduces participants to career and life planning concepts and teaches them how to apply these essentials to their own lives. Job Readiness training provides critical job readiness skills for those who are seeking employment. Participants gain skills in all areas of the job application process from writing the resume to writing an acceptance letter. Work Ethics and Job Retention enhances participant skills in their present positions for continued successful employment and advancement. Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office - participants learn computer basics and are introduced to Microsoft applications at an introductory or intermediate level. DMV Driver s Education Training to improve access to jobs

10 Career Closet Volunteer Opportunities

11 83 Participants Exited from Services to Permanent Housing 66 Participants Exited from Services without TRA Average income for those with an earned income at exit = $1, Participants Exited from Services while remaining on TRA at time of exit

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