Articles for the Topic "HRC Feature Articles"

Using Health Reform to Prevent and End Homelessness: An Interview with Richard Frank

2011-01-27T05:47:30

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) interviews Richard Frank, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services. Secretary Frank discusses how health reform will offer new resources and opportunities to help end homelessness.

Peer-Run Supportive Housing for Families

2011-01-27T05:46:25

What does supportive housing for families look like? Housing Options Made Easy, Inc., a consumer-run supportive housing program in Western New York shares their approach with the HRC. HOME’s peer providers know what it is like to be a parent in recovery from mental illness. They help residents in recovery build on the positive aspects of family life and anticipate some of the pitfalls.

Report from Barcelona: Fostering Social Inclusion to End Homelessness

2011-01-27T05:45:19

How do different European cities address homelessness? This article provides a snapshot from Barcelona, Spain. The city of three million has been strongly impacted by the global economic recession and rising numbers of foreclosures. To address homelessness, the city has increased staffing and resources for homeless programs. The city has also launched a social inclusion initiative that is a collaboration between the city government, non-governmental organizations, and charities.

Wilson Commencement Park: Housing and Support for Families

2010-08-02T03:29:50

Wilson Commencement Park provides safe and stable transitional housing to families experiencing homelessness. In addition to two years of affordable housing, residents thrive in achieving stability and self-sufficiency through services that are provided and the intangible benefits of a strong community, a safe living environment, and a stable place to call home.

Reaching Out: Connecting with Resident Service Coordinators and Landlords

2010-08-02T03:27:26

Resident Service Coordinators (RSC) play an important role in supporting housing residents and connecting them with the community. They also facilitate property management by serving as point of contact between property managers and residents. Bobbi Jo Evans discusses this important role and how her personal experiences serving as a RSC have helped to inform her work as a Housing Specialist.

Family Homelessness: Summertime Struggles

2010-08-02T03:26:24

Summer months often lead to a surge in the number of families and children experiencing homelessness. The reasons for this surge vary but in every community, homeless service systems feel the burden as shelters reach capacity and budgets are tight.

A Voice for LGBTQI2-S Youth at The Night Ministry

2010-08-02T03:25:22

Culturally competent care for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S) and homeless is critical. Yet, in many communities, it is difficult to find. This is the perspective of one provider working with LGBTQI2-S youth who arrive at Chicago’s The Night Ministry. Candace Nordahl helps youth to feel accepted, often for the first time.

Q&A with Katy Hanlon: Photovoice and Recovery

2010-07-19T05:19:36

Katy Hanlon of the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Technical Assistance Center discusses her experience with Photovoice. It is a program designed to empower people in recovery from mental disorders using the arts, offered at the Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. The HRC’s Alexander Steacy chats with Katy Hanlon to learn more her participation as a student and course assistant during a recent Boston University Photovoice course.

A Journey Toward Healing: Marty Fleetwood on Teaching Yoga

2010-07-19T05:18:52

Martha Fleetwood is the Executive Director of Homebase, Inc. She also leads a yoga class for people experiencing homelessness and co-occurring disorders. Marty teaches “Yoga for You” classes in Berkeley, California. Classes are free and designed as a journey towards healing. HRC writer, Wendy Grace Evans, talks to Marty about how these yoga classes help promote healing and social connectedness.

A Wellness Program to Help Women in Recovery

2010-07-19T05:18:19

Molly Hastings runs the wellness program for women at Amethyst Inc. Amethyst is a leader in long-term, gender-competent addiction and trauma treatment for homeless women and their families in Central Ohio. Amethyst was founded by a group of women in recovery who wanted to create a safe place for women and children to recover. Molly’s own experiences in recovery inform her holistic approach to helping women as they heal from homelessness, substance use, and traumatic lived experiences.

The Impact of SAMHSA’s COSIG Funding: Systems Integration in Maine

2010-07-19T05:17:14

In the state of Maine, a Co-Occurring State Incentive Grant (COSIG) from SAMHSA funds systems integration to improve treatment for persons with co-occurring substance-related and mental disorders. The HRC talks with Catherine Chichester, Executive Director of the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME) to learn more about the initiative.

Co-Occurring Disorders 101: A Common Language for Better Care

2010-06-18T03:24:20

The treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders is a relatively new and increasingly successful strategy for care. However, the substance use and mental health treatment disciplines do not always speak a common language. Establishing a common language between the two fields is an important step toward improving care for people experiencing co-occurring disorders.

Individual Placements in Supported Employment: Promising Results

2010-06-18T03:15:42

Employment is sometimes overlooked as a priority for people transitioning out of homelessness who are also struggling with mental illness, substance use, and prior criminal histories. But promising results from a study of Central City Concern’s Individual Placements in Supported Employment program show supported employment promotes recovery, housing retention, and self-sufficiency. The two-year retrospective study revealed a 71 percent success rate of employment among participants. Supported Employment is an evidence-based practice.

Reaching Out and Caring for Our Elders: The Hearth Model

2010-06-18T03:21:04

A growing number of older adults are facing homelessness in the US. Homelessness is a wearing and traumatic experience at any age. For the elderly, homelessness magnifies the effects of aging, including physical frailty, chronic disease, mental health issues, and social isolation. Hearth, a Boston-based agency dedicated to ending elder homelessness, has developed a model of outreach, case management, and service-enriched housing tailored to the needs of highly vulnerable elders. The agency has been named a 2009 Social Innovator for its unique approach to serving elders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Walking Side by Side on the Path Towards Supported Employment

2010-07-06T12:45:42

Freda Ceaser is an Employment Specialist with Central City Concern’s Individual Placements in Supportive Employment program. The program has achieved a 71 percent success rate for employing people in meaningful jobs in the last two years. Freda’s role is to build sustainable relationships with employers and people who are seeking employment. She views maintaining and building relationships with people as the most important part of her job. Freda is dedicated to offering a second chance to all people she meets.

Integrating Services, Improving Lives: Evidence Based Practices for Co-Occurring Disorders

2010-07-06T12:44:23

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are interventions proven to help improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance use issues. This includes individuals who are experiencing both mental health and substance use issues, known as co-occurring disorders. However, there has been little time for the development of EBPs specifically designed for clients with co-occurring disorders. By using what works in mental health and substance use treatment, you can improve lives.

A Gift In My Lap

2010-07-06T12:43:10

Sharon Morrison is a nurse working with Health Care for the Homeless who is trained in Motivational Interviewing techniques. She talks with the HRC about the importance of listening and meeting people where they are. She believes in approaching people without judgment in order to provide better health care services. Sharon shares the story of her interactions with one man, illuminating the healing potential offered by clinicians trained in Motivational Interviewing.

What Sustains Me: Reflections of a Leader in Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments

2010-07-06T12:41:26

Fred Osher, M.D. has been a leader in developing integrated treatments for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. When he started practicing psychiatry in the 1970s, there was little understanding of the issues presented by people experiencing co-occurring disorders. He talks with the HRC to share his reflections on the development of integrated treatments.

Walking through the River: Restorative Self-Care for Human Services Workers

2010-06-18T03:26:02

“In our culture we often look at self-care in terms of recreation, distraction, and pleasure.” says Marc Potter, MSW. “I believe that self-care must be of central importance to workers in human services. You cannot walk through other people’s suffering without being affected, anymore than you can walk through a river without getting wet.” Marc Potter speaks with the HRC about a recent training he provided for nurses at a children’s hospital in Utah.

Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America

2010-06-07T11:46:49

The HRC’s Corey Beach reviews Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America, the true story of Michelle Kennedy, a young mother working to support her family while experiencing homelessness. Her story represents the struggle of families across the country that must go to sleep each night without the safety of their own roof over their heads.

Stillness and Self-Care: You Don’t Have to Humor the Clouds

2010-06-07T11:45:43

Dennis Plummer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Homelessness Project in Albuquerque shares his self-care practice of meditation with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans. He emphasizes the importance of a commitment to organizational self-care to avoid burnout. His organization offers staff regular opportunities to take care of themselves.

The Power of Peers: Creating Social Networks for Young Families in Rural Areas

2010-06-07T11:37:54

What is the best way to provide services to young homeless and at-risk families in a rural community? In California’s Antelope Valley, a new initiative has discovered that fostering social networks among young mothers helps build social support, connectedness, and reduces isolation. The Strengthening Young Families program in rural California shares suggestions for encouraging social connectedness between clients.

Simulation Training: Teaching Medicine with a Dose of Empathy

2010-06-07T11:33:41

A collaborative pilot project at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine uses actors and simulation to help medical students learn how to care for people who are experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use. Students practice Motivational Interviewing techniques and de-escalation and safety skills in a controlled environment with actors and experienced medical professionals. Consulting psychiatrist Nils Rosenbaum shares his perspectives on using Motivational Interviewing as a medical professional working on an outreach team.

A Voice for Traumatic Brain Injury

2010-05-25T09:46:17

Craig Sears, a survivor of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), shares his personal experience about what happens when brain injury goes untreated. His story reveals the need for strong supports for survivors of TBI to prevent mental health issues, substance use, desperation, and homelessness.

From Loss to Recovery Through Mindfulness

2010-05-25T09:44:52

“I would hate to have gone through what I went through and not be able to help someone else,” shares Marc Potter. He shares the story of his journey from grief and addiction to recovery and transformation with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans. Marc now teaches self-care and mindfulness to service providers and medical professionals, using guided meditations inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh.

In Their Own Words: Teens Living in Family Shelters

2010-05-25T09:43:59

Not having a permanent place to call home can be a devastating and humiliating experience for a teenager. Teens living in family shelters often cope with a lack of privacy, social stigma, and feelings of shame. Shelter life puts limitations on simple activities, like inviting a friend over after school. HRC’s Rose Clervil recently sat down with three teens to learn more about their lives.

The Art of Recovery

2010-05-25T09:42:36

Matt Van Buren is a participant in the Art of Recovery, a program of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. The Art of Recovery project recognizes the talent of people who live with mental illness and the role that art and other creative outlets can play in the recovery process. Matt shares his reflections on his history with mental illness and substance use and the remarkable role of art in his own recovery.

Ask the Expert: Figuring Out Social Security Benefits After a Traumatic Brain Injury

2010-04-29T12:26:11

Individuals who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often unable to work. Many find themselves at risk of homelessness. Michael Kaplan, a legal advocate for people with TBI, provides advice for how individuals can access social security benefits. This article was contributed by Brainline.org, an HRC partner.

Martha Fleetwood on Sustaining Our Communities and Ourselves

2010-04-29T12:22:54

Martha Fleetwood, Executive Director of HomeBase, has two hopes for the future of homeless services. “I hope that we can continue to invest in solutions, be flexible, adaptable and let people experiment. That is how we got where we are today. It is not because one group had the answer and received all the money. I also hope that people understand that we are going to change the problems in our world by changing ourselves; this has to be reflected in our organizations.” says Martha. In this article, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, collaborations, and lessons learned from over thirty years in the field.

Mary and Kate: The Importance of Relationships For Housing Retention

2010-04-29T12:19:06

Both providers and consumers have the potential for a profound and positive impact on one another’s lives. In honor of National Women’s Health Week, this is the story of Mary and Kate, two women who touched each other’s lives, and their unique, health and wellness-promoting relationship.

Preventing Homelessness for Veterans and their Families: HPRP Funding in Nashville, Tennessee

2010-04-29T12:15:48

Operation Stand Down in Nashville, Tennessee is the leading distributor of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) funds in the state. In Nashville, HPRP money helps prevent homelessness among veterans and their families. JC Smith of Operation Stand Down shares his experiences managing HPRP funding.

Training for Peer Specialists: Housing Options Made Easy’s Approach

2010-04-20T10:09:12

This is the third in a series of articles highlighting Housing Options Made Easy, Inc., a consumer-run supportive housing program in Western New York. Created by a group of consumers, Housing Options Made Easy is one of the largest peer-run agencies in the United States. This article describes Housing Options’ innovative peer specialist training program, offered through the University of Buffalo.

Punk Rock, Poverty, and Policy: Mobilizing Research on Homelessness

2010-04-20T10:07:56

“I see the challenges and opportunities of using research to address solutions to homelessness.” Stephen Gaetz, director of Canada’s Homeless Hub, shares his thoughts on how research can improve homelessness policy. Stephen’s perspective has been shaped by years of advocating for street youth and building partnerships between the university, non-profit, and government sectors.

Breaking Ground for Recovery-Oriented Care: Central City Concern

2010-04-20T10:05:57

“The 12th Avenue Recovery Center will provide recovery-oriented, integrated behavioral health services. It will offer people a journey home, back from isolation and trauma.” says Ed Blackburn, Executive Director of Central City Concern. The agency recently received an $8.9 million Recovery Act grant from the Health and Resources Services Administration (HRSA). The grant will fund construction of the new recovery center.

What Does It Mean to be a Trauma-Informed Clinician?

2010-04-20T10:02:59

What does it mean to be a trauma-informed clinician? Theresa Dubois of Chicago’s Family Rescue shelter shares her thoughts on providing trauma-informed care to survivors of violence. She emphasizes the importance of a collaborative relationship between clinicians and clients to promote healing. Family Rescue offers comprehensive trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic violence.

Supporting All Families

2010-04-05T03:55:45

Ruth, a single mother, shares her story of regaining stability and exiting homelessness with the help of services and supports from Saranam, a transitional housing program in New Mexico. A new article published in the Open Health Services and Policy Journal proposes a three-tier approach to assessing the needs of families experiencing homelessness. In the words of Ruth, “Saranam has given me a second chance.”

Overcoming Challenges to Consumer Integration: Tips from Housing Options Made Easy

2010-04-05T03:32:40

This is the second in a series of articles highlighting Housing Options Made Easy, Inc., a consumer-run supportive housing program in Western New York. Created by a group of consumers, Housing Options Made Easy is one of the largest peer-run agencies in the United States. This article offers suggestions for overcoming some of the common challenges faced by agencies on the path to successful consumer integration.

The Homeless Service Workforce: What We Know and What We Need to Learn

2010-04-05T02:49:44

Homeless service providers are tasked with helping people who are experiencing homelessness resolve complex problems. These providers face challenging work environments, often with little training or support. A new research article, “Building the Capacity of the Homeless Service Workforce,” offers recommendations on ways to understand, support, and develop the workforce.

What Makes an Effective Outreach Worker? Q&A with Doug Becht

2010-04-05T02:26:35

Outreach is a vital bridge to services for people experiencing homelessness. What do we know about best practices for outreach and engagement? Doug Becht shares his thoughts about what makes an effective outreach worker. He is Clinical Services Coordinator at Bronxworks, and has conducted outreach throughout the Bronx, NY.

Smoking Against the Odds

2010-03-22T02:56:55

New research shows that people stay in recovery longer if they quit smoking at the same time that they quit using other substances. The HRC learns more from Gretchen Clark-Hammond, a tobacco cessation educator at Amethyst, Inc. Amethyst is a program for women in recovery that has integrated tobacco into their addictions treatment approach. It has been a tobacco-free program for four years.

Q&A with Diane Nilan: Giving Voice and Visibility to Children and Youth Who Are Homeless

2010-03-22T02:52:42

HEAR US is dedicated to giving voice and visibility to children and youth who are homeless. In October 2009, HEAR US President and Founder Diane Nilan traveled across the country in her RV to learn more about their needs. She filmed interviews with children, youth, and families who were facing homelessness. HRC contributing writer Christina Jordan recently caught up with Diane in Arizona.

How to Connect with Your Client

2010-03-22T02:51:02

“Connecting with clients means giving them the same respect, courtesy, and privacy that you would want if you were in their shoes. Showing you care doesn’t cost anything.” HRC Provider Network member Bobbi Jo Evans shares her thoughts and advice on how to connect with others. She offers practical tips for how to build trust and support clients as they move through the housing process.

Housing Options Made Easy: Peer-Run Supportive Housing for Families

2010-03-22T02:49:37

Housing Options Made Easy (HOME), founded in 1990, provides supportive housing to both rural and urban communities in Western New York. Executive Director, Joe Woodward, and Training Coordinator, Laura Bentley speak about the unique values and support provided by this peer-run organization. Transparency is an essential quality for all staff at HOME and is a critical component of their community culture.

Building Visible Communities

2010-03-08T06:53:19

Michael Maltzan is an architect who has worked with The Skid Row Housing Trust in Los Angeles to design permanent supportive housing. He believes that innovative design will help change the way people think about homelessness. Michael designed the Carver Apartments, which offer 95 units of permanent supportive housing for older, formerly homeless adults with physical disabilities and chronic medical conditions. The design of the Carver Apartments fosters interaction, community, and support.

Recovery and Disclosure: Q&A with Virginia O’Keefe, Founder of Amethyst, Inc.

2010-03-08T06:51:00

Virginia O’Keeffe is a founding member of Amethyst, Inc, a program for women in recovery. Amethyst offers gender-specific, trauma-informed treatment and services. Virginia is open and honest about her own recovery from substance use. She shares that she grew up in a household that could have been “the poster child for the addictive dysfunctional family.” It also became a home that was a place of healing after her father entered recovery. Now, she shares her own recovery story to help change the public face of women in recovery and to combat the stigma associated with addiction.

Overcoming Obstacles to Housing: Working with Consumers and Landlords

2010-03-08T06:49:52

Provider Content Network member Bobbi Jo Evans shares her insights on how to help clients overcome some of the most common obstacles to housing. She gives practical tips on helping consumers to locate and obtain housing.

A Family of Any Kind: Supporting Families and Children Transitioning Beyond Homelessness

2010-03-08T06:45:39

Kelly Brooks shares her thoughts on her work with families as an intensive case manager, and what she has learned about supporting parents at Saranam since the birth of her own daughter. Saranam is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico and provides transitional housing, education, and supportive services to help parents and children transition beyond homelessness.

Community Circles of Support for Veterans’ Families: Strengthening Relationships after Returning From War

2010-02-22T04:00:57

Returning war veterans without strong social support networks may find themselves isolated and at high risk for homelessness. Strong social networks can make the difference between a life in the community or being out on the streets. Community Circles of Support for Veterans’ Families (CCSVF) is an innovative new demonstration project designed to address the needs of veterans and their families. CCSVF includes evidence based clinical interventions to help strengthen relationships among the men and women who serve our nation and their families.

Love Grows Here: Finding Human Connection in a Community Wellness Center

2010-02-22T03:39:49

Loneliness is a common experience for people who are transitioning out of homelessness and are not connected to services and community. They may have difficulty building new relationships. It may be tempting to return to the streets in search of connection and community. “If you have no capacity to build new relationships, you may feel like an imposter in your own home,” says Bret Byfield. He is a volunteer at the Love Grows Here Wellness Center. It is a faith-based program offering human connectivity, access to health care, housing, and community resources.

People Know When We Believe in Them: The Four Principles of Motivational Interviewing

2010-02-22T03:36:37

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered approach to elicit and strengthen motivation to change. It offers providers a means to connect with people through a grounded and purposeful conversation. “In the context of an empathic relationship, we seek to help people tap into their own wisdom and wishes. We try to help people talk themselves into changing, rather than trying to convince them to change,” offers Ken Kraybill, Training and Technical Assistance Specialist for the Homelessness Resource Center.

Digging for Treasure Together: The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

2010-02-22T03:31:26

“One day, I happened to run into David at a construction site. He pulled some things out of his rucksack, including an antique pharmacy glass bottle from the 1800s,” explains Alan Pickett, a Mental Health Outreach Nurse. Out of this small exchange, Alan learned that David had a strong interest in antiques. It was a genuine hobby. The story of Alan and David’s journey exemplifies the spirit of Motivational Interviewing and the remarkable healing that comes from this approach to outreach.

Portraits of Dignity

2010-02-05T02:47:03

Jay Johansen is a portrait artist who has made it his life’s work to express the dignity of human beings he encounters living on the street. For Jay, the artistic process is also about building relationships. “People experiencing homelessness have dignity. Dignity is something I want to encourage and support, not diminish.” He donates a portion of his proceeds to benefit organizations working to end homelessness.

InforUm: A National Dialogue on Housing, Poverty & Homelessness

2010-02-05T02:46:05

Joel John Roberts, publisher and main blogger for InforUm, discusses his thoughts on the power of building a national dialogue about housing, poverty, and homelessness. Joel is also the Executive Director of a Los Angeles-based organization serving people experiencing homelessness in Southern California. He shares his reflections on 13 years of experience in the field.

The Power of One: Sue Vicory and Her Film for Change

2010-02-05T02:43:43

Sue Vicory has created a documentary called “Homelessness and the Power of One.” It’s about power of a single individual to improve the life of another. Through community collaborations, the short ten-minute film has evolved into a powerful fundraising tool, an inspirational outreach tool, and a high school community service program.

The Third Place

2010-02-05T02:41:18

“The third place is where people know you by name. It is where your presence is celebrated and your absence is noted. In this place you have something to give and something to receive,” offers Father Paul Schroeder. The third place is crucial to the process of reintegration. It is where people experiencing and transitioning from homelessness can find meaningful human connections, share gifts, and relate to others. Father Paul Schroeder speaks about CUSINA, a unique program that offers Greek cooking classes to people transitioning out of homelessness.

Q&A with Lori Criss: Helping Women to Heal

2010-02-05T02:40:19

Lori Criss, MSW, LSW, is an advocate for women in recovery as Chief Operating Officer of Amethyst. Amethyst is a leader in long-term, gender-competent addiction and trauma treatment for women who are homeless and their families in Central Ohio. Amethyst was founded by a group of women who were in recovery and wanted to create a safe place for women and children to recover. The HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans chats with Lori Criss to learn more about Amethyst’s gender-specific and trauma-informed services for women in recovery.

A Life-Changing Sign: A Safe Zone for GLBT Youth Brings Hope

2010-01-25T05:19:00

Qamar is a youth counselor for Avenues For Homeless Youth in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He provides support and outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth, as well as heterosexual youth, who are grappling with homelessness and lack of family acceptance. He shares his personal experiences of searching for a home and acceptance of his gender identity with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

“You are Still Standing:” Services in Supportive Housing Supports Recovery at Pine Street Inn

2010-01-25T05:16:10

“Helping people motivate themselves to change is the language we speak,” shares Janice Green. She is a SAMHSA-funded Services in Supportive Housing Case Manager at Pine Street Inn. Pine Street Inn is one of 57 organizations nationwide funded by SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) to provide intensive case management services to people experiencing chronic homelessness. Janice shares how intensive case management and Motivational Interviewing help consumers to transform their lives.

Restoring Hope and a Human Connection Reduces Chronic Homelessness in Portland, Oregon

2010-01-25T05:11:53

Erik Sten, former City Commissioner of Portland, Oregon, helped design the city’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The plan resulted in the reduction of overall street homelessness by 39 percent and chronic homelessness by 70 percent. Erik shares his reflections on Portland’s experience in “A Human Connection,” a report published by Living Cities. He discusses what he learned about the vital importance of hope and human connection. Through hope and connection, communities can come together to end homelessness.

Services in Supportive Housing: The Impact of Intensive Case Management

2010-01-25T05:10:28

Pine Street Inn is one of 57 Services in Supportive Housing (SSH) grantees funded by SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services to provide intensive services to people who experience chronic homelessness. Pine Street Inn in Boston, Massachusetts has used SSH funding to create an innovative case management continuum. This model is designed to assist consumers at various stages of the housing stabilization process.

Q&A with Heather Lyons: Learning from Portland, Oregon’s Ten-Year Planning Process

2010-01-25T05:01:38

Heather Lyons was part of the team that helped create Portland, Oregon’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The city’s Ten-Year Plan is credited with reducing overall street homelessness by 39 percent, and chronic homelessness by 70 percent. She chats with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans to share lessons learned from Portland’s planning process.

Darkness and Royalty: Giving Back With Creativity

2010-01-11T02:23:28

Jennifer Austin has formed a company that creates bracelets and bow ties to symbolize safe and successful transitions out of homelessness. Her company, Show Your Colors by Jennifer, earmarks 12 percent of profits for organizations working to end homelessness in Atlanta, Georgia. Her expressions of creative giving are shaped by her personal journey through homelessness.

Creating a Clear Path: The Connection, Inc.

2010-01-11T02:19:32

Jessica Lazu grew up in foster care. She was nearly homeless by age 22, with a young daughter of her own. A referral to The Connection, Inc.’s supportive housing for families program changed her life. The Connection works with over 500 families per year in Connecticut, providing strengths-based case management and housing for families. Jessica’s story is a testament to the power of relationship building.

The Changing Face of Homelessness: Findings from the 2009 U.S. Conference of Mayors Report on Hunger and Homelessness

2010-01-11T11:03:35

A new report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors reveals that while more chronically homeless individuals are finding permanent housing, family homelessness is on the rise. This article examines these and other findings of the 2009 “Hunger and Homelessness Survey: A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities.” HRC’s Laura Winn shares an overview of the report.

WANTED: Genuinely Nice People Who Care About Youth

2010-01-11T02:14:49

Among youth who are homeless, roughly 20% identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT). These youth are at a disproportionately high risk of physical assault, sexual exploitation, suicide, and substance use. The GLBT Host Home is a grassroots program in Minnesota. The program recruits, screens, trains, and supports adults to be host families for GLBT youth in need of safe and stable housing.

The Road Back: Q&A with Nancy Curci, Occupational Therapist

2010-01-11T02:11:09

Occupational therapists play an important role in helping people develop skills for daily living. Nancy Curci is a psychiatric occupational therapist. She has dedicated her practice to helping people experiencing homelessness and mental illness. She talks with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans about her approach as an occupational therapist and member of a multidisciplinary team.

Fragile Lives: Homeless Service Providers Coping with Loss

2009-12-22T01:10:38

At Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day events across the country, we remember lives lost to homelessness. People who are homeless are highly vulnerable, with premature mortality rates far higher than the housed population. How do homeless service providers cope with the loss and grief that is inherent in this work? Two providers share their experiences of loss and grief with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

Opening The Door: A Community Remembers

2009-12-22T01:02:35

On December 10, 2009, people gathered together in Albuquerque, New Mexico to hold a Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil. Across the country, communities hold Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigils to honor the lives of those who died while homeless. In Albuquerque, people walked single file through the city to gather together and share in songs, poetry, and memories. The HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans shares her experience of the vigil.

Q&A: Ken Kraybill on Self-Care

2007-10-03T09:30:15

Ken Kraybill is a Training Specialist with the Homelessness Resource Center, and a recognized national expert on self-care. He writes, trains, and lectures on self-care, outreach, Motivational Interviewing, health and homelessness, and facilitates staff retreats.

Parenting, Child Development, and Home Visiting: A Promising New Model

2009-12-10T03:53:39

How can we best serve the needs of homeless or at-risk young mothers and their children? Preliminary evaluation findings from the Strengthening At-Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children Initiative show the promise of home visiting and other interventions. Funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Initiative is being piloted in four sites across the nation to identify best practices for improving housing, health, and child development for homeless and at-risk young families.

Jessica’s Closet: A Legacy of Giving

2009-12-10T03:49:21

Providing access to relevant and stylish clothing for youth experiencing homelessness is no small matter. In Medford, Oregon, Sharilyn and Christina Cano honor their daughter and sister Jessica’s legacy of concern for youth who are homeless. In partnership with the Maslow Project, they have created Jessica’s Closet to offer up-to-date clothing for young people in need and to carry on Jessica’s mission of care and concern for young people.

Community Voice Mail: A Free Lifeline

2009-11-09T02:39:01

“Community Voice Mail is not just a telephone number, it is a person’s lifeline. It provides a reliable and free phone number to help a person connect with jobs, housing, and health care. It keeps people connected,” explains Amanda Clearwater. Community Voice Mail is a national organization that is helping people who are homeless and in transition connect with housing and employment, and to achieve stability.

Time to Stop the Hatred: Ten Years Later

2009-12-10T03:46:21

Living on the streets means living with a fundamental lack of personal security. People who are homeless are highly vulnerable to being victims of violent crimes. They face the highest rates of criminal victimization of any group of people in the United States. The National Coalition for the Homeless documents these crimes in their annual report, “Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA.”

The Connection Inc.: Supporting Systems Integration and Reunifying Families

2009-12-10T03:41:54

The state of Connecticut is a leader in systems integration, bringing together housing and supportive services to promote child welfare and family reunification. Working alongside state agencies, The Connection, Inc. provides intensive case management and housing support to over 500 families across the state. Betsy Cronin, Program Director, shares The Connection’s model of success for providing a stable platform for families to reunify and grow stronger, together.

Q&A With Carole Norris-Shortle, PACT Therapeutic Nursery

2009-12-10T03:17:24

Carole Norris-Shortle works to foster attachment between young children and their parents who are experiencing homelessness. She is a mental health consultant at the PACT Therapeutic Nursery in Baltimore, Maryland. She chats with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans to discuss her strategies for helping parents become their child’s best teacher.

Shaking Hands With Veterans

2009-07-30T03:35:39

Mike Kabisch, Intensive Case Manager and Veteran Specialist with Project REACH in Seattle, speaks from the heart about his work in meeting veterans where they are. In the United States, roughly one third of men who are homeless are veterans. Sixty-seven percent served their country for three or more years. Kabisch works closely with 12 veterans and believes that he provides an important human connection. “It doesn’t take an extraordinary person to do this work. A little bit of kindness and respect goes a long way,” says Mike.

Back On My Feet: Running For Change

2009-11-23T03:31:40

Back On My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes self-sufficiency, confidence, strength, and self-esteem. They do this through a community-supported running club program for people experiencing homelessness. Back On My Feet operates eleven running clubs in Philadelphia and Baltimore in partnership with shelters in both cities. James Singletary is one member of this program. He has benefited from the group support, the discipline of running, and the shared experience of learning what it means to be on a team.

The Edwin Gould Academy: Building Support Networks for Youth Leaving Foster Care and Juvenile Justice

2009-11-23T01:22:59

The Edwin Gould Academy in New York serves youth who age out of the foster care system or exit the juvenile justice system. Without family support or a safety net, these youth are at high risk for homelessness, substance use, and other problems. Jim Golden, Edwin Gould Academy’s Executive Director, discusses the network of community partnerships that support these youth.

Becoming Their Baby’s Best Teacher: Therapeutic Interventions For Parents and Children

2009-11-23T01:18:34

What therapeutic interventions can help promote positive parent-child interactions? The PACT Therapeutic Nursery in Baltimore, Maryland has developed an attachment-based therapeutic child-care program for very young children and parents living in emergency shelters. Programs use a strengths-based approach to promote improved social, emotional, and cognitive development for children and parents who have suffered the trauma of homelessness.

Prepared for Flu Season: An H1N1 Emergency Response Model

2009-11-23T03:30:21

The Fourth Street Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah has created an innovative model to respond to the spread of H1N1 influenza. People who are homeless are extremely vulnerable to the flu and other respiratory infections. Jennifer Hyvonen, Co-Director of Development and Communications, speaks with the HRC about the model. They have set up an alternative care site to diagnose, isolate, and treat people who are homeless with H1N1 influenza.

Blogging for Change: Q&A with Shannon Moriarty of Change.org

2009-11-23T03:29:29

Shannon Moriarty is the editor and lead blogger for the End Homelessness blog at Change.org. The HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans talks with Shannon about how blogging helps fight damaging stereotypes of people who are homeless. Blogging also raises awareness and connects people. Shannon shares tips for homeless service providers interested in creating a blog.

Pinch a Penny or Two

2008-06-24T01:04:18

Saving some green on a human services salary

The Secret to Success

2008-07-21T04:53:18

The challenges to accessing benefits and entitlements are nothing new for most homeless providers and those they serve. Central City Concern (CCC) in Portland, Oregon decided to take some steps to address this. This article highlights CCC’s collaborative partnership and commitment to improving the application process and outcomes for the people they serve. (Authors)

Striking the Balance

2008-07-21T04:46:15

Late night study sessions. Lecture halls. Blue books. If you have gone back to school or are considering going back, here are some tips for balancing work and school, and trying to have a life in the meanwhile. (Author)

Trauma-Aware to Trauma-Informed

2008-08-21T01:21:30

As a provider, chances are you encounter people every day who have witnessed or endured traumatic events. This program profile describes how one housing program made the decision to learn about traumatic stress, its impact, and strategies for developing trauma-informed services. (Authors)

An Awesome Feeling: Youth Who Have Aged Out of Foster Care Find Support in New York City

2009-11-09T02:44:50

Every year 24,000 youth in the foster care system turn eighteen and age out of care. These youth are expected to live independently long before the majority of their peers, with few resources and little or no family support. They are at a high risk for homelessness. Dominique Wright is one of these youth. She and her daughter Aniya have found a place to call home at the Edwin Gould Academy in New York City. The Edwin Gould Academy provides resources and support for young people who have grown up without a safety net.

Mommy, Why Don’t These Kids Have Homes?

2008-07-10T03:51:26

As a service provider, you face the harsh realities of homelessness and poverty every day. It’s hard to not take those realities home to your family. How do you talk to your kids about the work you do?

Meals On The Fly

2008-07-21T04:47:00

Being a service provider can mean long hours and little time for preparing healthy, balanced meals. Eating out is not only hard on your wallet. Most fast foods have hidden calories and fat. Here are some quick and easy meal ideas that will keep you balanced and on time for work! (Author)

Essential Bonds: PACT Therapeutic Nursery in Baltimore

2009-11-09T02:40:54

The PACT (Intervention with Parents and Children Together, Inc.) Therapeutic Nursery serves children under age 3 who are living in emergency shelters with their parents. “We have found that there are often major delays in speech and language and play has regressed. There is a link between language and play.” This article gives an overview of the PACT Therapeutic Nursery’s efforts to support families experiencing homelessness.

Standing Down for Women Veterans: One Woman's Story

2009-11-09T02:35:21

There are over 1.8 million women veterans in the United States. In Nashville, Tennessee, Mary Ross is a tireless advocate for the needs of women veterans. As Deputy Executive Director of Operation Stand Down, she created the Women’s Veterans Network, and helped build support for the brand-new Women Veterans Comprehensive Healthcare Center. Mary shares her journey as an advocate for women veterans.

Q&A with Ruth White, National Center for Housing and Child Welfare

2009-11-09T02:34:03

Ruth White is the Executive Director of the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare. She works to bring together housing policy and child welfare. Her work shows how children are needlessly held in the foster care system because their parents cannot afford housing. Ruth discusses the connections between affordable housing, parenting, homelessness, and foster care with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

Pure Emotion: The Story of the Empress Hotel in San Francisco

2009-10-22T03:07:15

The Empress Hotel is both a documentary film and place to live for people who are in transition from homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. Roberta Goodman, the General Manager of the Empress Hotel, co-produced this moving documentary with Academy Award winning filmmakers Allie Light and Irving Saraf. It shows the harsh realities and moments of hope faced by people who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Getting Ahead of the Curve: How the Ali Forney Center is Supporting LGBT Youth on the Streets

2009-10-22T03:04:30

Carl Siciliano is the Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center in New York City. The Center serves youth who are homeless and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). The Ali Forney Center’s Family Acceptance Project is working with LGBT youth and their families to create more positive pathways for communication and to prevent the rejection of youth by their caregivers. Carl talks with HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans about his own journey of responding to the needs of LGBT youth.

My Experience Parenting While Homeless

2009-10-22T03:02:59

“It was never a goal of mine to be homeless, but it happened.” Gladys Fonfield-Ayinla shares her story of struggling with domestic violence, homelessness, and chronic illness while caring for her young daughter. She offers recommendations to improve systems of care for parents and children, advocating for an end to “one size fits all” service models. This is an excerpt from a commentary published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry as part of the Special Section on Parenting and Homelessness.

Q&A: Mayor Kevin Johnson's Vision to End Homelessness in Sacramento

2009-10-22T02:56:34

"It’s just troubling to imagine that good, decent human beings have to live in less than ideal conditions,” explains Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento in an interview with the HRC. Mayor Johnson shares his concern for the people of Sacramento who have been living in tent cities and his plans for ending homelessness in Sacramento.

Finding Safe Ground

2009-10-09T05:48:48

Tent cities have become part of the landscape in Sacramento, California and in cities across the nation. Safe Ground Sacramento is a community-organized group working to repeal stringent anti-camping laws and create a legally sanctioned campground. With the Mayor’s support, it may become one of the first cities to find a temporary, working solution to help those with nowhere else to go when the shelters are full.

The Maslow Project: Meeting the Needs of Homeless Students

2009-10-09T05:45:21

Oregon’s population of students who are homeless has increased by 14 percent since the 2008-2009 school year. Across the state, greater numbers of students are in need of supportive services. Medford, Oregon has the second highest ratio of homeless students in the state. It also has the Maslow Project, a highly successful, award-winning model of service delivery and outreach for homeless students and their families. Mary Ferrell, the project’s founder, shares how they are trying to buffer the impact of the economic downturn on children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Trauma-Informed Care 101

2009-10-09T05:37:52

How can providers help care for people who have experienced trauma? People who are experiencing traumatic stress do not relate to the world in the same way as others. They require special care. In this article, the HRC shares best practices for trauma-informed care. These include understanding trauma and its effects, creating safe physical and emotional space, supporting consumer choice and control, and integrating trauma-informed care across service systems.

Learning to Change Trauma Response Patterns

2009-10-09T05:37:18

A trauma survivor shares her story of struggling to understand the complexities of trauma response in her life. Trauma re-enactment leaves an unpredictable mark on her life, often when she least expects it. She describes her path toward understanding trauma patterns and creating positive change. Her story is a powerful illustration of the need for trauma-informed care.

Being Culturally Competent: Q&A with the Welcome Home Project Clinical Case Management Team

2009-10-09T05:36:39

The Cook Inlet Tribal Council Recovery Service is a SAMHSA Services in Supportive Housing (SSH) grantee. The Council assists Alaska Natives and Native Americans who are homeless and experiencing a mental health or co-occurring disorder. Within the Council, the Welcome Home Project Clinical Case Management Team provides intensive case management, mental health services, and permanent supportive housing. The HRC’s Alexander Steacy talks with the team to learn more about how they strive to be culturally competent, a skill that is not limited to working with any one group.

Support and Solutions: What Warren Village Offers Families

2009-09-28T04:56:07

Warren Village in Denver, Colorado supports single parent families in transition from homelessness. Judy Dury is a Family Advocate who helps families to set goals and achieve them. Anna Trujillo is a single mother of three children who has been living at Warren Village while attending nursing school and raising her children. The Transformational Housing Model provides families with educational support, access to resources, accredited childcare, career development opportunities, and a stabilizing community.

G.W. Rolle: A Spokesman for Human Dignity

2009-09-28T04:54:51

G.W. Rolle is an advocate for change, communication, and human dignity. As the Community Education Coordinator at the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless, he organizes the National Coalition for the Homeless' Faces of Homelessness Speaker's Bureau in St. Petersburg, FL. On September 24, 2009 G.W. Rolle was honored with a McKinney-Vento Personal Achievement Award from the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. G.W. Rolle reflects upon his own experiences with homelessness, his work to end the criminalization of homelessness, and his role in speaking out for the human dignity of all people.

Homelessness 101: What Do You Need to Know?

2009-09-28T04:53:39

What is the basic knowledge that every direct service provider needs to know? The Homelessness Resource Center reviews need-to-know training topics to help service providers do their jobs. Join the HRC at a free Regional Training to learn more about how to integrate best practices into your daily work.

Crossing the Line: Finding Recovery in The Twelve Steps

2009-09-11T04:21:46

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Throughout the month, the HRC will feature profiles of recovery. Before she got sober, Melody* was homeless, addicted to alcohol and heroin, and had been a victim of violence. She struggled with addiction for fifteen years before she became sober with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, Melody is a business owner and graduate student. This is her recovery story.

The Promise of Technology: Telemedicine Brings Specialty Health Care to Rural Areas

2009-09-11T04:19:51

Telemedicine is an innovative new model that helps to close the gap in rural health disparities. By bringing high quality care to people in need in rural and underserved areas, telemedicine holds much promise. In New Mexico, Dr. Sanjeev Arora of Project ECHO is working to bring coordinated care to patients who lack the resources to travel long distances.

Spending Smart to Train Smart: Best Practices for Choosing a Training Program

2009-09-11T04:18:47

How can program managers be sure that spending money on staff training will pay off? It can be difficult to assess how training will translate into improved job performance. The Homelessness Resource Center shares best practices to help homeless program managers select the right training program for their staff.

Telling a New Story: Helping Children to Heal from Homelessness

2009-09-11T04:12:44

Children who are homeless tell stories of living with uncertainty, chaos, and unpredictability. Play therapy is a therapeutic model that helps children cope with the trauma of being homeless. At Cuidando Los Niños in Albuquerque, New Mexico, play therapists work with children to “re-story” their young lives through play. By reframing their experiences, children can begin to heal and tell new stories.

Celebrating Recovery Month: Q&A with Ivette Torres, Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, SAMHSA

2009-09-11T04:24:46

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Activities across the nation celebrate people in recovery and the treatment providers who serve them. Ivette Torres is Director for Consumer Affairs at SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). She oversees the team responsible for generating and disseminating substance abuse treatment information to SAMHSA constituents. She also develops national communication strategies and campaigns, including the observance of Recovery Month. She chats with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans to share her perspective on Recovery Month.

“Kicking It”: A Movie Review

2009-08-27T04:29:08

From September 6-10, soccer players from forty-eight nations will gather in Italy to compete in the 2009 Homeless World Cup. If you are not lucky enough to travel to Italy, you can watch “Kicking It,” a film documenting the 2006 competition. Available on-line or on DVD, “Kicking It” tells the story of seven players who have struggled with homelessness, poverty, and or/addiction. Through teamwork and participation in the Homeless World Cup, they gain motivation to change their lives for the better.

Steven Samra: Finding His Voice in Recovery

2009-08-27T04:23:52

Steven Samra spent thirty years in and out of homelessness while battling addictions. Now in recovery, he has dedicated his life to helping others transition from homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. He worked as Veteran’s Services Coordinator with Operation Stand Down in Nashville, Tennessee and is now a Recovery Specialist at the Homelessness Resource Center and PATH Technical Assistance Center. His own history informs his work and he is a powerful voice for recovery and consumer integration.

Back to School: McKinney-Vento Liaisons Help Children Who Are Homeless

2009-08-27T04:17:52

Children who are homeless face numerous challenges both outside and inside the classroom. Liaisons funded under the McKinney-Vento Act help children who are homeless access the services they need to succeed. As children across the nation prepare to go back to school, the HRC takes a closer look at two innovative McKinney-Vento liaison programs.

Reaching Out, Four Years After Hurricane Katrina

2009-08-27T04:16:21

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused devastation across the U.S. Gulf Coast. Thousands were left homeless. Four years later, nearly 12,000 people are still homeless in New Orleans. Many live in damaged, abandoned buildings without electricity, water, or sanitation. Shamus Rohn and Mike Miller share the challenges of homeless outreach work in post-Katrina New Orleans as part of the No One Suffers Alone Abandoned Building Outreach Project, of UNITY of Greater New Orleans.

Providing Crisis Respite Care: Q&A with Graydon Andrus, Director of Clinical Programs at Downtown Emergency Service Center in Seattle, Washington

2009-08-27T04:32:41

Downtown Emergency Service Center's Crisis Respite Program helps homeless adults who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis and are being discharged from emergency rooms or other crisis services. It helps to meet their immediate needs and stabilize their life by providing shelter and connection with critical resources such public entitlements, housing, and on-going treatment. To learn more, the HRC’s Ken Kraybill talks with Graydon Andrus, Director of Clinical Programs at Downtown Emergency Service Center in Seattle, Washington.

How to Give a Helping Hand Toward Housing

2009-08-17T11:23:12

Provider Content Network member Bobbi Jo Evans gives advice on helping consumers locate and obtain housing. Based on her experience as a case manager, she emphasizes the importance of working with consumers to set goals, feel comfortable with change, and develop relationships with landlords.

Pedal Power

2009-08-17T11:22:17

The goal of Pedal Power is to put a bicycle in the yard of every person transitioning out of homelessness. Through an innovative community partnership in Chattanooga, TN, Pedal Power empowers people with bicycles, a low-cost form of transportation that promotes health, independence, and a sense of ownership.

Getting Your Hands Dirty in a Meaningful Way: Tips for Creating a Community Garden Group

2009-08-17T11:19:22

In Toronto, an innovative program is helping people who are homeless or living in poverty to find new community connections - in the garden. The Fred Victor Centre Garden Group tends to a community garden plot. Together, the group harvests well-being and teamwork as well as flowers and produce. The HRC’s Suzanne Zerger spoke with providers Audrey Alfred-Duggan of Fred Victor Centre and Fiona Husband of Street Health to learn more about tips for creating a community Garden Group.

Skills for Daily Life: Help from Occupational Therapists

2009-08-17T11:08:26

Living in a house after living on the streets can present day-to-day challenges. At Project Renewal in New York City, occupational therapists help consumers adapt to a new way of life. Working closely with case managers to identify people’s unique needs, they help consumers to rebuild their lives as they transition into housing.

Health Care for All: Q&A with John Lozier of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council

2009-08-17T10:59:26

Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) clinics provide health care to people who are homeless, regardless of ability to pay. HCH believes that everyone has the right to health care and housing. John N. Lozier is the Executive Director of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. In this Q&A, John shares HCH’s human rights approach to ending homelessness.

Q&A with Daniel Malone: Criminal History Does Not Predict Housing Retention

2009-07-30T03:29:46

Daniel Malone’s research shows that a criminal background does not predict success or failure of housing retention. Mr. Malone is Director of Housing Programs for the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) in Seattle, Washington. His paper, “Assessing Criminal History as a Predictor of Future Housing Success for Homeless Adults with Behavioral Health Disorders,” was published in the journal "Psychiatric Services" in February 2009.

Racing For Recovery

2009-07-17T11:14:47

How we do we recover from drug and alcohol addiction? Recovery often begins with one person who has experienced addiction talking to another. Todd Crandell, founder of Racing For Recovery, believes in exposing people to anything that can help them recover from drug and alcohol addiction. Crandell sees exercise as one component in a holistic approach that incorporates the spiritual, physical, psychological, and educational aspects of creating a new life.

So All May Eat

2009-07-17T11:13:54

The owners of the Same Café in Denver, Colorado believe that high quality organic food should be available to everyone. At the Same Café, it is. The Same Café offers healthy meals made from locally grown, organic products to all who walk through the door on a donation or work exchange basis. At the Same Café, community, generosity, and social change are always on the menu.

Will Homeless Services Face Worker Shortages?

2009-07-17T11:12:43

Will the homeless services field face labor shortages over the next few years? The HRC shares research highlights on the projected shortfall. As baby boomers begin to retire and there is increased demand for workers in the social assistance field, the picture is bleak. The effects of the current economic recession on demand remain to be seen. However, it is certain that basic workforce training must be a priority for the field.

A Nurse in a Book: Outreach Nurses Help Families in Motels and Shelters to Stay Healthy

2009-07-17T11:07:50

Currently in Massachusetts there are 800 families with children living in motels as they transition from homelessness. The Family Team at Boston’s Healthcare For The Homeless has just launched “Safe and Sound: A Healthy Child Toolkit for Homeless Mothers.” The toolkit gives women living in shelters and motels tools to help keep their children safe and healthy during this long and isolating journey.

Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence: Q&A with Mary Reardon Johnson

2009-07-17T11:08:45

Mary Reardon Johnson, Executive Director of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, talks with HRC’s Katrina Crotts. She shares how her organization provides safe and secure shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Thirty-nine percent of cities surveyed in 2007 cited domestic violence as the primary cause of family homelessness (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2007). Mary emphasizes the importance of empowering women as survivors, not victims, and of recognizing each woman’s unique strengths and resources.

Sharing His Truth: One Man’s Story of Recovery

2009-06-26T04:10:01

After twenty years of living on the streets and forty years trapped in the downward spiral of substance use, Tyrone Taylor from Los Angeles talks about how he gives back to a community that has changed his life. “Everybody’s bottom is different. Some people have to go to jail. Some people die, but you have to hit a certain bottom before you become willing,” says Tyrone.

Beauty Inspiring Beauty: Skid Row Housing Trust

2009-06-26T08:22:08

Social change merges with urban architecture and thoughtful design in one of the largest recovery communities in the United States. Mike Alvidrez, Executive Director of the Skid Row Housing Trust, speaks about the importance of design in permanent supportive housing. “Everybody has the right to live in the best designed home that we can come up with,” says Alvidrez.

Supporting Transitions: Critical Time Intervention

2009-06-26T08:17:14

From research to practice, HRC takes a look at the Critical Time Intervention (CTI). CTI supports men and women who have experienced chronic homelessness with severe mental illness following discharge from hospitals, shelters, prisons and other institutions. Dan Herman of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, Dr. Llana Nossel of Project Connect, and peer specialist, Hermenio Maldonado share insights on helping people build critical support networks with the CTI model.

Symbolic and Practical: Maryland Passes Historic Hate Crimes Bill

2009-06-26T08:08:14

Violent crimes committed against people who are homeless in Maryland now face stiffer penalties. Michael Stoops of The National Coalition for the Homeless, Kevin Lindamood of Maryland’s Healthcare for the Homeless, and Antonia Fasanelli of the Homeless Persons Representation Project speak about the passage of Senate Bill 151. The bill makes Maryland the first state in the nation to include individuals who are homeless as a protected class under its hate crimes law.

A Story of Recovery: Trauma and Our Bodies

2009-06-17T02:09:17

Gloria Dickerson, HRC Recovery Specialist, shares a personal story about surviving and understanding trauma. She learns about the physical pain caused by the history and memory of traumatic stress. Gloria also explores the prevalence of somatic disorders, and how health care providers often do not recognize them.

New Law Protects Tenants, Prevents Homelessness

2009-06-17T02:08:06

On May 20, 2009, the U.S. Senate passed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, which gives renters living in foreclosed properties legal protection against immediate eviction. In the current foreclosure crisis, 40% of cases involve tenants, who had few legal rights before the new law. In this feature Jeremy Rosen of the National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness (NPACH) explains the new protections for renters and shares his hopes that the law will help prevent homelessness.

Who Are We? A Look at the Homelessness Workforce

2009-06-17T02:05:39

How many people compose the homeless services workforce? What are the characteristics of these workers? In this feature, the HRC shares estimates of the size of the homeless services workforce and describes the jobs, credentials and skills of these workers.

Upholding Human Dignity: Time Magazine Honors Sister Mary Scullion

2009-06-17T01:52:59

Sister Mary Scullion has been a tireless advocate for men, women and children who are homeless since 1975. She was recently honored by Time magazine as one of the World’s Most Influential People in 2009 for her work with Project H.O.M.E in Philadelphia. In an interview with the HRC, Sister Mary shares her reflections and inspirations.

Close to Home: Teaching Kids About Homelessness Through the Arts

2009-06-03T01:19:04

The Close to Home curriculum uses a multi-media approach to engage students and teachers. It includes essays written by people who have experienced homelessness, photographs, music, and classroom speakers. The program was recently piloted at Pierce Elementary School in Brookline, MA, winning rave reviews from six graders and their teachers.

Here Comes the Neighborhood: Supportive Housing and Property Values

2009-06-03T01:20:16

Proposals for new supportive housing developments often face opposition from community members concerned about property values. Yet, recent research findings suggest there is little evidence to support fears that supportive housing will negatively impact surrounding property values. This article shares highlights from this research reported by New York University’s Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy.

Compassion in Action: Dalai Lama Honors SAMHSA Grantee

2009-06-03T01:20:39

Ed Blackburn, Executive Director of Central City Concern, in Portland, Oregon, was recently honored by the Dalai Lama in the Unsung Heroes of Compassion ceremony held in San Francisco in April 2009. Central City Concern is a SAMHSA grantee that provides pathways to self-sufficiency through active intervention in poverty and homelessness. Ed discusses the challenges and rewards of his eighteen years of service at Central City Concern with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

Staffing for Success: Ten Tips

2009-06-03T01:21:29

Providers working in homeless services face multiple demands, vicarious trauma, and burnout. The HRC offers some best practices for getting the right people for the job, and keeping them.

Giving Youth A Sense of Value: Job Training at Virginia Woof Dog Daycare

2009-06-03T10:08:17

David Stone is the Director of Virginia Woof Dog Daycare, an innovative job-training project for youth run by Outside In, a social service agency serving youth and low-income adults who are homeless in Portland, OR. Youths receive on-the-job training in a wide range of workplace skills at the dog daycare, owned and operated by Outside In. The HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans recently talked with David to learn more about the successes and challenges of this unique job-training program.

Inspiring Wellness: Re-Vision Urban Farm

2009-05-20T10:16:58

Helping people to recover from homelessness takes more than shelter. At Re-Vision House and Re-Vision Urban Farms, women and their children are inspired to be healthy. Through wraparound services, nutritious foods, job training, and opportunities to connect with the community, Re-Vision offers a unique model that was recently named one of the Ten Best Urban Farms by Natural Home Magazine.

We Have to Do Something: Hate Crimes on Our Streets

2009-05-20T10:18:00

Crimes against people who are homeless are often unprovoked, very severe and sometimes fatal. The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and the National Coalition for the Homeless document annual trends of hate crimes to bring attention to the issue. HRC’s Alexander Steacy shares report highlights and talks with Steven Samra, service provider and former consumer.

Getting and Keeping the Right People: Baltimore, MD

2009-05-20T10:15:05

It can be a challenge to get and keep the right staff. In homeless services, staffing issues are often compounded by the demands of the environment and client caseloads. Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore, Maryland shares some strategies for finding the right people, and keeping them on board.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

2009-05-20T10:12:15

Managers play an important human resources role. They hire, support and direct staff. As a manager in homeless services, it is important to understand common reasons that people stay in or leave their jobs – and the high costs of losing employees. This article also includes an exercise for managers to use to assess staff satisfaction.

My Role Chose Me: Working as an Addictions Coordinator in Baltimore, MD

2009-05-20T10:11:14

Rolesia Rogers, Addictions Coordinator at Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore, MD, shares the story of her career. She says “her role chose her.” Rolesia talked with HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans about the importance of mentoring, supervision, and support over the past several years.

Invisible to Visible: Tips for Working with People Who Have Cognitive Impairments

2008-10-31T11:24:14

Here are some helpful tips for homeless service providers and their organizations to work more effectively with people who have problems with remembering, thinking, or understanding due to mental illness, substance use, head injury, fetal alcohol exposure, or other causes.

A 20-Year Journey Home: The Case of Mrs. Z

2009-05-05T04:54:32

This case study illustrates how important it is to be consistent and patient when building trust with someone who is experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Positive engagement experiences and the development of a therapeutic relationship can help someone to move on from homelessness.

Dignity and Innovation: Project Homeless Connect

2009-05-05T04:47:00

Project Homeless Connect is an innovative, one-day event that takes place in 220 communities. The event connects people who are homeless to services, housing and other community resources. This article features Norfolk, VA and San Francisco, CA for their innovative approaches to helping people obtain personal identification during Project Homeless Connect events.

Mother, Daughter: Her Story is My Story

2009-05-05T04:44:21

Mary and Angie Hurley are mother and daughter. Mary was 15 years old and living on the streets when she became pregnant with Angie. Now, Mary is the Chief Orthopedic Surgeon at Kaiser Fontana, and Angie is the clinic manager for Outside In, a program for youth who are homeless. HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans talked with them both to share their inspiring journey of recovery, determination and love.

A Story of Success: Housing First Saves Dollars

2009-04-21T02:43:50

New research shows that Housing First saves dollars - $4 million, to be exact. Over the course of twelve months, researchers tracked costs and benefits of the Housing First program at 1811 Eastlake in Seattle, WA. Co-author Bill Hobson shares his perspective on the research and his hopes for the future.

An Antidote for Burnout: Tips for Supporting Workers

2007-10-03T09:30:54

Supervisors play a key role in ensuring self-care for staff. James Ginsberg, Director of Substance Treatment Services/Housing First at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, offers 10 practical tips for supervisors to create a work environment that fosters self-care among staff.

The Mystery of Joseph’s House

2009-04-21T02:42:55

Patty Wudell, Director of Joseph’s House in Washington, DC, describes the place as “always gently moving.” Here, people who are formerly homeless and dying of HIV/AIDS can come to live and receive compassionate care. HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans spoke with Patty and learned about the beauty and the mystery of Joseph’s House.

Changing Minds, One Eighth Grader at a Time

2009-04-21T02:41:51

Sometimes the best teachers are our children – even in eighth grade. HRC’s Katie Volk talks with student Kati Farkas about a brief film she created about homelessness. She wanted to show her classmates how stereotypes can be hurtful, and what they can do to help.

Integrating Treatment, Integrating Consumers: Baltimore Health Care for the Homeless

2009-04-21T02:40:34

Multi-disciplinary teams can help to create flexible, welcoming environments to engage consumers. HRC Recovery Specialist Gloria Dickerson talks with Betty Kavanagh, Behavioral Health Officer of Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore, MD, about their integrated treatment programs, and how they involve consumers as staff.

A Page for Your HR Book: Supporting Consumers as Colleagues

2009-03-19T09:53:12

Fears and misperceptions can prevent employers from hiring consumers. Employers might worry about personal boundaries, relapses, or training needs. HRC’s Gloria Dickerson, Recovery Specialist, shares her thoughts on consumer integration and some helpful reminders for employers who are looking to hire.

HRC Book Review: Another Bull---- Night in Suck City

2009-03-19T09:49:21

Boston, late 1980s. Writer Nick Flynn is working at Pine Street Inn, the city’s largest homeless shelter. He meets his father for the first time when his dad comes to the shelter for a place to stay. The result is a powerful and moving memoir—Another Bull---- Night in Suck City. HRC’s Jeff Olivet reviews the book.

America’s Youngest Homeless Citizens: State of the States

2009-03-19T09:45:06

A new report by the National Center on Family Homelessness finds that one in 50 American children experience homelessness. HRC’s Kristen Paquette shares highlights of the report and the Congressional Briefing that took place on March 10, 2009.

Voices of Hope: Homeless Moms Speak Out

2009-03-19T09:44:00

“There are two kinds of parenting…you can be a giraffe parent or a jackal parent.” Chronic homelessness affects men and women of all ages, including single parents of young children. The Living Independent, Functioning Everyday (LIFE) Project in Downey, CA helps parents as they seek housing, work through addiction and mental illness, and develop parenting skills.

Helping Consumers to Set Their Own Course: A Study on Recovery

2009-03-19T09:42:26

Many people in the homelessness field support the notion of recovery. Yet, recovery can mean different things for different people. In this research study, consumer involvement was a top priority. Participants made their own choices and learned life skills to support them in housing and recovery. HRC’s Gloria Dickerson chats with Dr. Christine Helfrich, Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at Boston University Department of Occupational Therapy.

Living the Dream: Working Through Trauma

2009-04-07T12:58:27

This is Gloria Dickerson’s personal story about how work has become a tool for her recovery. It is the first of a recurring series of journal entries about Gloria’s work experiences as a Recovery Specialist. Gloria finds her work as a trainer and writer to be empowering because the job requirements are a great fit between her abilities, skills, interests and future goals. Over time she has learned to endure doubt and hold down her first full-time job in 35 years. Working with hopeful people in this welcoming environment validates her hope for the future.

Head On: Tips for Facing Creditors in Tough Times

2009-04-07T12:59:13

America is facing an economic crisis, and you are facing a homeless service provider’s salary. Here are some basic tips to help keep your credit afloat, even when times are tough.

R2P: A Look at Smoking and Homelessness

2009-04-07T12:57:40

People who are homeless are more than three times as likely to smoke than those who are housed. Aside from the risks associated with homelessness and life on the streets, this is a dangerous health disparity. Sometimes it is easy to see smoking as a relatively harmless coping mechanism. HRC’s Suzanne Zerger takes a look at the research and promising practices to help people who are homeless to kick this habit.

Homelessness: The Rural Perspective

2009-04-07T12:55:41

The picture of homelessness in rural and frontier America is very different than that in urban and metropolitan areas. It is harder to identify people who are homeless, and to provide access to services. Lee Flamik of Rush County, KS has been advocating for people who are homeless with mental illness in rural and frontier communities for more than a decade. HRC’s Jenny Stratton chatted with Lee recently.

Invisible: Homeless in Sioux Falls

2009-03-06T12:08:35

Children who are homeless face substantial barriers to education. Wendy Giebink, a McKinney-Vento school liaison, ensures that these barriers are minimized as much as possible. For 15 years, she has work to uphold the educational rights of homeless children. This HRC feature highlights Wendy’s work, as well as a brief documentary that she created with her son.

Shelter from the Storm: What We Know about Trauma-Informed Services

2009-03-06T04:46:22

Homelessness is a traumatic experience. People who experience homelessness also often have histories of trauma. Homeless service agencies can develop services and environments that are sensitive to clients’ trauma histories, triggers and reactions by becoming trauma-informed. This HRC brief summarizes what the literature tells us about implementing trauma-informed services.

R2P: The Right Thing and the Smart Thing

2009-03-06T03:58:45

Many programs are beginning to recognize the value of consumer integration in research, policy and practice. However, this is still a relatively new concept. What does consumer integration mean? HRC’s Suzanne Zerger offers a summary of a paper on consumer integration that was presented during the 2007 National Research Symposium on Homelessness.

Back to Basics: Easy Tips to Boost Your Health

2009-03-06T03:57:59

We all want to get healthier, save money and achieve a well-balanced lifestyle. Working in the homeless services field can be extremely demanding and it is easy to feel like your own wellbeing is the last priority. Here are some easy tips for making small, positive changes day to day.

Housing First: An Inside Look

2009-03-06T03:35:30

HRC’s Rachael Kenney chats with Larry Gottlieb of Eliot Community Human Services in Lexington, MA. Larry shares program highlights about Eliot’s Single Room Occupancy Housing First Program, including how the program was developed and funded.

Assessing the Evidence: What We Know About Outreach and Engagement

2009-02-24T01:01:28

Many of us recognize the value in outreach and engagement, and we practice and promote it in our communities. But what defines it? How do we know what works? How do we know that our approach to outreach is consistent with other successful approaches? This evidence brief shares preliminary findings from HRC’s review of outreach and engagement.

How I Moved Beyond Homelessness

2009-02-24T12:55:10

The power of consumers as helpers is in their potential to act as ambassadors of recovery. In Dana Woolfolk’s story we witness this power in action. A friend and former consumer reached out to Dana while he was on the streets, helping him to move toward recovery. Dana reminds providers that the invitation to change is not enough. Support makes the impossible possible. Today, Dana is a Clinical Recovery Coach and a member of the HRC Advisory Steering Committee.

Progress in a Time of Challenge: NAEH Conference on Ending Family Homelessness

2009-02-24T01:04:27

The National Alliance to End Homelessness holds an annual Conference on Ending Family Homelessness. HRC’s Kathleen Guarino attended the 2009 conference in San Diego, CA, and shares highlights in this article.

My Brother's Keeper

2009-02-05T12:50:35

All too often, families helplessly witness the struggles of loved ones who are homeless. We are faced with the dilemma of wanting to help, but needing to keep ourselves safe. HRC’s Gloria Dickerson reflects on her own family’s struggles after attending a local Homeless Memorial Day event.

Making it Count

2009-02-05T12:48:10

At least once every two years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities around the country to count people who are homeless on the streets and in the shelters. Some communities conduct the counts more often, and use the data to improve programs and policies. HRC’s Katrina Crotts talks with two programs about the counts in their communities. Contribute to the forum discussion on this topic by clicking on the link at the end of this article!

A Life Together

2009-02-05T12:44:55

The challenges of addiction can tear apart individuals, marriages and families. As individuals try to rebuild their lives, they are often advised not to embark into new relationships. Pam and Herman’s story is one of renewed hope and commitment – after time apart focused on their own paths to recovery, they have reunited for a new future, together.

Homeless Hearts: Life Stories of Women in a Homeless Shelter

2009-02-05T12:43:35

Jean Newsome is a nurse practitioner and author living in Birmingham, AL. Moved to write a book a few years ago, Ms. Newsome took the opportunity to help other women tell their stories about their lives, homelessness, and beyond. Homeless Hearts includes twelve personal stories that are honest and full of hope. HRC’s Kristen Paquette talks with the author.

Three Days Notice

2009-01-21T05:16:05

The foreclosure crisis is nothing new. Every day we hear about more and more people who are losing their homes. HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans takes a closer look at the impact on renters, and what some groups are doing to address this epidemic.

HandsOn

2009-01-21T05:14:55

Meals, reception, recreation, maintenance, paperwork! Volunteers are vital to many homeless service agencies, but the coordination and orientation can be overwhelming. HandsOn offers solutions for non-profits dealing with this issue.

Ending Homelessness with Systems Thinking

2009-01-21T05:11:39

When we think about ending homelessness, there are many ways to conceptualize the problems and solutions. Some people think on the level of individuals, while others look at program-level outcomes. Recent plans to end homelessness developed by many communities often encourage a system-level approach. But what does that mean? David Peter Stroh of Bridgeway Partners sheds light on Systems Thinking as a way to solve tough problems.

Everybody’s Business

2009-01-06T02:37:29

HRC’s Gabriel Verzino talked with Major Sam Cochran of the Crisis Intervention Team in Memphis, TN. Major Cochran shared highlights of this unique partnership model intended to reduce criminal arrests of people with mental illness. (HRC)

Meet Mr. Larry

2008-10-31T11:54:01

Katie Volk interviews “Mr. Larry” about how he provides hope for those he serves. He describes how he approaches his homeless outreach work using his background as an ordained minister, and how it helps him and his clients.

We Remember

2009-01-22T10:03:43

At the end of December each year, communities across the country hold Homeless Memorial Day events to remember friends and neighbors who have died on the streets. We asked you to tell us about events in your area. HRC’s Katrina Crotts shares what you had to say, and her own perspective at a local event.

HRC Book Review: The Soloist

2008-12-16T07:09:45

In this first of many HRC reviews of books, films, and music about homelessness, Jeff Olivet reviews The Soloist by Steve Lopez (Berkley Books, 2008). Lopez, a columnist for the LA Times, meets and befriends Nathaniel Ayers, a musician living with schizophrenia on the streets of LA. Through the course of the months and years that begin to unfold, Lopez explores “a lost dream, an unlikely friendship, and the redemptive power of music.”

Take Your Holiday Spirit into the New Year

2008-11-24T07:35:58

The holiday season is a time of great generosity as people reflect on the previous year, think about why they are thankful, and look for ways to support those in need. It is important to remember that homelessness organizations need your help year-round. When you feel like donating your time or money this holiday season, consider waiting until another time next year. If you are a provider, don’t be afraid to ask volunteers and donors to extend their generosity into the New Year. Here are some ideas.

Make the Most of Volunteering: 10 Tips

2008-11-24T07:14:56

Volunteers are essential to many homeless service agencies. Whether you are new to an organization or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you to make the most of your time as a volunteer. If your organization counts on volunteers, share these tips with the team – and add your own!

Housing First: 10 Tips for Success

2008-10-15T05:19:35

Housing First Program Director Jacob Lile, of the Shelter Network in San Mateo County, offers his 10 best tips for implementing Housing First.

Shelter to Housing in 30 Days or Less

2008-10-15T05:00:57

Housing First is a program of Shelter Network in San Mateo County. The program strives to move families and individuals out of the shelters into permanent housing as quickly as possible – usually within 30 days after entry into the shelter. Once people are in housing, the goal is to help them exit poverty by increasing their income. To date the program has served 73 households with a 97% retaining their housing.

Taking Care of Our Furry Friends

2008-10-15T04:50:56

Some people who are homeless keep their pets. It is important for providers to understand and accept the strong bond between them. Health Care for the Homeless nurse and pet-lover Sharon Morrison shares her insights and offers ideas for working with pets and their owners.

Shopping & Eating Smart

2008-08-21T01:17:30

It’s hard enough to find time to eat, never mind to shop and cook healthy food. These tips will help you trim the fat off your grocery bill, your schedule, and your waistline. (Author)

I Feel Safe, Don't You?

2008-07-01T01:50:53

Definitions of safety can be different for people receiving services and those providing services. Take a look at just how different these definitions can be, and why it’s important for you to consider safety from all perspectives.

Baton Rouge to Boston

2008-08-21T01:18:13

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a trainer, traveling and working with providers and consumers around the country? Spend a day in the life of Katie Volk, Director of Training with the National Center on Family Homelessness, as she travels from Boston, MA to Baton Rouge, LA. (Author)

(un)Masking Women

2012-10-03T08:24:12

South Riverdale Community Health Centre in Toronto, Ontario, offers mask-making workshops designed to assist survivors of trauma in their recovery by allowing them to express themselves in a unique and deeply therapeutic manner. Molly Bannerman, Harm Reduction Social Worker, describes the benefits of these workshops.

“A Place Just For Us So That We Can Feel Safe:” Learning to Better Serve LGBTQI2-S Youth

2011-03-28T12:37:47

LGBTQI2-S Youth are overrepresented among youth experiencing homelessness. Once on the street, they are at high risk for abuse, substance use, and mental health issues. To learn more about best practices for minimizing these risks and serving these vulnerable youth, HRC embarked on a Listening Tour of organizations. The findings of this Listening Tour are summarized in this article.

“If I Can Get One Person Off the Street Today”: The Power of Peer Specialists

2012-02-07T03:56:54

Greg is a peer specialist at Community Connections, in Washington, D.C. He works to share his own story, strength, and knowledge to help others who are struggling with homelessness, mental illness, substance use, family problems, and incarceration. This is his story.

“This Was the First Time I Felt Safe”: SAMHSA Grantee Reduces PTSD Through Trauma-Informed Care

2010-11-04T06:12:51

Youth on Fire, a drop-In center for youth, has helped reduce prost-traumatic stress disorder among youth members. Program staff share how they worked to create a trauma-informed space and focused on fostering attachment and self-efficacy for the youth and understanding the sources of triggers and reactions to help promote healing.

“We’re Like Oprah’s Book Club”: Women, Community, and Literacy

2010-10-08T04:28:10

At Renewal Place in Memphis, Tennessee, women transitioning out of homelessness are part of a book club. The women meet regularly to talk about the connections between literature and their own lives. This pilot program and qualitative research project builds community and offers women a space where their opinions and thoughts are valued.

2 1/2 Hours

2011-04-20T04:22:12

The front door is covered with strips of masking tape that have trapped cockroaches and flying ants. There is extensive tape along the floor of the home where the door closes. As we enter Molly’s (not her real name) home, she appears to become anxious, but leads people through the kitchen anyway. There is essentially no place to stand. The lights do not work. The refrigerator is not running. A neatly positioned stack of magazines form steps into the kitchen. Molly is 83 years old and she is about to lose her home.

2010 AHAR Report: An Overview of National Trends

2011-07-28T02:58:56

Homelessness remains a pervasive and tragic problem, but one that can be solved through investing in programs that work, according to the 2010 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. The report, released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in June 2010, provides a summary of the state and extent of homelessness in the country, as well as efforts to support the first federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, Opening Doors.

A Healthier Community for All

2012-06-26T01:01:49

Bernie Creaven, RN, MN, helps teach self-care to women experiencing homelessness. She organizes an annual Wellness Spa event at Carolyn Downs Family Medical Clinic in Seattle, WA. The event offers women a relaxing night off and helps them identify ways to practice regular self-care.

A Holistic Approach: Trauma-Informed ACT Teams

2012-02-07T03:52:28

Dr. Sam Bauman works for Community Connections, the largest not-for-profit mental health agency serving men, women, and children in Washington, D.C. The organization’s mission is to provide innovative and compassionate mental health, addictions, and residential services for D.C.’s most vulnerable citizens. He describes how their trauma-informed model of Assertive Community Treatment produces positive outcomes for the people they serve.

A Model of Interdependence: Denmark’s Moltrup Farm

2011-01-13T04:33:47

The Moltrup Community is a farm in Denmark that has been serving men experiencing homelessness since 1912. It provides a place for men to live, work, and get back on their feet. Some men stay for just a few months and others stay the rest of their lives. On the farm, everyone helps to contribute to the self-sufficient community.

A National Research Agenda for Homelessness

2013-03-27T11:44:22

Despite years of research, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the most effective ways to prevent and end homelessness. In late 2012, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness released a National Research Agenda. The 20-page document draws on existing research and studies in progress to propose areas for further investigation. The National Research Agenda acknowledges changes in policy and practice, such as a move away from shelter to rapid rehousing, and the impact of the Affordable Care Act.

A Place of His Own

2012-05-24T12:52:03

Elder homelessness is a growing concern in the U.S. Yet, many providers may be unaware of the factors that place older adults at risk of becoming homeless. John* is a newly housed older adult who—until recently—experienced homelessness for the past six years. He shares his struggles and triumphs, as well as the assistance he has received from the Boston-based organization Hearth, which connects elders experiencing homelessness with affordable housing and the supports necessary for long-term housing success.

A Program That Listens

2012-04-03T12:32:30

Prototypes, an organization in Pomona, California, serves mothers with a history of incarceration and minimal experience with recovery. April Wilson, the Program Director and a former program participant herself, discusses the array of services Prototypes provides, including residential treatment, health care, mental health services, and educational opportunities. Through a partnership with artists Dont Rhine and Robert Sember, the women of Prototypes explore artistic expression through a project that merges sound, life, art, listening, and reflection.

A Unified Voice for Recovery

2012-03-01T03:44:15

Central City Concern’s Gary Cobb discusses the agency’s Recovery Mentor Program and talks about the critical role that peer support and the sharing of stories play in the journey towards recovery. Central City Concern provides an integrated approach to services for people experiencing homelessness, offering transitional and permanent housing, medical care, mental health treatment, addiction treatment, and supported employment.

All About Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

2011-06-30T04:18:41

Assertive Community Treatment, or ACT, is one of many evidence-based practices used to treat people suffering from mental illness. This article provides an overview of ACT and its history, present, and future directions. This article is the first in a series of three articles about ACT.

An Inspired Courtroom

2010-10-08T04:32:10

Women who face solicitation charges in a Columbus, Ohio courtroom are offered a choice between jail time or the opportunity to enter the Changing Actions to Habits Program (CATCH). This unique jail diversion program offers women the chance to exit lives marked by homelessness, trauma, substance use, and incarceration. Judge Paul Herbert shares the story of the special docket’s innovative approach with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

An Integrated Outreach Team Makes a Difference

2010-12-21T07:36:12

In Manchester, New Hampshire, an integrated outreach team makes a difference. David Carroll, a homeless outreach specialist and PATH provider, shares his reflections on conducting outreach alongside a team. The integrated outreach team includes a range of professionals, including a nurse, a housing specialist, and other providers.

An Opportunity to Live in Health

2012-08-31T11:29:51

Women in Need Klinic (WINK) in Toronto, Ontario has developed a low-barrier model for providing health care and social support services to street-involved women engaged in sex work. Bernadette Lettner, RN, describes WINK’s approach to outreach, engagement, and low-barrier service delivery.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for People Experiencing Homelessness

2011-07-14T11:24:00

People experiencing homelessness face daily challenges of survival and struggle to establish a sense of safety and security for themselves. This article explores the challenges of using the ACT model with people who experience both Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and homelessness. This article is the second in a series of three articles about ACT.

At the Top of Your Game

2012-04-27T12:37:52

Greg Morris, Program Director for Peak Vista’s Homeless Health Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shares strategies he employs to run a family practice on a limited budget for people experiencing homelessness. He discusses the importance of self-care in being able to provide the best services possible for his patients.

Beginning with Forgiveness

2012-11-05T03:26:28

Lakenya Rivers (formerly Johnson), Executive Director of F.A.M.I.L.Y. Movement, draws upon her lived experience to pave the way for families in transition through a series of workshops for mothers living in Boston-area shelters.

Best Practices, Best Outcomes

2013-04-30T04:00:32

SAMHSA recently released TIP 55: Behavioral Health Services for People Who Are Homeless. It is intended as a comprehensive protocol for behavioral health professionals who want to effectively treat clients who experience homelessness. Dr. Hunter McQuistion, who led the team that developed the protocol, shares TIP 55’s intent and goals.

Brianna Karp: A Girl’s Guide to Homelessness

2011-08-25T10:35:32

Brianna Karp lived out of a trailer in a department store parking lot after a challenging childhood left her kicked out of her home as a teen. Her resiliency and creativity led her to blog about her experiences. The blog eventually turned into the book, The Girls Guide to Homelessness. In this interview, she talks about life after the book.

Building Social Connectedness for Women in Recovery

2011-06-20T01:41:03

Julie Clark is the executive director of doma in Columbus, Ohio. This non-profit organization works in collaboration with the Changing Actions to Habits (CATCH) program to support women exiting homelessness, substance use, and prostitution. The goal is to promote healthy families and break the cycles of trauma, poverty, and violence. (Author)

Building Trust with Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

2011-03-15T09:58:13

“Building trust with a Veteran is the first step of many. Without trust, you will not be able to move forward. If you push too hard, you could lose whatever contact you have with the person.” Bobbi Jo Evans shares how encouragement and companionship developed into trust as she worked with three different Veterans on their journeys to exit homelessness.

Closing Cases is Not in Our Vocabulary

2012-12-05T06:39:35

Mollie Lowery, Program Director of Housing Works in Los Angeles, understands that at the core of outreach to human beings who are experiencing homelessness is patience; there is a slow process of trust building that may take months. After years of experience with the LAMP Community, much of Mollie’s work is informed by the people who have lived on the streets and who have worked with her side by side to change the face of homelessness. Mollie’s story of “Maria” exemplifies the philosophy of Housing Works and her leadership of this organization.

Companioning and Street Outreach

2010-11-04T06:09:51

Craig Rennebohm is an outreach worker who calls himself a companion. He reaches out to people struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and substance use on the streets of Seattle. Craig is founder of The Mental Health Chaplaincy and author of "Souls in the Hands of a Tender God: The Search for Home and Healing on the Streets." He shares his thoughts on the art of outreach with HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

Companioning: Showing Up As Your Authentic Self

2011-06-02T09:10:38

“I think of Companioning as a verb, as an art form. It is about showing up as your whole authentic self at any given time, in order to understand who residents are and what is manifesting in their lives and their illnesses,” says Lisa Bakke. She is the House Manager at the Plymouth House of Healing in Seattle, Washington. Her role is to train new Companions in what she calls the “art of companioning,” to guide them to walk a path alongside residents who are recently discharged from psychiatric treatment.

Companions in Healing

2011-05-19T08:21:09

At the Plymouth House of Healing in Seattle, residents who are in recovery from homelessness and mental illness receive companionship, healing, and a sense of community. The centerpiece of the program is companioning. Along with safe housing, the program offers healing through these relationships with volunteer Companions.

Coping with Post-TBI Emotional Distress

2010-09-14T04:56:06

Life after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is not only impacted by the physical and/or intellectual results of the injury, but also deep emotional stress brought on by feelings of isolation and helplessness. This randomized controlled trial finds that people living with TBI are found with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use problems. Understanding the causes of these issues, and strategies for treatment, is the first step to preventing homelessness for people with TBI.

Coping with the Death of a Client

2011-06-30T04:19:25

The death of a client can create a flurry of emotions for the providers with whom they form close bonds. Bobbi Jo Evans, a housing specialist at Harbor Health Services, Inc. in Branford, Connecticut, describes the difficult experience of losing a client.

Creating a Plan to End Child Homelessness in Mississippi

2011-08-15T10:03:26

The Mississippi Campaign to End Child Homelessness was launched in 2010 to galvanize the public and political will to end child and family homelessness in Mississippi. In 2011, the Mississippi Campaign created the Mississippi Plan to End Child Homelessness in hopes to increase awareness, inform policies, and improve programs and services with the ultimate goal of preventing and ending child and family homelessness. This article outlines the steps taken to create this plan.

Creating Debt-Free Supportive Housing in Tulsa, Oklahoma

2010-11-17T10:23:09

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a debt-free business model enables the Mental Health Association to develop new units of supportive housing. The agency offers a range of housing options to meet the needs of clients. The debt-free model offers stable, sustainable housing and a revenue stream to support supportive services for clients.

Danielle Steel Offers “A Gift of Hope”

2013-04-01T07:07:42

Seeking a way to ease the pain of her son Nick’s suicide, bestselling author Danielle Steel took to the streets of San Francisco for 11 years, providing outreach to individuals who would be considered chronically homeless. In writing about her efforts in A Gift of Hope (Delacorte Press, 2012), Ms. Steel says she broke her silence to give the people she served a voice.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Tips for Homelessness Service Providers

2012-12-05T06:36:20

People experiencing homelessness are increasingly vulnerable during emergencies and disasters. The following tips are designed to assist homelessness service providers to address these vulnerabilities during an emergency or disaster (HRC).

Dogs Trained to Support Veterans With PTSD

2011-04-20T03:42:11

Paws and Stripes is a new organization born out of one veteran’s need for relief from devastating symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury after three tours of duty in Iraq. Service dogs are trained to bond and provide a sense of security and trust when the veteran is in public places. Dogs are trained in skills to address specific symptoms or risks that a veteran with PTSD might experience. Paws and Stripes has a growing wait list of veterans eager to be trained to work with a service dog. This is their story.

Dr. Ken Minkoff on Value Driven Systems Change

2010-09-27T02:21:24

Dr. Ken Minkoff is an expert on integrated treatment of individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance disorders. He shares his perspective on value driven systems change and the development of integrated systems of care for co-occurring disorders. “We have to build the capacity to welcome, inspire, and address the needs of people and families with complexity into absolutely everything we do. Our work is about the needs and values of the people seeking service and the values of people delivering it,” says Ken.

Eight Tips for Becoming Trauma-Informed in Practice

2011-02-14T05:15:39

There are very high rates of trauma among people experiencing homelessness. Ensuring that agencies provide trauma-informed homeless services is crucial to supporting recovery from trauma and homelessness. SAMHSA’s HRC offers a large number of resources to help agencies become trauma-informed. This article offers eight tips to help move your agency toward being trauma-informed.

Ending Child Homelessness in Mississippi: Q & A with Tuwanna Williams

2010-12-03T02:45:54

Tuwanna Williams is the Mississippi State Coordinator for the Campaign to End Child Homelessness. She shares what she has learned from partners and parents working to end homelessness for the 11,000 Mississippi children without homes.

Ending Homelessness in Europe: Current Priorities

2011-03-11T02:23:00

Ending Homelessness in Europe: Current Priorities
How do European countries work together to share best practices for preventing and ending homelessness? To learn more, Richard Schweid talks with the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA), a Brussels based, non-governmental organization working across 27 countries to address concerns of homelessness. While the challenges of homelessness can be quite similar across European countries, there is also a great diversity of problems, solutions, and resources.

Ending Street Homelessness in Europe

2011-05-05T11:14:45

“Homelessness is possibly the most extreme form of poverty and social exclusion,” says Liz Lynne, a member of the European Parliament. In December 2010, the European Parliament adopted a declaration on a European Union homelessness strategy, calling on member states to end street homelessness by 2015. Lynne shares her thoughts on the need for increased political will and sharing of best practices for ending homelessness.

Ending Veteran Homelessness by Seeking Rapid Results

2013-02-05T04:49:04

When the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a drop in veteran homelessness in 2012, it pointed to the success of the HUD-VASH housing and services program. Some of that success is no doubt due to innovative veterans’ “boot camps” that prompted some communities to house more than one veteran a day for 100 days. In fact, a December 2012 report to Congress on veteran homelessness (http://www.usich.gov/population/veterans/report_to_congress_on_homeless_veterans/) the boot camps as an innovative program. Participating communities shortened the time it took for veterans to be housed and focused on those with the most significant needs.

Engaging the Community

2012-06-26T01:02:54

Dr. Sandra Young Olson, Executive Director of the Coalition of Behavioral Health Services, discusses a curriculum she is developing to train community members to identify and assist people who are struggling with substance use problems. Sandy’s own lived experience, knowledge, and passion have inspired her to find ways to help others find solutions.

Engaging Veterans and Families to Enhance Service Delivery

2011-06-20T01:44:06

The National Center on Family Homelessness recently released "Engaging Veterans and Families to Enhance Service Delivery: A Tool Kit for Community-Based Organizations." This Tool Kit discusses the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). It also provides useful tools for veteran outreach. (Authors)

Ethical Concerns in Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

2011-07-28T03:03:14

Some critics call Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) a fundamentally coercive model of care because of the level of control that case managers have over their clients’ lives. This article explores some of the resulting ethical concerns of using the ACT model. This article is the third in a series of three articles about ACT.

Every Family Has Their Own Story

2011-08-25T10:34:24

Contra Costa Interfaith Housing provides permanent supportive housing and intensive services for families with children, working closely with community agencies to ensure that families succeed in the transition out of homelessness.

Everyone Has a Little Facebook in Them

2010-06-22T02:32:51

Facebook is not just for college students anymore. Many non-profits are using Facebook and other social networking sites to raise awareness for their causes, and to promote their services. One of these non-profits is Housing for New Hope, a North Carolina homeless service provider and PATH provider serving Durham and Orange Counties.

Evidence-Based Practices in the Context of Human Relationships

2011-07-28T03:02:13

John Records is the executive director of the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) in Petaluma, California. Many of the people who come to COTS from the streets have high “adverse childhood experiences” (ACE) scores. The program uses the Restorative Integral Support (RIS) model to address their trauma.

Give Me a Shot of Anything: House Calls to the Homeless

2013-03-05T04:52:06

Filmmaker Jeff Schwartz discusses his first feature-length documentary, Give Me a Shot of Anything: House Calls to the Homeless. In this powerful film, Schwartz provides a unique glimpse into the lives of those living on the streets and those that reach out to care for them.

Give Them Wings

2011-06-20T01:38:24

Give Them Wings is a sober housing program for young men in Hood River, Oregon. The program works to support young men in this rural area, where services are in short supply for youth. Founder Allyson Pate, along with a handful of other dedicated community members, provides safe sober housing, structure, and opportunities for employment and recovery in this small town. (Author)

Harm Reduction Helps Women Recover: Maya’s Place and Crossroads for Women

2010-11-04T06:11:03

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, two sister programs offer a harm reduction approach for women struggling with substance abuse, trauma histories, and homelessness. HRC guest writer Ann Powers shares the story of a graduate of Maya’s Place and Crossroads for Women who is now a resident manager at the same program that helped her find recovery.

Harvard’s Student-Run Homeless Shelter

2011-03-28T12:38:15

The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter is the only student-run homeless shelter in the country. A new book, Shelter: Where Harvard Meets the Homeless, examines the compelling relationships between Harvard students and people who are guests at the shelter.

Healing the Medical Profession, One Patient at a Time

2013-01-08T01:21:16

Pioneering “street medicine” physician Jim Withers, M.D., is on a mission. He takes to the streets of Philadelphia to treat people who are homeless, but his larger goal is to help the medical profession reconnect with people in need. To assist his fellow physicians and the students he mentors, Dr. Withers founded the Street Medicine Institute, which now sponsors the annual Street Medicine Symposium.

Hearing Our Voices: Participatory Research and Consumer Integration

2010-10-08T04:29:20

“Hearing Our Voices” is an innovative project to understand the housing experiences of people diagnosed with mental illnesses. Co-researchers Barbara Schneider and nine members of the Peer Support Unsung Heroes Program at the Schizophrenia Society of Calgary launched the project. Research products include theatre performances, a documentary film, a graphic novel, a photomontage, and an exhibit that has been seen across Canada.

Helping Clients to Help Themselves Through the Housing Process

2010-12-03T02:44:44

Helping a client to become housed is a process with many steps. Housing Specialist Bobbi Jo Evans shares her approach to helping clients to help themselves through the process. She addresses common hurdles that you might encounter and offers suggestions for supporting your client through the process.

Helping New Immigrants to Access Housing Resources: What Providers Should Know

2009-12-14T01:49:06

Homelessness is a tragedy for anyone. Being homeless as a new immigrant can be even more challenging. Though each immigrant experience is unique, there are best practices for helping immigrants to access housing resources. The PATH TA Center’s Melissa Martin spoke with Toby Guevin of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition to learn more.

Helping People Without Homes: The Role of Psychologists

2010-11-17T10:27:01

The 2009 APA Presidential Task Force on Psychology’s Contribution to End Homelessness recently published, “Helping People Without Homes: The Role of Psychologists and Recommendations to Advance Training, Research, Practice and Policy.” The report reinforces that the availability of affordable housing for low-income individuals reduces homelessness and addresses the importance of support to people most vulnerable for losing their homes.

Hidden Populations

2012-11-05T03:34:29

Alexander Bennett, a researcher for the National Development Research Institute (NDRI), works to assist veterans in their efforts to readjust to civilian life and to develop a voice alongside those who are reaching out to help them. His ultimate goal is to build trust and a community of veterans who can succeed in their life after combat.

Homeless and in the Emergency Room: The Pitfalls and Tragedy

2013-03-05T04:37:40

Roger Wade is a contributing author to the Homelessness Resource Center, this being his sixth article since 2010. In his newest contribution, he describes the immediate and long-term damage that can occur when health providers subscribe to homeless stereotypes, and how these stereotypes can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County, California

2010-10-22T12:11:39

Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County is an HBO documentary film about the lives of families living in motels in one of the wealthiest counties in the country. The film offers a glimpse at the challenges faced by homeless children and their families in America. The HRC’s Corey Beach reviews the film, directed by Alexandra Pelosi.

Homelessness Kills

2012-11-05T04:41:57

The results of a recent study in England confirm what decades of research in the United States and worldwide have found: homelessness kills. People who experience homelessness have a morality rate four times that of the general population. They die decades earlier, often from treatable medical conditions. Women who experience homelessness are especially vulnerable.

Housing First in Huntington, West Virginia

2013-01-07T04:22:29

Prestera Center for Mental Health Services, Inc., is located in Huntington and other sites in the southwestern region of West Virginia. They are a grantee of SAMHSA’s Services in Supportive Housing (SSH) program, receiving their grant in 2008. Having adopted the Housing First philosophy with their Continuum of Care (CoC), they meet the housing and service needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in their community who are most “critically” in need.

Housing First: An Interview with Sam Tsemberis

2012-08-31T11:26:27

Dr. Sam Tsemberis is the founder of Pathways to Housing, Inc., a non-profit organization that originated the Housing First program. Housing First is a highly effective housing and support services model that is used all over the U.S. in both urban and rural areas. Sam discusses the history of Housing First, which is based on the principles of client choice and offers housing as a basic human right to people with co-occurring disorders experiencing homelessness.

Housing Language First

2012-06-26T12:58:48

Jay S. Levy, M.S.W., LICSW, is Regional Manager for the PATH Program at Eliot CHS Homeless Services in Lexington, MA. He shares five principles of a pretreatment approach to outreach. This model supports transitions to housing and other services while respecting the autonomy and readiness for change of individuals experiencing homelessness.

How Do You See?

2013-04-01T07:06:39

People who are experiencing homelessness and have suffered trauma deserve respect, kindness, and dignity. This is at the heart of the work of Saint Martin’s Hospitality and Behavioral Health Center. Father Rusty recalls the stories of those who have given him the gift of seeing that at the center of his work and his life is compassion for all human beings.

I Think I am Done with Being Homeless

2011-08-15T10:02:10

Jayne Sorels, executive director of The Interfaith Services Sanctuary in Boise, Idaho reflects on the history of how this organization came together in a flash of goodwill to find shelter for people in need. She also shares their philosophy that is grounded in compassion, dignity, love, kindness, and harmony, beliefs they live in a day to day world where there is little permanent housing and a scarcity of employment.

In the Field: An Interview with John Parvensky of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

2011-01-13T04:41:40

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) interviews John Parvensky to learn how the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless uses Medicaid funding to offer clinical services (primary health care, mental health counseling, etc.) at supportive housing sites. John emphasizes that homeless service agencies will need to partner with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to benefit from expanded Medicaid coverage under health care reform.

In Their Own Words: Homeless Female Veterans Share Their Stories

2010-09-27T02:22:30

Risk of homelessness for recent veterans, particularly women who served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan is increasing. Of the estimated 107,000 currently homeless veterans, 7,000 are female veterans. Female veterans have four times greater risk of homelessness compared to their civilian counterparts. Kathleen Guarino shares findings from a listening tour to understand the experiences and needs of female veterans experiencing homelessness and service providers in San Diego County.

Integrating Primary and Mental Health on Street Outreach

2010-12-21T07:45:34

Jake Hull, RN, is part of Manchester, New Hampshire’s integrated primary care and mental health street outreach team. The team is the result of collaboration between The Mental Health Center of Greater New Hampshire, a PATH grantee and the Manchester Health Care for the Homeless program. Jake shares his thoughts on strengths of the team’s integrated approach to health care and street outreach.

Janine’s Story: Inspiration for Recovery

2010-12-21T07:32:04

By sharing her own story of addiction and recovery, one woman helps women struggling with substance use, homelessness, and prostitution believe that change is possible. Listening to her story, she helps inspire women without hope to begin to see the possibility for transformation.

Leaving Home and Fixing Broken Systems

2012-05-24T12:55:15

Jama Shelton, Coordinator of Research and Evaluation at the Ali Forney Center in New York City, has been working with LGBTQI2-S youth in direct services since she was studying to become a social worker. Currently, she is finishing her dissertation on the need for systems change to better support transgender youth experiencing homelessness. Her dual perspective of the macro and micro views of the system allows her both to effect change at the policy level and to impact services for providers and underserved youth.

Listening is Helping

2011-03-11T09:35:01

What can you do when someone calls you for assistance but is ineligible for your agency’s services? Before you give a referral and hang up, try simply listening. Housing Specialist Bobbi Jo Evans shares how simply listening and connecting can provide hope for someone in crisis. She believes that “making a connection with the person sitting across from you or on the other end of the telephone is what working in social services is truly about. Without a connection and without the ability to listen, we too often become an empty shell programmed to apologize when a situation is beyond our ability to provide concrete services.”

Listening to the Experts

2010-10-08T04:31:27

“Before I met Barbara Schneider, I had only given fingerprints, or watched lights on a computer. Research had always been done to us, as subjects. But I think that people who are living with the experiences of mental illness are the experts,” says Michele. She is a member of the participatory research group that created “Hearing Our Voices,” a project to understand the housing experiences of people diagnosed with mental illnesses.

Making the Safety Net Safe

2012-04-03T12:12:52

Dr. Scout, Director of The Network for LGBT Health Equity, discusses a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that ensures Federal housing programs do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Dr. Scout shares steps shelters can take to make the shelter system safer for transgender people.

Memory, States of Mind, and Compassion

2010-09-14T04:52:27

This is the first person account of one woman’s two-hour journey through memory, states of mind, compassion, and a shift in perspective. HRC writer Wendy Grace Evans talks candidly about participating in a simulation for medical students. The simulation was designed to teach the techniques of Motivational Interviewing, de-escalation, and physical safety. Wendy learns more about her own experiences with co-occurring disorders and recovery than she anticipated.

Mental Health Courts: Diverting Loss

2012-08-31T11:55:51

Many communities are establishing mental health courts to better serve the needs of people with mental illness who are charged with crimes. The result is a model that offers healthier paths to recovery and higher-quality, more cost-effective services. Melissa Knopp, Esq., Manager of the Specialized Dockets Section of the Supreme Court of Ohio, discusses the establishment of a mental health court in her community.

Migrant Homelessness in Europe

2011-04-07T01:34:08

An important aspect of membership for the countries that make up the European Union (EU) is that a citizen from any EU country can enter, live, and work in another EU country. However, policies toward people experiencing homelessness vary widely across the EU’s 27 nations. Some countries refuse access to even basic social services for destitute people who migrate from other EU countries and experience homelessness. Mauro Striano, migration policy officer for the European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) explains the issue to Richard Schweid.

Momentum for Recovery-Oriented Methadone Maintenance

2012-10-03T08:26:46

William White, M.A., after first testing the waters as an anti-methadone counselor and clinical director in the early days of his career, has since challenged the myths and misconceptions about methadone treatment and its role in long-term recovery from opiate addiction. Today he is pleased to have worked in the field long enough to witness these changed perspectives within him and within the field he has served for more than four decades.

Mothers and Children Connect Through Reading

2010-09-27T02:20:13

Sharon Cash works with mothers and children recovering from homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, or mental health issues at Renewal Place in Memphis, Tennessee. She shares her own story of recovery and how it has enriched her work. Sharon highlights how two programs, Family Time and Book Club, help foster literacy, mother-child bonding, and healthy family relationships.

Overview: Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness

2011-06-30T04:16:31

It has been one year since the White House and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness released Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. This article provides an overview of the plan’s goals, objectives, and strategies to end homelessness among individuals, veterans, families, children, and youth in the United States.

Peer Providers and Professional Colleagues: Powerful Partners for Recovery

2012-08-31T11:51:00

Rene’ Buchanan shares her own lived experience, rich with insight into how peer providers can be powerful partners in the recovery process. This essay was part of Rene’s presentation in the session “How Can Peer Providers Complement Professional Colleagues as Powerful Partners for Recovery?” at SAMHSA’s 2012 Homeless Programs Annual Grantee Conference in Washington, D.C.

Personalized Budgets: A Person-Centered Approach to Ending Homelessness in London

2011-02-14T05:11:45

Broadway, a London, UK-based non-profit, has piloted “personalized budgets,” an innovative person-centered method of reaching out to people experiencing chronic homelessness. Broadway targeted long-term “rough sleepers” who had been living on the streets for between four and 45 years and asked each: “What do you need to help you off the streets?” Each person was offered a personalized budget of 3,000 British pounds (about US$4,750) to meet these needs and to spend as he or she pleased. The budget was combined with flexible, personalized support from the project coordinator.

Powering Recovery: The Endorphin Power Company

2010-12-21T07:29:07

The Endorphin Power Company offers a sober living community in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was founded by an emergency room physician who wanted to make a difference in the lives of people using substances before they reached the ER doors. The program offers an approach to recovery from substance dependency powered by the four pillars of education, exercise, community, and service.

Project LINK: We Relentlessly Pursue

2012-02-07T03:41:32

Cheryl A. Bushman leads a Life Resources Group for Project LINK, a program at Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County in Texas. She uses her own lived experience to connect with people in recovery from chronic homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse. Project LINK uses the evidence-based practice of PACT to expand intensive treatment and supports within permanent supportive housing.

Promoting Ideas in Psychiatry and Community

2011-06-02T09:09:29

IDEAS in Psychiatry is a nonprofit educational institute that provides useful, accurate and up-to-date scientific information about psychiatric illnesses, symptoms, and treatments. Their goal is to change the conversation - to encourage open, honest and informed discussion - so that those impacted by mental illness can seek effective help for themselves or their loved ones and so that professionals have the tools to deliver the best care possible.

PTSD Fact Sheet: Frequently Asked Questions

2011-02-25T04:54:57

This fact sheet provides basic information to post-traumatic stress disorder. It addresses what PTSD is, what kind of events can contribute to the development of PTSD, how to locate help, treatments, and resources for veterans experiencing PTSD.

PTSD Fact Sheet: Treatment for PTSD

2011-03-28T12:40:18

There are several approaches to treatment for people with PTSD. This fact sheet offers a summary of treatments available, including: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy; and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, and other options.

Putting Policy into Perspective: A Service Provider’s Guide to Understanding Sequestration

2013-04-29T11:54:23

Budgets cuts, fiscal cliffs, sequestration, downsizing. These words have become a common refrain, but what exactly do they mean? Mark Allison, Chairman of the Board of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, explains what sequestration really means, and how it has and will continue to impact homeless service and housing providers.

Reaching Out With Patience

2012-04-27T12:43:05

Outreach worker Ysi Ramos shares his thoughts on the essence of outreach, which he believes comes from patience and the ability to build rapport over time. He and a colleague from REACH in Seattle, Washington rely on patience and other resources to build trust with people who are living on the streets.

Recovery Starts with Strengths

2010-10-22T12:13:23

Jeff Irving is a Peer Support Specialist who prefers to be called a person rather than a consumer. He is dedicated to supporting others through their own journeys through recovery. Jeff shares his perspectives on recovery and the role of peer support with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans.

Reducing Isolation in Los Angeles County

2011-08-25T10:33:58

The LIFE Project primarily serves women, as well as some men, who experienced homelessness and live with co-occurring disorders in Los Angeles County, California. Kendra—a LIFE Project participant—describes her previous experiences with other mental health providers, “I don’t want to do their job, but I want them to listen to me.” In contrast, the LIFE Project encourages people to talk about their mental health issues. Elizabeth Stoltz, Program Director, discusses the importance of communication to recovery.

Reframing Danger and Finding Safety

2012-07-30T07:57:29

Dr. Les B. Whitbeck is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln whose research focuses on LGBTQI2-S youth experiencing homelessness in small Midwestern cities. His mission is to keep underserved youth safe from repeated harm.

Resiliency in Research and Community: Restorative Integral Support

2011-07-14T11:23:20

Restorative Integral Support (RIS) is a flexible model that allows for fluid collaboration among community leaders, service systems, and people receiving supports. At the core of the model is the concept of resiliency for the entire community. All parties work together to address trauma, mental illness, homelessness, and substance use.

Revising the Growing Season

2012-07-30T07:48:02

Jonathan Scott, Executive Director of Victory Programs in Boston, MA, talks about the meaning of leading innovative programs and creative financing in building spaces for people to recover and grow with the land they cultivate. At the center of his work and the work of his organization is person-centered relationship building in the midst of acres of land and fields of vegetables.

Roger Wade: My Story

2011-03-11T02:24:46

Roger Wade recently contributed “The Homeless Problem: My Personal Perspective” based on 15 years of experiencing “a homeless state of mind and body.” Now, he shares his life story, which spans a happy childhood, asuccessful career in marketing, a tour as a photojournalist in Vietnam, struggles with mental health issues, and a life-altering accident.

Rural Success with Housing First

2012-11-05T03:31:03

Pathways Vermont is demonstrating that Housing First can have the same success rate in a rural area as it does in urban areas. Executive Director Hilary Melton, who has been working with this model since the 1980s, shares how creative use of tele-health and a commitment to providing everyone they serve with a home and intensive services is the key to their success.

SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight: Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services

2013-01-07T04:22:02

The Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services, Paths to Recovery (P2R) program has been selected for a SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight for January 2013. P2R serves what many would consider to be the most difficult to serve clientele, using admission criteria factors such as multiple arrests, longest tenure on the streets, and previously failed treatment at other local homeless and treatment programs. In essence, P2R is “the safety net for the safety net” for individuals experiencing homelessness in their community.

SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight: Ohio’s Transitional Living, Inc.

2013-02-05T04:53:30

Transitional Living, Inc., the PATH provider in Butler County, Ohio, has been selected for the February 2013 SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight. The program collaborates with local law enforcement and mental health systems. These partnerships provide the program with the opportunity to effectively advocate for individuals who are homeless, ensuring that they are no longer overlooked in their community.

SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight: Palladia, Inc.—Steps to Safety Program

2013-04-30T12:13:37

Palladia, Inc.’s Steps to Safety program has been selected for a SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight for May 2013. The program’s focus on reducing trauma symptoms and assisting in recovery from substance use disorders, while addressing issues of homelessness and housing stability, has led to an increased sense of self-efficacy among their clients.

SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight: Pathways to Housing—The Peer Wellness Program

2013-04-01T07:09:05

Pathways to Housing, New York’s Peer Wellness program, has been selected for a SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight for April 2013. The Peer Wellness program’s exclusive reliance on a peer-run model that emphasizes empowerment, social inclusion, and true collaboration is what makes this program truly unique.

SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight: Skid Row Housing Trust

2012-12-05T06:40:48

The Skid Row Housing Trust (SRHT) in Los Angeles, California has been selected for a SAMHSA Grantee Spotlight for December 2012. SRHT recruits the most vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals who self-identify as having a mental health or substance abuse/dependency disorder and provides them with permanent housing. The Skid Row Housing Trust has developed a unique model that recognizes the multiple pathways an individual experiencing homelessness may follow, and provides assistance as they reenter their communities (HRC).

Self-Care: Nurturing the Threads in Your Web

2011-01-13T04:37:34

For workers in human services, practicing self-care is vital to prevent burnout. Fostering and nurturing our relationships with friends, family, and coworkers helps us to maintain a healthy sense of well-being. This article offers information and tips on creating and maintaining supportive relationships.

Serving Elderly People Experiencing Homelessness

2011-07-14T11:22:28

Elderly people experiencing homelessness have unique issues that require special provider attention. Bobbi Jo Evans, a housing specialist at Harbor Health Services, Inc. in Branford, Connecticut, discusses the impact of aging on physical health, mental health, finances, and housing.

Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness in Mississippi: Q&A with Mary Thompson

2011-06-20T01:45:42

Stewpot Community Services in Jackson, Mississippi, provides thousands of men, women, and children with food, shelter, clothing, love, and encouragement every year. Several local church congregations founded Stewpot in 1981 to assist individuals in need. The organization has since grown to include 18 different ministries. Homelessness Resource Center contributing writer Tuwanna Williams recently sat down with Mary Thompson, Stewpot’s Director of Women’s Services, to learn more about families experiencing homelessness in Mississippi. (Author)

Setting the Stage for a Consumer Advisory Board

2011-05-19T07:47:33

Involving consumers can positively impact the quality and effectiveness of services provided in organizations. This article offers suggestions to help organizations create and foster a consumer-oriented and inclusive culture, starting with creating a Consumer Advisory Board.

Sheltering Men

2012-04-03T12:30:55

The Albuquerque Opportunity Center (AOC) is part of the Metropolitan Homelessness Project and shelters 75 men per night. The shelter offers comprehensive services, including respite care, Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits, and transitional housing opportunities. Devon*, one of the residents at AOC, tells his story of three periods of homelessness, and what helps to sustain him.

Showing Up, Rain or Shine

2012-03-01T03:54:26

The Outdoor Church is a nondenominational group serving men and women who are experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It provides care and community – outdoors, in all weather – to approximately 100 men and women experiencing homelessness.

Sisters Empowering Sisters: A Sanctuary

2012-04-27T12:41:04

Sisters Empowering Sisters is a peer specialist-run program in Washington, DC that offers women in recovery from co-occurring disorders an opportunity to connect with other women who share the same struggles. Project Director Renee Robertson speaks about the powerful impact the sisters can have on each others’ lives when there is common understanding about moving away from loss, grief, and suffering, and towards hope and healing.

Sketch: Role Play and Cut Loose

2013-02-05T04:50:22

Phyllis Novak, Creative Director of the Sketch program and former actress, has spent years infusing life and creativity into the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. Today Sketch is a hotbed of artistic genius that fills a 7,500 square foot alternative learning center with everything from musical jamming to community gardens.

South Boston Grows

2013-04-30T12:01:19

South Boston Grows is an educational community garden catering to youth living in Boston, Massachusetts. The founder, Phoebe Fleming, relishes every opportunity to share her love of the outdoors and the importance of good nutrition with the youth in her urban neighborhood.

South Dakota: Changing Systems with Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

2010-09-14T04:50:43

How do substance use issues relate to mental illness? How can we best meet the needs of people who experience both?” This is one of many important questions that agencies and service providers across the state of South Dakota are asking themselves as they work together to transform services for people who experience co-occurring psychiatric and substance use issues. Amy Iversen-Pollreisz, the Director of the Division of Mental Health, speaks about collaborative efforts to impact systemic change.

Step-by Step: A Comprehensive Approach to Case Management

2011-08-15T10:01:05

What is case management? How do you choose the right approach for your organization? What supports do case managers need to provide quality case management services? This article offers the answers to these questions and more.

Street Stories: One Man’s Journey from Homelessness to Housing

2011-02-14T05:09:09

Housing Specialist Bobbi Jo Evans shares the experience of supporting someone from homelessness to housing. Her account of working with “Al” (not his real name) reflects the importance of person-centered, recovery-oriented care.

Street Truth

2011-04-20T03:24:06

Dr. Jim Withers is a Street Medicine pioneer. He founded Operation Safety Net in 1992 to offer a profoundly different experience for both the providers working on Street Medicine teams and people experiencing homelessness. His goal is to create healing human relationships grounded in “reality-based healthcare,” which meets people where they are in life.

Supportive Housing with Empathy

2012-04-27T12:45:02

Jaime Ebaugh of Southwest Counseling Solutions in Detroit, Michigan discusses Piquette Square, which offers permanent supportive housing to veterans experiencing homelessness. The organization uses a combination of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), PATH outreach, and referrals, and a unique approach to alternative healing modalities that impact mind, body, and spirit.

Surviving Together

2012-10-03T08:25:07

Surviving on the streets is difficult, especially when battling severe weather and other emergency situations. Sabrina Edgington, Program and Policy Specialist for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, discusses a pilot training designed to teach emergency preparedness to those experiencing homelessness and living on the streets. The training focuses on engagement and peer learning.

Systems Integration: Innovation at Work

2011-07-14T11:24:39

This article is one of a series outlining the work of Strengthening At Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children, an initiative to improve the housing, health, and development of young mothers and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This initiative is funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and implemented in collaboration with The National Center on Family Homelessness, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. The Initiative includes four program sites located in Pomona, California; Antelope Valley, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Chicago, Illinois. This article outlines the specific work of the FACT (Family Assertive Community Treatment) project in Chicago, Illinois.

Ten Resources for Working With Students Experiencing Homelessness

2010-09-27T02:16:19

Students experiencing homelessness have special needs and are entitled to certain services. As the school year begins, HRC offers ten resources to help providers and educators to better serve and assist students experiencing homelessness.

That Little Rock in the Palm of Your Hand

2012-03-01T03:58:35

Cinda is four years clean and sober. In this article, she reflects on the difficult path that led her to sobriety, insight, and the LIFE Project at Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs, Inc.

The 41st Bed at Wayside House

2011-04-20T09:11:19

Michaelene Spence, the clinical director at Wayside House in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, speaks with experience about the positive impact of Motivational Interviewing. Wayside House staff find that Motivational Interviewing in conjunction with other evidence-based practices helps people to heal. The staff is committed to ongoing training in order to provide compassionate and dignified support that honors the whole person.

The Four Walls Around Us

2012-04-03T12:28:11

Terry Grahl is the Founder and Visionary of Enchanted Makeovers, a nonprofit interior design organization based in Detroit, Michigan. Terry is a self-described home-healer, and she takes these skills around the country, transforming the built environment of shelters into homes for the women and children living there.

The Homeless Man and Jail

2013-04-01T07:08:20

Roger Wade is a contributing author to the Homelessness Resource Center, this being his seventh article since 2010. In this essay, Roger Wade explains how the struggle to survive on the streets can lead a homeless man to jail.

The Homeless Man in Society: The Difference a Suit Makes

2012-06-26T01:00:17

Roger Wade is the author of "The Homeless Problem: My Personal Perspective," based on 15 years of experiencing “a homeless state of mind and body.” In this essay, he reflects on how appearance impacts how a person experiencing homelessness is treated in our society.

The Homeless Problem: My Personal Perspective, by Roger Wade

2010-12-03T02:41:25

Roger Wade has been homeless for over 15 years and is now a PATH participant. Based on his experiences of being homeless in America, he shares his reflections on the major stumbling blocks experienced by single men experiencing homelessness. He offers some simple steps that providers can take to help men who are experiencing homelessness.

The New Literati

2011-07-28T03:01:32

Roger Wade describes his experiences in the downtown library of Salt Lake City, Utah, and poses the question, “Are men experiencing homelessness the New Literati?” Roger’s contributions to the HRC inlude, “The Homeless Problem: My Personal Perspective” and “Roger Wade: My Story,” reflecting his unique perspective as a person with the experience of 15 years of homelessness.

The Point of Return

2012-03-01T03:52:37

Dr. Tanya Page has worked to establish Outside In as a primary medical home that helps marginalized people experiencing homelessness in Portland, Oregon. It helps people work towards self-sufficiency and improved health. Outside In’s medical clinic serves roughly 6,000 adults and youth each year, offering traditional and alternative medical supports, mental health care, community referrals, and mobile outreach.

The Reluctance Not to Give Up on Yourself

2012-07-30T07:43:14

Writer Mark Vonnegut shares his experiences of the nuanced and necessary dialogue between art, writing, his work as a doctor, and his experiences with mental illness. Mark offers insight into providing good care and sheds light on what he calls his own “reluctance not to give up.”

The Story of Hope in a Painting

2011-06-30T04:20:51

Judy LewLoose is an artist who uses pointillism to capture the light, spirit, and possibilities of hope in one image. Through these artistic conversations, she offers perspectives of individuals experiencing homelessness that people might not otherwise be able to see.

The Writer and The Soloist

2011-08-25T10:33:47

In August 2011, Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Ayres were special guests at the HRC’s Promoting Wellness Regional Training, attended by over 200 homeless service providers. Steve Lopez is a Los Angeles Times columnist, father, husband, and author of The Soloist. Nathaniel Ayers is a talented musician, ardent fan of Beethoven, and long-time friend of Steve Lopez. The two men met by chance on the streets of LA’s Skid Row and have changed each other’s lives.

There Is No Wrong Door

2012-12-05T06:37:51

In a cost benefit review of a single typical patient, Care Oregon documented that Central City Concern’s Recuperative Care Program reduced annual hospitalization and medical costs by more than $80,000 per patient. The Recuperative Care Program has provided care and housing for more than 1,000 patients since the program’s inception in 2005. Nic Granum, Program Manager, talks about the important transitions people make from hospitals to homes with the support, services, and compassion of their staff.

Time, Space, and Survival Strategies

2011-05-19T08:17:45

Concepts as basic as time and space change for individuals who are living on the streets. Service providers need to understand these changed perceptions to help people achieve housing stability, according to Lia van Doorn, a professor at the University of Applied Sciences in the Dutch city of Utrecht.

Tips for Peer Support Specialist Programs

2011-03-28T12:39:35

What are the benefits and challenges of a peer support specialist program? Rosie Arocho from Vocational Instruction Project Community Services, Inc. (VIP) in the Bronx, NY shares her reflections in a Q&A with the HRC. She emphasizes the importance of supervision, training, and support and explains why peer support specialists can make a real difference.

Toy Soldier

2011-08-15T09:59:26

Roger Wade pays homage to the dedication, compassion, and persistence of outreach workers and counselors who work at the nation’s emergency shelters. He offers a vignette dramatizing the dangers they face on a daily basis and describes how they provide life-changing services to men and women experiencing homelessness.

Transition in Place Program: Helping Families Find a Place to Call Home

2013-04-29T11:58:19

New Haven Home Recovery’s Transition in Place Program is designed to help single mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness. Jocelyn Antunes, Supportive Housing Program Coordinator, shares some the biggest challenges she has encountered, as well as the successes she is most proud of.

Trauma-Informed Care: What Do We Know?

2011-01-13T04:46:25

Trauma-informed care is recognized as an important approach to serve trauma survivors who are experiencing homelessness. But what does the research say about the effectiveness of trauma-informed care? This article offers a summary of research findings related to trauma-informed care.

Treatment with Dignity

2013-02-05T04:52:07

The Serial Inebriate Program in San Diego, California removes the barriers between corrections, public defenders, prosecutors, social workers, emergency response teams, police officers, mental health care providers, and other medical professionals. Jail time is replaced with medically supervised detoxification, medical assessments, and transfers to a six-month treatment center. The program reduces costs for everyone and improves results.

Using Medicaid to Support Services in Supportive Housing: New Opportunities

2012-07-30T07:41:18

Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act provides new opportunities to lower Medicaid costs and improve health outcomes. States and communities can use Medicaid to provide services to formerly homeless residents of supportive housing.

Veterans First: Innovations in Jail Diversion

2012-02-07T04:02:11

The Veterans First Jail Diversion Program in Rio Rancho, New Mexico gives veterans an opportunity to enter a supervision program providing clinical support, intensive case management, support from peer specialists, and housing support. All employees in the program are veterans. This program provides vital support for veterans who often struggle to reintegrate into their communities and families, providing therapeutic options over incarceration.

Voices Together, Women Together

2012-05-24T12:58:38

Gilda Bruckman coordinates a creative writing group called "Voices Together" for women experiencing homelessness at On The Rise in Boston, Massachusetts. Through writing, women learn to listen and recognize their own innate talents, and to explore deeper emotions and talents within themselves.

Waiting on the Welcome Mat: How to be at Home with Trauma-Informed Care

2011-02-15T01:22:06

Supportive housing arrangements have the potential to evoke trauma responses for people with trauma histories. Richard Bebout describes several common presentations of trauma response behaviors within supportive housing environments. He emphasizes that it is critical for supportive housing staff to understand trauma and its impact.

Walking a Path to Improve Services

2011-05-19T08:20:14

Sarah Owen is the executive director of Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated, in Fort Myers, Florida. Along with other community members, she recently decided to live on the streets for 2 days. As part of this experience, she wanted to see what it would be like to access the services available in her community. Her journey resulted in powerful organizational changes that affect the daily lives of people experiencing and transitioning out of homelessness.

Wandering: Reflections of a Street Outreach Worker

2011-02-14T05:00:28

Will Connelly reflects on the experience of being a novice outreach worker on the streets of Nashville, TN. He shares how he learned to be an outreach worker by wandering through the city, trying to be useful to people who sleep outside. Will emphasizes the crucial importance of outreach to those on the streets, especially those who have never set foot in a shelter.

We Can See Clearly Now

2012-10-03T08:26:03

Recovery-focused systems of care offer person-centered opportunities for change, family involvement, and an enhanced quality of life for people who have been experiencing the trauma of homelessness, substance use, desolate poverty, and isolation. Journey of Hope in Philadelphia provides support for long-term recovery. Marcella Maguire, Ph.D., shares insights into this unique collaboration.

Welcoming: An Essential Practice for Systems Recovery

2010-10-22T12:10:20

High morbidity and mortality rates affect people with co-occurring disorders. In response to this, Chris Cline of Zia Partners works with behavioral health systems to reorganize organizational policies and practices. At the center of this kind of systems change is the concept of “welcoming.” Welcoming requires that service providers believe in the people who seek help. Chris believes that a system must be welcoming at every level.

What Do People Keep in Their Pockets?

2013-01-07T04:23:22

In an imperfect system, two different groups with often alternate perspectives have come together. Through regular conversations, meetings, and a collaborative Crisis Intervention training, Homeless Health Services and the police department serve people experiencing chronic homelessness in Fargo, North Dakota. Kim Seeb, Director of Homeless Health Services, has worked with the Fargo Police Department to build bridges between the mental health perspectives and law enforcement perspectives when it comes to serving people who are struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and substance use.

Working on Wisdom

2012-05-24T01:24:17

Frances Cox works with individuals on probation in Austin, Texas through the Working on Wisdom (WOW) program. WOW is informed by Motivational Interviewing and offers a 12-session, strengths-based program to people on probation, may of whom are experiencing homelessness.

Worthy of Dignity and Respect

2013-03-05T04:53:36

Psychiatric rehabilitation can reveal a higher purpose and meaning, showing people that, at the core, beyond mental illness, they are humans worthy of respect and dignity. Cheryl Gagne speaks to recovery and its core values according to the principles of psychiatric rehabilitation.

Writing the Book on Peer-Run Supportive Housing: Key Values and Practices

2011-02-25T04:44:43

Housing Options Made Easy provides supportive housing to both rural and urban communities in Western New York. Created by a group of consumers, Housing Options Made Easy is one of the largest peer-run agencies in the United States. It is one of the few that offers supportive housing for families. This article profiles the vision, values, and practices of Housing Options Made Easy.