Questions & Answers About SSHP:

 

Q:        Who is eligible to participate in the Supported Housing Program?

 

A: Homeless, displaced families and individuals are eligible. The head-of-household participant must be at least 18 years of age,
and must demonstrate an ability to pay rent.

 

Q:        How are Program Participants selected?

 

A: The screening process begins with a referral to the program. Individuals and families who demonstrate willingness, motivation and some degree of financial and  emotional stability complete program application forms.  A series of meetings between the Applicant and the Program Coordinator are held during which application information is reviewed and verified. The Program Coordinator makes a determination as to the appropriateness of the candidate for the Program.

 

Q:        What happens after an applicant is accepted into the program?

 

A:   The Program Coordinator contacts landlords and advocates for the Participant(s). If accepted by a landlord, Participants prepare a Transition Plan with the           Coordinator’s assistance.  A Transition Plan details the Participant’s short and long-term goals as well as the specific steps they will need to take to achieve             those goals.  Next, the Program Participants sign the landlord’s lease, and in addition sign a Participant Contract and Lease Addendum that clearly identify               all the rules and conditions of the program and the consequences of violating those rules.  Participants then move into the apartment and begin the program.

 

Q:        Where do Program Participants live and for how long?

 

A: They live in apartments at various sites. Occupancy of the apartment unit is a component of, and contingent upon, active participation in the Supported                    Housing Program. Participants must commit to receiving services for a minimum of 6 months after moving into their apartment, though SSHP staff and the                landlord will determine length of program participation.

 

Q:       What are the basic program rules?

 

A: No violence of any kind will be tolerated, and weapons will not be allowed on the premises or in vehicles parked on the premises.  Alcohol consumption is not          allowed for Participants in recovery. The use of illegal drugs on or around the premises is prohibited, as is the abuse of prescription medications. The                       objective of the program is to provide a safe, clean and nurturing environment, conducive to recovering from homelessness and other crises.  Violation of any           of these rules may be cause for immediate eviction from the apartment unit.  In addition, Participants must work in a timely and diligent manner to complete             their overall program goals and objectives.  Repeated failure to do so may result in termination of program eligibility and eventual eviction from the apartment.

 

Q:       Who is allowed to live in the apartment with the Participant?

 

A: Only the Participant’s immediate family as identified in the Program Agreement may occupy the apartment, and all members are required to abide by the                  program rules.  Any new adult or minor household members must be approved by the landlord and be accepted into the Supported Housing Program in the                same manner as the original Participant(s).

 

Q:       What does the Supported Housing Coordinator do?

 

A: The SSHP Coordinator meets with Program Participants regularly (one-five times per week, depending on the Participant’s needs) to review progress in                  achieving Transition Plan goals and objectives, to revise and update the Plan as needed, and to provide ongoing support, guidance and encouragement. The             Supported Housing Coordinator acts as a liaison between the Participant, the landlord, and the various service agencies within the community.