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We are Learning
This demonstration continues to present endless opportunities to learn. We are not only learning about how to identify and secure housing for families, but also about what kind of support services families need once housed.
We tend to talk about a “package” of services in supportive housing. But what’s in that package? Most would say it depends. However, if we are going to sustain our projects and embed supportive housing into our array of family services, it is important for us to define what we do so we can articulate what worked. We need to create a practice model so that those who come after us can implement and apply all of what we’ve learned to other high-need families in the future.
For instance, we know that as a demonstration we want to house families who may not otherwise be able to access housing because of behavioral health issues, criminal justice involvement, limited or no income, etc. But then what? How are they engaged? How do they remain housed through relapse or child removal?
Housing First, an approach initially designed for single chronically homeless adults. is now being applied to homeless families and youth. How does it work in a child welfare context? What about other evidence-based practices? Not many service interventions have been tested on families in supportive housing. What do we know anecdotally about how they are working? What kind of competencies do case managers need to have to do their work and facilitate good outcomes for families?
As we ask and answer questions, and learn, we must keep the challenges we face in mind. Here are some of the things we hear most supportive housing providers struggle with:
- Relapse
- Engagement
- Child reunification
- Safety
- Failure to pay rent
In this issue of the Newsletter, we continue our exploration by providing some valuable resources that more fully explain Housing First..
We encourage you to join us in learning about Housing First and the strategies your colleagues are using to combat the struggles mentioned above - not just through research, but by trial and error, creativity, good social work skills and reliance on evidence-based practices.
The families we are helping today - and those years from now who turn to supportive housing - are depending on us answer the questions through this demonstration.
Housing First Resources/Evaluations
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
United Way Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley: Housing First for Families Initiative Year 3 Evaluation Report
Housing First Toolkit - Canada
Housing First - Government of Canada
U.S. Senator Grassley Visits PUSH-CR Demonstration Site
Four Oaks, along with its affiliates Jane Boyd Community House and the Affordable Housing Network, Inc., welcomed U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley to Cedar Rapids on Saturday, July 11.
During the visit, Senator Grassley learned about TotalChild, Four Oaks’ comprehensive and long-term approach for helping at-risk children and their families to achieve and maintain stability. The Senator also heard about Partners United for Supportive Housing in Cedar Rapids (PUSH-CR), the Iowa partnership that is part of our five-year federal demonstration grant utilizing community collaboration to assist families experiencing homelessness or housing crisis in combination with other risk factors. He heard directly from a PUSH-CR participant about how the program helped put her on a path to success.
Senator Grassley has helped to shape federal legislation for generations of vulnerable children and families, and is interested in witnessing progress and results with Iowa children. His visit included discussions with community leaders on what additional supports and reforms are needed to sustain these efforts, and encourage better methods to improve neighborhoods and the lives of children and families.
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