| wallinford_shelter_-_very_final_presentation.pptx |
Being the only organization in Wallingford serving the housing needs of those individuals below the poverty line demographic, this program is highly needed due to the sheer volume of applicants. We operate at a 95%-100% bed count, with a several week waiting list for individuals and several month waiting list for families. Not only does this multifaceted program meet the immediate needs of food, clothing and shelter for the homeless, but it also focuses on prevention through diversion practices, and follow up case manager after permanent housing is located to support individuals and families in self sufficiency ultimately preventing another homeless episode.
The Emergency Shelter for adults is a 50 day program which provides shelter and meals to 15 adults at a time while seeking to assist them into permanent housing and financial stability. This is accomplished through a weekly meeting with the case manager where goals such as employment and housing are identified and worked towards. Through a strong network of professionals and volunteers, clients are assisted with housing location, job training, personal budgeting skills, food stamps and medical insurance, financial assistance and mental health and substance abuse treatment if necessary. As homelessness is a multifaceted phenomena, case managers seek to connect clients to the other social service agencies, as well as the overall community for ongoing support.
The Emergency Shelter for families is a 4 month transitional housing program which provides shelter and meals to 4 families at a time, while seeking to assist them into permanent housing and financial stability. Every family meets two hours a week with the Case Manager as they identify and solve needs pertaining to housing, education, childcare, transportation, employment and financial self sufficiency.