Transitional Living Program
One- or two-parent homeless families with dependent children can qualify for assistance from Save the Family when they are referred by an emergency or domestic violence shelter, another health or social services agency or an area church and only if they demonstrate their motivation to decrease dependence on public or private assistance. In fact, we require each family to sign a written agreement stating that they will work diligently to establish their self-sufficiency within a maximum of 24-months. As long as they are free of substance abuse, maintain their sobriety and adhere to the program rules and case plan, they receive a furnished apartment with paid utilities. In return, families pay a modest program fee and receive the services of a professional case manager.
   
In 05/06, Save the Family was able to serve 184 families and 376 children. Today the agency has 75 transitional housing units in Mesa, Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale
Case Management
The vast majority of homeless families are single mothers with several small children. Despite the belief that any of these mothers prefer to be on welfare, the truth is most of these women do not want to be on government assistance. Many have tried to support their families in minimum wage jobs, but are unable to make ends meet. At Save the Family, we realize that getting just any job simply doesn't work. That's why, our staff of professional case managers help our clients develop a written Action Plan and then we use it measure their progress throughout their stay in the program. Initially, case managers guide the adults toward employment, vocational and educational training which they must obtain within one month. In addition, the case managers assure that the children are in appropriate school or child care environments.
Case management is ongoing throughout a family's stay which may be as long as 24 months. We maintain a position of advocacy in assisting families, however, noncompliance with the case plan or program rules are grounds for termination. Case managers meet with families weekly to help families identify any obstacles to their self-sufficiency and to help them access community resources that will help them overcome their challenges. By partnering with other social service agencies, we maximize resources without duplicating effort. Also, when appropriate, case managers refer both adults and children to our Homeless Families Intervention Project to participate in personal growth services to help them deal more effectively with their challenges. |
