MAYOR S HOUSING THE HOMELESS TASK FORCE REPORT

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1 1 As the Task Force engages in planning strategies to end homelessness in Denton, we will need as much information about the organizations that provide, are considering providing, or talking about providing housing for the homeless. Please fill in the survey to help us better use our time and resources in this effort PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION: Solutions of North Texas Denton County Friends of the Family Denton County MHMR Monsignor King Outreach Center Giving Hope Inc. The Salvation Army Denton Serve Denton Denton Affordable Housing Corp. Contact person for organization and the housing project: Leslie Wisenbaker RayAnne Climer, LMSW Denton County MHMR: Alyna Rogers Betty Kay Executive Director Giving Hope Inc.: Dr. Alonzo Peterson Sergeant Carol Hernandez Serve Denton: Heather Quinn Gage Sheila Harper Organization Survey please select only one option 7 a. My organization is Already Offering Housing Services 1 b. My organization is Planning or Discussing Engaging in Housing for the Homeless 1 c. My organization does not currently offer housing services and is not planning to in the near future.

2 2 Organization Survey for Organizations Already Offering Housing Services 1. Does your organization provide housing of some form for the homeless? Yes/No 8 Yes 0 No 2. What type of housing services does your organization offer at the moment? Substance abuse recovery services/transitional 90 days to 1 year Emergency Shelter Denton County MHMR: Permanent Supportive Housing which includes: Rental Assistance Case Management Rehab Therapy Transportation assistance psychiatry services medication assistance counseling services Inclement weather Giving Hope, Inc.: Short term, medium term, transitional and personal supportive housing. Emergency Shelter and Extended Stay Sheltering Rental properties for homeless families with children, victims of domestic violence with children, persons with disabilities 3. What is the target population for the housing services offered? Homeless Men Homeless Women Homeless Youth Homeless single parent families (women head of household) Homeless single parent families (men head of household) Other

3 3 Adult men and women with substance abuse disorders All of the following that are in imminent danger of domestic violence and/or sexual assault: Homeless Men Homeless Women Homeless Youth Homeless single parent families (women head of household) Homeless single parent families (men head of household) Denton MHMR: Single individuals who are chronically homeless with disabilities Monsignor King Outreach Center Giving Hope, Inc: Homeless Men; Homeless Women; Homeless Men; Homeless Women; Homeless Youth; Homeless single parent families (women head of household); Homeless single parent families (men head of household) Homeless Men Homeless Women Homeless single parent families (women head of household) Homeless single parent families (men head of household) Homeless single parent families (women head of household) Homeless single parent families (men head of household) homeless two parent families

4 4 4. What is the mission of your organization with regards to housing the homeless? "Fighting addictions one family at a time" Solutions of North Texas does not focus on homelessness, we focus on addiction. Solutions of North is not a social service agency, we are a non profit recovery center offering substance abuse services at a greatly reduced cost. It just so happens that 98% of our residents are homeless at intake or coming out of a hospital or jail. We believe that if you address the reasons why someone is homeless that you can greatly reduce incidents of homelessness. We do not support entitlement programs for the chronically homeless. Residents are not allowed to be on welfare during their residency at Solutions of North Texas, however, we do allow SSI benefits for disabled residents. Part of our mission is to teach someone to stand on their own two feet, paying their own way with money that they earn. Friends of the Family is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while partnering with our community to promote safety, healing, and prevention. Denton MHMR: Single individuals who are chronically homeless with disabilities The Connections Program is designed to help individuals achieve greater independence and set personal goals while providing them with a safe, stable, and supportive environment. The Connections Program strives to give not only housing to the homeless, but the tools and resources they need to succeed and increase his/her self sufficiency and maintain independence. House and feed anyone in need Giving Hope, Inc: We provide a hand up to those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless through advocacy, community collaboration and rental assistance in Northern Denton County. We provide services to the homeless without discrimination. To increase the supply of affordable housing in Denton while partnering with social service agencies that provide case management services

5 5 5. How many homeless can be housed at any one time? Denton County MHMR: Giving Hope Inc.: *uses Wheeler Center, DAHC Units and Local Apartments How long can the homeless stay in you housing? 90 days to 1 year Approximately 30 Days Denton County MHMR: as long as they need to Unlimited Giving Hope Inc.: Depends on the program 5 90 days 1 year life 7. What are the criteria the homeless must meet to be able to use your housing services? Must self diagnose as drug addict or alcoholic. Must have a desire to be sober for the rest of their lives. Cannot be taking any medications that have a potential for abuse. No violent offenses or sex offenses no registered sex offenders. Must be able to work or volunteer full time. Must have a desire to become independent, emotionally and financially. Must adhere to the code of conduct and be willing to follow direction. Must be teachable. Must call the crisis line to be screened, self identify as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in imminent danger. Denton County MHMR: All persons applying must meet HUD's definition of "chronically homeless": An unaccompanied individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more OR has had at least 4 episodes of homelessness in the past 3 years. Disabling condition is defined as: A diagnosable substance abuse disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability, or chronic physical disability or illness, including the co occurrence of two or more of these conditions.

6 6 N/A Giving Hope Inc.: The criteria depend on the program they have been admitted to. The criteria is set by HUD. Must meet Zero Tolerance and not on the sex offender data base. They can stay 5 nights every 30 days as well as weather nights 45 degrees or less and 90 degrees or more. Pass criminal screening no felonies for drugs/assault within past 5 years, no sex crimes for life. 8. In addition to providing a roof over the heads of the homeless, what other services are offered by your organization? Safe, Stable, & Clean Housing Food & Meal Planning/Cooking Drug & Alcohol Screening In House 12 Step Meetings Optional Faith Based Recovery Track Outreach Training Education Goal Planning Progress Reviews and Case Management Financial Accountability/Savings Plan Job Search Orientation and Resume Support Relational Wellness Mentoring Program Career Strategies Re Entry Plan & Execution We provide crisis intervention, advocacy case management, adult counseling, child counseling, psycho educational groups, children s case management, legal services, some transportation, and most basic needs such as food, toiletries, OTC medications, clothing, documents, etc. These services and more are completely free of charge. Denton County MHMR: Case Management Rehab Therapy Transportation assistance psychiatry services medication assistance counseling services

7 7 N/A Giving Hope, Inc.: We provide extensive wrap around services and intensive case management. C.A.R.E. kitchen serves breakfast and dinner 365 days a year. Job resources, Resume Assistance, Case Management, Bus Passes. Food Pantry, Referrals No formal services. When there are problems, DAHC staff refers tenants to appropriate service providers. DAHC is more patient with tenants and works to help the tenant stay housed within DAHC Residential Policies 9. Other comments: Solutions of North Texas also offers the following services outside of our residential program: Crisis intervention with a certified interventionist. The Family Solution a program for families of addicts/alcoholics Failure to Launch program for dependent adults and their families. According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (data I received from NNEDV): 63% of homeless women have experienced DV in their adult lives (this does not include childhood violence or sexual assaults). Between 22 57% of all homeless women report that DV was the immediate cause of their homelessness. Amongst families currently experiencing homelessness more than 80% had previously experienced DV. A report by the US Conference of Mayors also found that 44% of the cities surveys identified DV as the primary cause of homelessness in their city. DAHC has 20 units reserved for Giving HOPE 6 are for HOPE's transitional program and 14 are for their Rapid Rehousing program. DAHC has 24 rental units for disabled and the rent is based on their income. If they have no income, HUD pays all their rent and contributes to their utilities. While some of these 44 units are occupied by previously homeless households, all of them are not. Based on this information, I was not sure what number to put for the answer to Question #5

8 8 Organization Survey for Organizations That are Planning or Discussing Engaging in Housing for the Homeless 1. Is your organization planning or in discussion to provide housing of some form for the homeless? Planning; Discussion 2. What type of housing services is your organization considering to offer at the moment? Since 2009 we have been operating in inclement weather at various locations in Denton. As of mid February 2015 we no longer will be able to use location we have had last 2 years. Our goal is to secure a permanent location to be able to expand our services. Our shelter is operated by a volunteer staff. Donations are provided by the community. 3. What is the target population for the housing services being considered? Homeless Men; Homeless Women; We have housed all to include youth and females. 4. What will the mission of your organization be with regards to housing the homeless? Provide housing for the homeless in a permanent location on a daily basis not just inclement weather. 5. How many homeless will be housed at any one time? Determined when location is obtained 6. How long will the homeless be able to stay in you housing facility? See Below

9 9 7. What are the criteria will the homeless have to meet to be able to use your housing services? Currently we do not exclude anyone. We do have expectations of appropriate behavior. There is no limit to the nights an individual is allowed to stay. 8. In addition to providing a roof over the heads of the homeless, what other services will be offered by your organization? Our plan is to expand our services once we secure a permanent location. This will include: 1. Keep homeless from frequenting downtown. 2. Provide a safe place to get out of the elements. 3. A place for local resources to come and reach out to the homeless. 4. A place to offer skills training, job searches, creative crafts, etc. 9. If your organization is planning to offer housing services, what is the target date to initiate that service? NOT PROVIDED 10. Other comments: N/A