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Local Homeless Benefit from The GSA Six Step Program
Northern Virginia, one of the wealthiest regions in the country, has seen a continued rise in homelessness for the past 12 years. Foreclosures are at an all time high. The region has been unable to handle the number of homeless who often come from other cities in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland believing they will find a higher paying job, only to find housing out of their reach. Many homeless comprise families and single mothers.
With the increase of housing costs and lack of affordable housing, the number of homeless continues to increase. The demand for affordable housing greatly outweighs the regions ability to provide this important service. The Good Shepherd Alliance, Inc (GSA) has been helping residents in Loudoun County avoid or end homelessness since 1983.
The goal of our Six-Step program is to work intimately with those challenged with what may be the most difficult burden of their lives and provide them a step by step approach to ending their crisis and finding a way to again be a stable, self-sufficient family or individual with permanent housing. We do this while providing temporary or transitional housing in one of our three shelters; one emergency shelter for women and children, one emergency shelter for families, and one transitional home for single, homeless, pregnant women.
The Good Shepherd Alliance’s Six Steps to Self-Sufficiency Program recognizes that some needs must be met before others can even be addressed. Physical, emotional and intellectual needs as well as medical concerns, mental illness or substance abuse, must be dealt with before any person can reach their full potential. In fact, not dealing with them makes success for attaining the next steps almost impossible.
GSA Six Steps to Self-Sufficiency Program
Step One - Emergency Needs. When an individual or family registers for intake, case managers work with guests to determine at what step in our program they are entering. If there are severe issues, such as mental or medical problems, these issues are immediately addressed through referrals to specialty agencies in the area. The first step in helping ease the burdens of the homeless is not a handout but a team-approach to help our guests face their most difficult burdens. By showing love and concern while introducing individuals and families to resources that can help them move forward, we give them the hope to work toward self-sufficiency. Part of the first step includes directing our guests to appropriate counseling, substance abuse treatment, medical care or financial services. Once these issues are resolved and they are able to return for intake, they will go on to an available room at a shelter.
If no such barriers exist, the individual or family is introduced to our Six Step program during the intake process. If they accept participation in the program, they are assigned to a shelter and the process of introducing them to the shelter rules and requirements such as weekly case management planning is explained. During the intake process, we work to establish a bond and communicate our care, concern and love for their situation. We attempt to reflect our team approach and that we are no different than they – we just have the privilege of helping them during this burdensome time they are currently experiencing. Many assessments are done during intake in preparation for goal setting and we provide resources for counseling, medical care, transportation, clothing vouchers, and other basic necessities. A schedule for their first weekly meeting is set where they will develop goals with their case manager and begin working through the Six-Step program toward the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency and acquiring permanent housing.
Step Two - Personal Development & Education. The entire plan of action is built around answering one question: “How can I end my homelessness and get myself (and my family) back into a stable life situation?” Under the guidance of their case manager, guests answer this question by drawing up an individualized, task-oriented plan for securing income and assimilating back into the community. The plan addresses potential barriers to progress and sets measurable objectives, including realistic budgetary goals. Guests understand that the primary responsibility for achieving these objectives is their own, but that their case manager will facilitate the process by providing support, resource referrals and counseling throughout the process. GSA case managers work with individuals to attain the life skills helpful to their success going forward. We help them secure transportation and child care, if needed. Stress management is also part of Step 2 so they will have the confidence to move on to Step 3. Guests meet weekly with their case manager. They work through their own steps to self-sufficiency. Once the guest has the appropriate foundation, individuals are ready for Step 3.
Personal development also includes parenting, hygiene, nutrition, budgeting and other basic soft skills and practical life skills. Also at this stage, children are immediately (if not already) enrolled in school and begin attending classes. Any difficulties arising from lack of medical or school records or from special transportation needs are resolved with the school system as quickly as possible. Volunteers with Good Shepherd Alliance provide tutoring for students who have fallen behind, or just need some extra help. Children are at the greatest risk where more than half of homeless children suffer from behavioral and educational problems, depression, or anxiety. Children comprise 39% of the homeless population at large, most in single-mother headed households where half have fled domestic violence.
A total of 33% of the homeless population are families. Group counseling and life skills classes are also provided during this step through procedures administered by staff and volunteers, which can increase their ability to meet basic daily challenges. In addition, at the Hebron Women and Children’s Shelter, our weekly “Campfire” program provides a group meal and mother-child craft activities that encourages family bonding and teaches parent-child interaction skills. This can be a tremendous encouragement with lasting benefits and establishes a nice “home” atmosphere experience.
Step Three - Job Training and Placement. Individuals prepare for and seek employment. This may include seeking training and education. Participant’s job skills are evaluated and areas of expertise or preference are noted. Many individuals are already working when they come to GSA and they may seek training, or continue to work at their current position. Those who already have job skills review job placement programs and opportunities with their case manager. Those who are unskilled or require additional training are introduced to job development programs. Case managers work to address job scenarios they may not have previously considered or implemented. All guests are counseled on interview capability and job retention.
Guests set goals for job searches each week and the case manager keeps them accountable as to how they are meeting their goals or how their goals may need to be adjusted. Once they have successfully attained employment, guests begin putting money in an “escrow” account so they have savings when they reach the end of the program. This savings are reimbursed to the guest at the exit interview and will help with first month’s rent and other needs as they move on to self-sufficiency.
Step Four - Housing Assistance. Once employment has been secured, guests then focus on seeking permanent housing, setting goals for housing searches each week and following up on applications. GSA case managers work weekly with guests to encourage job retention and aid in a search for housing. Case managers work with guests weekly to keep them accountable for their goals and to suggest further resources and referrals. Guests will also become familiar with resources that will remain relevant to the individual or family even after housing has been secured. Budgeting skills continue to be developed.
Step Five - Securing Housing. Most guests exit the shelter at this stage, securing transportation, banking services, childcare or further advance employment, if possible, nearby their new place of residence. Escrow is tabulated and given to guests upon their departure. Those guests who have succeeded to this point and move into housing with relatives or transitional housing are considered to have left the program at this stage.
Step Six - Self-Sufficiency. At this stage, program participants are living on their own in permanent housing, having proven their budgeting skills, maintained a stable job, and are making regular housing payments.
During the 2008-2009 fiscal years, we plan to work with many households that will enroll in the Six Step to Self-Sufficiency program. Each shelter monitor oversees shelter life. They are the “eyes and ears” for the case manager as to how guests are succeeding in the shelter. Following shelter rules, including doing chores that are assigned by bed number and day of the week, is essential. Shelter monitors and case manager’s report to the Director of Operations and as a team review each guest’s case and progress or problems on a weekly and often daily basis. Ours is a team approach that minimizes occurrence of manipulation on the part of the guest and promotes the realization that GSA is unified in our concern for their success and long term well-being. This approach helps guests to attain a higher standard of excellence. Once they realize we sincerely want to help them be successful, they accept this hand of hope and love from our team and work hard to climb the six steps to self sufficiency.
“And he sat down and called the twelve, and saith unto them, if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant to all.” [Mark 9:35 KJV]
For more information about the GSA Six Steps Homeless Program, please call Director of Finance and Operations Manager, Vickie Koth at 703-433-2631.
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