Justice For Housing, Inc.

JUSTICE 4 HOUSING IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE COHORT II

WE ARE KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED!

We learned from last year's pilot program. All 19 participants in SHARP Pilot completed the baseline evaluation survey. It took 2 (+ 2) months for participants to be housed after receiving a voucher. Prior to housing, a high proportion of participants were experiencing acute homelessness and reported staying in a shelter, on the street, or couch surfing. Participants said that their basic needs were met post-enrollment but had challenges with legal fines, fee obligations, and obtaining bedding furniture.

Most participants engaged with a primary care provider, financial empowerment and credit-building support. While self-reported health was mixed, a proportion reported improvements in physical and mental health since enrollment. Most participants had children and, irrespective of custody status, reported noticeable improvements in their children’s health and wellness. All participants completed plans for DCF reunification, when applicable. Notably, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with SHARPP, the support services provided, and the responsiveness of the staff.

Once reunited after parental separation from past incarceration, most constituents cannot afford to buy a mattress and beds for themselves and their children. We discovered that most furniture stores do not donate beds or mattresses for health and sanitary reasons.

We are asking for your generosity; Your donations will help purchase a bed or mattress for the children returning home after leaving DCF or foster care. Reunited with their parents enrolled in the next SHARP COHORT. Awarded Subsidized/Section 8 vouchers.

(Pilot Programs are used to determine whether a program will succeed.)

We are happy to announce the "Stable Housing and Reintegration Pilot Program" (SHARPP) was a success. You don't have to take my word for it; hear our constituents' voices!

STATS

76% of participants had children

24% had children in DCF custody, of which 75% reported housing as a condition for reunification

67% had a household of two or more

CONSTITUENT QUOTES

"I'm in school right now. My #1 goal is to gain back custody of my children. I would like to own my 1st house in 2 years."

"When you have needs that are being met, it enhances your overall well-being."

Want to join me in making a difference?"

STATS

64% noticed improvements in their children’s homework completion

46% noticed improvements in grades

38% noticed improvements in overall physical health

CONSTITUENT QUOTES

Since working with justice 4 housing, [client] has been able to achieve mental peace. [Client] noted earlier that she has been taking advantage of services with Whittier Health care for oral and physical health.

Physical - being able to go to Whittier Health Center and get what I needed. I definitely got more peace of mind. I'm here in my own space. I'm not worried about who is coming in the door while I'm sleeping. My worries are nonexistent right now. Even if I had one piece of furniture, I'd be at an all-time high. I just want to live in peace and harmony.

STATS

67% of participants engaged with their case manager at least once a week

65% reported improvement in mental health

100% of participants completed DCF reunification plans when applicable

CONSTITUENT QUOTES

"Self-esteem has gone up. Maintain my recovery and work. Spiritual health is wonderful. I've met a lot of people in my life. I've been able to do a lot of work for people who are formerly incarcerated, and I work with them at my job. Everything has increased in the best way tremendously."

“I would like to have a safe, clean apartment of my own for my son and me to live in. I would also like to improve my credit and start saving money so that I can purchase a three-family home in a few years. I would also like to work on getting my master's degree.”

STATS

100% of participants would recommend SHARPP, believe it is helpful, and agree that J4H staff are responsive

CONSTITUENT QUOTES

“In completing this program, I would love to achieve a credit score of 700+ and be a proud homeowner, stable & secure with peace of mind in my own energy & space anew.”

Good News! We are able to drop one of the "P's." Now, the Stable Housing and Reintegration Program (SHARP) will have a new COHORT every year.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

 

We are creating what different looks like! #DeCriminalizeHousing

 

@Justice4Housing

http://www.justice4housing.org