SALVATION ARMY HOMELESS PROGRAM By: Brandy Social Work Graduate Student

PROGRAM HISTORY The Salvation Army Emergency Lodge of Wichita, Kansas, which was established in 1985, was designed to assist families and youth who were in crisis, homeless, and without other resources (financial, family, community). The original 24 bed facility was renovated in 1993 and the facility’s capacity was expanded to 40 in order to respond to the growing community demand for services for this population.

PROGRAM HISTORY In 1995, The Salvation Army, in cooperation with Episcopal Social Services and Mennonite Housing, established a Transitional Housing Program for Families and single Women. Currently, 18 beds are allocated for emergency shelter, while the remaining 24 beds are designated for the longer term transitional housing program.

PROGRAM HISTORY The Emergency Lodge offers an environment where families can begin to move beyond the crisis they are experiencing and begin to regain control over their own lives. While at the Emergency Lodge, families are taught the skills they will need to live independently, given the opportunity to secure an income, offered the time to develop (or re-develop) a community support system and be empowered to reintegrate into the community.

INTERVIEW

JANE’S STORY  Jane is a 30 year old white female with three children  Jane came to live at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter on August 25 th,  She lived in the emergency shelter side for over three months and recently in the past two weeks moved over to the transition housing side.  She has a two bedroom room with her own bathroom currently and shares a kitchen with other residents.

 Jane was married and is now separated from her husband.  They had three children together, all of which reside with Jane. She has a 2yr old son, 6yr old daughter, and 8yr old daughter (who has CP).  The older two girls are both in school full time (1 st grade and 2 nd grade).

 Jane has a history of childhood trauma and abuse from her stepfather (Which her mother is still married to today).  Jane’s ex has a history of drug and alcohol abuse.  Jane has self medicated in the past with alcohol and amphetamines.  Jane is currently receiving services through Salvation Army as well as Miracles (Substance Abuse).

INCOME  $432/month in cash assistance  $580/month in food assistance  Child Care $134/month per school aged child (Latchkey) $308/month day care credit for 2yr old  Occasional Temp Employment, looking for part time work  30% of her income is placed into a savings account each month through the Salvation Army to help her save and prepare for transitioning back into the community.

ISSUES AND PROBLEMS  Jane’s family is very dysfunctional and non supporting.  Her family has turned her into DCF several times for being homeless and not properly providing for her children.  She is currently involved with DCCCA services due to several DCF reports from her family.  Jane struggles with her past trauma and is afraid to seek therapy for this.  Jane has struggled with substance abuse in the past.

HOPES AND DREAMS  Jane has completed one year of college and currently has a CNA license.  She had dreams of becoming a Radiography  Currently she would like to pursue getting her LPN