The Role of Transitional Housing In Ending Homelessness “ The Carpenter’s Shelter Model” Presented by: Donald Whitehead, Carpenter’s Shelter, Alexandria, VA Dan Hilton, Carpenter’s Shelter, Alexandria, VA The National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference July 18, 2006

Carpenter’s Shelter Odyssey  1982 Begins as Winter Shelter in Church basement  1988 Begin Year round emergency shelter  1993 Shelter faces eviction  1998 Purchases and renovates building site  2000 Child & Family Services Begins  2001 Aftercare Program Begins  2003 Transitional Housing Program Begins  2005 Becomes Center of Learning

Carpenter’s Four Major Services Carpenter’s Four Major Services Residential Shelter Transitional Services HypothermiaHypothermiaHypothermiaHypothermia DayDayShelterShelterDayDayShelterShelter

Components of the Transitional Services Child and Family Services TransitionalHousing Aftercare

Child and Family Services  The Child and Family Services program is a component of the Residential Shelter, Aftercare and Transitional housing programs  Works with families to ensure that a child’s emotional, developmental, academic, physical and medical needs are addressed as parents re-establish their lives  More than 220 children, ages newborn to 18 are served each year

Aftercare  Addresses Client at different level of need  Empowers through linkages, resources, and support  93% of clients are living independently in the community, and have not returned to homelessness  Currently serves 210 cases that includes households that now totals over 400 children and adults as of July 1 st

Services Provided by Aftercare  Case management of singles and families  Referrals to address client needs  Advocacy  Assists with job leads and resume writing  ABC (Life Skill) Workshops  Assist clients in credit repair  Address household needs including furniture Other Services Provided  Education Fund  Emergency Fund

Transitional Housing  month time-limit  4 units managed by Carpenter’s  Program fee based on 30% of participants income  Program fee gradually increases to market rate  Weekly case management meetings  Mandatory budgeting and community resource engagement  Participant attendance at quarterly ABC workshops

Transitional Services Keys to Success Empower Individuals Services for the Entire Family Flexibility of Services Community- Based Support

Thank You! Any Questions? Carpenter’s Shelter 930 North Henry Street Alexandria, VA