Program Innovation
When people come to the CHS office for help, their focus is usually on alleviating an immediate problem such as homelessness or hunger. However, this immediate situation is more than likely to be symptomatic of the individual's more basic problems, such as the lack of marketable job skills or unemployment. Based on this realization, CHS has developed and successfully implemented a holistic approach to accomplish its objectives.
Emergency Services Program
CHS's continuum of services begins with the Emergency Services Program. This initiative provides the emergency housing and supportive services that homeless and near homeless people need (including shelter, food, clothing, medical care, utility payment assistance and household furnishings) to reduce a crisis situation. However, the services can go far beyond this point for eligible individuals and families who are willing to remain committed to making lasting improvements in their overall living conditions. A unique feature of CHS's programs is that counseling and other supportive services are complemented by enrichment and recreational activities for adults and children to further reduce the stress of the participating families.
Self Sufficiency Program
At the time of initial contact with the service providers, appropriate families are invited to enroll in the Self Sufficiency Program which will assist them in obtaining affordable long-term housing, meaningful job training and/ or gainful employment with the ultimate goal of becoming financially independent.
Long Term Housing Program
CHS's Long Term Housing Program includes two apartment buildings, which provide eight units for participants of the Self Sufficiency Program, made affordable by Housing Choice Voucher Subsidies. CHS is also a partner in the Stephanie Lane Community, a venture that provides 24 Housing Choice Voucher subsidized single-family homes for very low-income people. The Lease/ Purchase Program, which helps families become homeowners, is available to low and moderate income people. To date, thirty-four (34) families have participated in this program with twenty-five (25) of them going to settlement and purchasing their homes. These home purchasers are also counseled through the First Time Homebuyers' Education Program. The objective of this program is to help prevent mortgage foreclosures as well as to enhance the buyers' proficiency in the home purchase and home management processes.
Domestic Violence Program
The Domestic Violence Program provides transitional housing along with the supportive services of the Self Sufficiency Program for woman and children who are victims of domestic abuse. These families have up to two years of occupancy in the housing facility. In addition, this program provides support groups for abuse victims in the broader community as well as for CHS clients.
Ezra House
The Ezra House Program provides transitional housing with the support services of the Self Sufficiency Program for homeless single males. These individuals have up to two years to reach the goal of obtaining gainful employment and settling into permanent housing.