housing and shelter
Through four housing programs, Our House helps people move up the housing ladder from homelessness to transitional housing, and eventually to permanent housing in the community. On any given night, 110 – 120 people live at Our House. When the residents are ready to leave Our House, we continue to provide them support through our Permanent Housing Program.
Because Our House is a program for the working homeless, all adults who live in the shelter or in any of our housing programs must be willing and able to work.
the Shelter
The Shelter serves both single, homeless individuals and families with children. With 80 beds, The Shelter includes two large dormitories including 40 beds for men and 40 beds for women and children. The Shelter meets basic needs such as housing, food and clothing as well as higher-level needs such as child care, adult education, life skills and personal support.
Shelter residents are required to work full-time, save money, contribute with chores and other duties, and work on the factors that led them to become homeless.
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Family Housing
The Family Housing Program gives families and individuals a chance to live in an apartment-style, private room in exchange for an increased commitment to the difficult work of preparing for life on their own. The Family Housing Program consists of two buildings with 13 units, including space for 9 families with children, 6 single women and 4 single men.
Family Housing residents are required to buy their own food, cook their own meals, pay rent, attend the Learning Center and life skills classes, prepare a resume, conduct practice job interviews, and contribute to the upkeep of the facility through chores and group projects.
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Permanent Housing
After they have worked hard, saved money, overcome personal obstacles and built their skills, residents are ready to take the big step of moving into their own place. Our House’s Permanent Housing Program helps them make the transition.
Our House staff members help clients locate affordable housing and negotiate leases, develop budgets and plan for long-term self-sufficiency, and in some cases, we even help cover the cost of rent and utilities for a limited period of time.
transitions
Transitions is a program for women who have been incarcerated or who are on probation or parole. In addition to providing the basics of food and shelter, this program provides additional support to ensure that these women are successful in their efforts to re-enter productive society.
Services include personal mentoring, education and job training, assistance finding employment, and stepped-up case management provided by a dedicated staff member.
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