Emergency & Permanent Housing

Our newest program is our housing initiative. While the goal is always to find permanent housing for our clients, at times, temporary/emergency housing serves as a way to immediately get the individual to a safe space away from whatever immediate danger they may be facing. In these instances, we immediately move our client out of their current setting and into a confidential location until they feel comfortable and the underlying issue is be resolved.

Our permanent housing program is a two-year program in which clients apply and are selected to participate. Once they agree to join the program, the client will meet with our staff three times a week to check in, take care of any appointments they may have, discuss goals and develop plans to achieve them, and conduct a drug test. At those check ins, we also provide groceries as needed and help them develop a financial plan to learn how to manage their assets and save.  Our clients agree to abstain from all illegal drug use while taking part in our program. Once enrolled, we work with partner organizations and 2-1-1 to place them on all available housing waitlists.

Once housing is secured, Packs for Cold Backs covers the move-in deposit and utilizes grants and other partnerships to fully furnish the home. In addition to covering the deposit, we supplement $200 dollars a month in rent for a duration of 24 months to ensure the individual or family has enough time to get back on their feet and be able to sustain a truly independent life.

As part of the program, we focus on helping our clients overcome whatever demons they are dealing with. We connect them to support groups, drug counseling, therapy, and fun groups such as adult sports leagues so they can start to build their own new community.

After 6 months in the program, we reassess with the client and set new goals including a five-year plan to empower them and help them see their own progress. As the program progresses and our clients assimilate into their new lives, we encourage them to join us as volunteers to share their success with others who were previously in their shoes.