Program:
Next Steps Program OverviewThe Next Steps program is a permanent housing program providing case management support, and in some cases rental assistance, to formerly homeless families living in the community. Many Next Steps families are graduates of the Transitions or Fast Track programs. Next Steps was launched in 2009 in response to the need for more intensive follow-up for graduates of our Transition's program. The Next Steps Program provides case management support to assist families with the transition to living on their own. In some cases, the client may qualify for rental assistance on a decreasing basis for 6-18 months as the move to their own housing in the community. In one recent case, a Transitions participant obtained her Associates Degree and full-time employment during her two-years in the program, yet her income upon discharge was $18,000/year, hardly enough to support a mom with four children. There are also many participants waiting for years on Section 8 housing lists. The rental assistance plan (length of time and monthly amounts) would be based on the participant’s need and agreed upon in contract form prior to program entry. This program is designed to offer shallow rental assistance on a decreasing basis, and is not intended for participants needing heavily subsidized rent in the long-term (like Section 8 funding). Priority would be given first to BHA Transitions and Fast Track graduates, and then to families in other shelters or transitional housing programs. Next Steps Program participants would be required to have monthly meetings with program staff and take part in Bagwashi Circle nights. Qualification to continue receiving rental subsidy, if any, would be reassessed every three months. For more information on the Next Steps program, or to check intake availability, contact Crystal Baxter, Program Director, at 717.233.6016 or cbaxter@bha-pa.org.
Revised: 2/23/2012 12:19:12 PM |
