Why do families become homeless?
Families who seek shelter have no financial resources or supportive network. Mitigating factors of family homelessness include loss of employment, lack of education, untreated medical and/or mental health issues, substance abuse and addiction, past traumas and family violence. Often homeless families enter shelter with just the clothes on their backs.
Services
The Haven’s Service Programs consist of The Shelter Program and Supportive Services Programs, including Intensive Case Management Services, Daily Living Skills (required), and Extended Case Management (for one year after beneficiaries exit into permanent housing).
- Furnished bedroom
- 3 meals daily
- Bathing and laundry facilities
- Personal hygiene items
- Clothing
- Clean bed linens and towels
- Telephone and mail access
Intensive Case Management Services
- Crisis intervention and counseling
- Assessment
- Action Plan development and monitoring
- Weekly progress meetings
- Resource coordination and development
- Information and referral
- Advocacy
Daily Living Skills – life skills education curriculum with daily classes in areas of:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Basic personal financial management skills
- Parenting skills and child development
- Anger management
- Stress management
- Health and Wellness
Extended Case Management Program
- Weekly contact with the Haven Case Manager
- Continued counseling and guidance
- Assistance with budget planning and maintenance
- Assistance with long term goal setting
- Continued participation in Daily Living Skills program
History
The Haven was founded in 1983 as an outreach mission of Second Presbyterian Church. Originally it was meant to provide overnight shelter to transient men. In 1985, the service focus changed to sheltering homeless families in order to meet a growing and urgent need in the community. In 1986, The Haven became a tax-exempt nonprofit organization; however, Second Presbyterian Church remains a staunch supporter providing the shelter building, lawn care and monthly financial support for The Haven. The Haven is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets monthly.
