LSS Journey Homes
Posted March 4th, 2008 by lforness
in
Journey Homes
In 2004, the leadership of Bethlehem made a long term financial commitment to support Lutheran Social Service (LSS) permanent supportive housing project called Journey Homes. This funding was very important to the project and allowed LSS to leverage key government funding. The renovated apartment building located at Portland Avenue and 26th Street opened in 2005. Bethlehem's commitment, which continues today, was made possible by your generous support of the last capital campaign, special offerings, the congregation's annual outreach budget, and the current Share the Spirit capital campaign.
Journey Homes provides permanent supportive housing to homeless families where the head of household has a documented disability, which can include mental health, chemical health, developmental, or HIV/AIDS. There are ten 2-bedroom units, one 3-bedroom unit and one 4-bedroom unit.
LSS counseling and nurturing parent/children programs provide mental health as well as educational support for children, ensuring that all family needs are being met. In 2007 fifty percent of the families received mental health counseling from LSS Counseling Services, some addressing major life issues and/or crises for the first time.
The "Food4Thought" after school study group that provides academic and life skills support in addition to a hot meal was a tremendous success in 2007. Many parents noted improved behavior and increased success in school. A student library was started and plans are underway for a parent library.
Case Managers help clients navigate the complicated system of employment training, volunteering, or obtaining entitlement benefits, in addition to providing the day to day support that families need.
One very positive trend in the three years this program has been in operation is that of housing stability. In 2007, 92% of our families maintained housing stability. Journey Homes subscribes to the Housing First Model, which recognizes that it is nearly impossible for families to work on their barriers to homelessness when they don't have a roof over their head. Journey Homes offers that stability, allowing families to feel safe and secure and finally free to address important life issues.
