Shelter of Flint housing assistance programs.
Both crisis and long term housing support is provided by Shelter of Flint. There is emergency shelter and possible placement into low income apartments and homes. The non-profit and its partners also put individuals and families in touch with programs to address the cause of the crisis.
As part of the intake process, staff will identify the problems that have caused each household’s circumstances, and, just as importantly refer clients to the resources and services best suited to address their challenges. The assistance programs cover a full range of services, from offering a meal to emergency shelter. Then clients progress to transitional and then permanent supportive housing. In addition, they assist with first-home purchases and accessing affordable housing for families and seniors.
Homeless shelters
The programs begin with their ES - Emergency Shelter Program, which serves two-parent households, homeless single women, and also single moms or parents with children. The shelter offers up to thirty days of free nutritious meals and of course accommodations.
Also, the ES Program offers a wide range of workshops as well as supportive services to help guests stabilize their lives on a permanent basis. While other homeless shelters in Genesee County provide the very basic need of putting a roof over people’s heads, Shelter of Flint expands also strives to address the underlying issues of homelessness by providing a comprehensive set of support services. This can include assistance ranging from job readiness training, GED preparation and assistance in finding available affordable housing.
Short term help with rent
Rental Assistance is also offered by Shelter of Flint. The agency works closely with area landlords and realtors as well as government agencies to develop leads to safe, affordable housing. This is offered both for their own clients and those referred to us by other area organizations or churches.
Additionally, members of the staff accompany individuals to view available housing and evaluate potential apartments. They also act as advocates for individuals by assisting in procuring funds or loans for rent, grants for security deposits, and home furnishings, as well as with landlord/tenant rights issues.
Transitional housing from Shelter
Shelter of Flint's Transitional Housing service enables clients to work on achieving their goals of stability over the course of a long-term stay. Many people are able to find and move into permanent housing. They will also often find long-term employment, and greater strength and independence within the 30 days spent with the Emergency Shelter Program.
Many of the people that use the centers need additional assistance developing critical life skills, pursuing educational opportunities, maintaining employment or even recognizing their own self-worth and dignity. This can be addressed too, as Shelter of Flint owns affordable houses and an apartment complex that we make available to clients. It is even part of the primary housing first service.
This provides people with a significant level of independence, while ensuring that their housing and life stabilization needs are effectively met by these or other resources. Clients of these units are also provided with case management, workshops on subjects related to improving their circumstances such as credit repair, a pre-GED testing lab, and employability development during their stay with the program. Social workers from the charity also provide residents with referrals to other community service agencies or government organizations that may assist in breaking down the barriers to permanent stability.
The Transitional Boarding House Program serves both chronically and non-chronically homeless individuals who have been designated as having dual diagnoses, such as disability or mental health challenge. So this is an important tool for the disabled.
For people that meet qualifications, transitional housing is available in a a several bed facility, which is staffed around the clock. Staff members from Shelter of Flint provide support and assistance with transitioning, which is achieved through connecting participants with housing programs. The goal is to help people with securing and maintaining safe, affordable homes. Other components include earning a suitable income; accessing needed treatment services, and gaining new skills.
As necessary, the non-profit will make referrals to other local community agencies in Genesee County. All of these programs and services are accompanied by training and group sessions held on site at the Transitional Boarding House. This is offered with the goal of assisting clients with increasing their independence living.
Long term and permanent housing programs
Like the agencies other resources, the Permanent Supportive Housing service offers affordable accommodations including even rent free apartments or homes. This is coupled with supportive services, to homeless clients who also live with mental, emotional or physical disabilities. All of this program’s clients are provided with affordable rents, secure housing, case management classes, life skills workshops, and other programs that help them improve their quality of life.
To help clients establish long term, permanent stability in their new home, Shelter of Flint offers access and referral to the following supportive services including Advocacy for Individuals and Families, Comprehensive Case Management, and GED Preparation. There are also Outreach Services, Nutrition Program, Life Skills Development and more.
There is also help for children. Shelter of Flint collaborates with agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club to provide access to activities during the summer and after-school. Children will have access to a full gym, playground, library, teen room, workout room, garden, and weekly Friday field trips.
Apply to Shelter of Flint
Families that are facing homelessness, or need more affordable housing, can contact Shelter of Flint. The non-profit can be reached at 924 Cedar St., Flint, MI 48503, or dial 810-239-5433.
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