Grant will focus on homeless aid

St. Catherine's Center for Children of the Albany Diocese and two other organizations have received a grant of $2,000,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) to fund the Empowerment Project.

The aim is to reduce the number of homeless families returning to the social services system and local homeless shelters.

The partners with St. Catherine's are the ClearView Center of Albany and Advocates for Human Potential.

Stopping the cycle

"The cycle of homelessness often repeats itself with families that have been victimized by violence, substance abuse and lack of parenting skills," explained Renay Nowicki, house supervisor of the new facility at 231 Sherman Street in Albany.

Client families were involved in the process of naming the facility and chose Empowerment House.

"Our clients come from the Marillac Shelter and local social services agencies," said Ms. Nowicki. Marillac is a diocesan shelter for homeless families.

Services

The staff at Empowerment House provides counseling three times a week. Family care coordinators offer guidance and support on housing, employment, medical and legal issues.

The staff also directs families to outside services for which they may be eligible, such as substance abuse services.

"We also have a doctor who visits during the week to provide medical care and write needed prescriptions," said Ms. Nowicki.

Trauma issues

Because trauma affects women in a number of ways, such as social isolation as well as physical or emotional health problems, it is often difficult for them to hold down a job, Ms. Nowicki explained. In addition, many do not have job skills, and worry and anxiety about their children compounds their distress.

As they make the transition from a homeless shelter to homes of their own, she said that their trauma issues need to be addressed.

"Before this project began, there really was no program that helped these families once they left the shelter," she noted.

Long-term effort

Because the grant is for a five-year period, the staff can offer follow-up care and support for up to one year for each family.

In addition, the facility provides child care while parents are receiving assistance.

Also available are transportation to medical appointments, classes on managing finances, laundry facilities and play areas for children. Staff members also assist clients in preparing resumes, and completing applications for classes at local colleges and high schools.

"Most of our families find apartments or houses that are within walking distance of our house, and many continue to come here after they have relocated," Ms. Nowicki said. "This house is theirs, and we are here to serve them."

(ClearView is providing social workers to coordinate trauma support groups among the clients. Advocates for Human Potential is contributing research, evaluation, technical assistance, and training services in mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, criminal justice and employment.)

(7/20/06) [[In-content Ad]]