Once someone becomes homeless, how long does it take for them to find a permanent home again? Hint: It often takes longer than 30 days. Every unsheltered adult has a unique story and unique challenges.
In HHSA's "From Homeless to Home" timeline infographics, we attempt to show just how long it can take.
Here's Julie's story.
Feb. 2018 - Due to health issues, Julie and Ben Harmon lose their house because they can’t afford the mortgage. They sleep in their truck for two months.
April 2018 – HHSA Social Worker Neil Young does his first intake with Julie.
April 2018 – Neil begins providing case management for Julie and Ben. He finds them temporary housing, so they’re safe.
May 2018 – Julie completes the application for a Section 8 housing voucher so they can afford rent. In this case, fortunately, the referral coming from HHSA helped Julie and Ben move up the waiting list.
July 2018 – Julie applies to be an In-Home Support Services worker for her husband Ben, who’s suffering from dementia.
August 2018 – Julie signs the lease for their new apartment on Willis Street. HHSA’s Unsheltered Adult program provides rental assistance so they can afford it while their IHSS and Section 8 Applications continue to be processed.
Oct. 2018 – Julie signs the contract to be an IHSS worker.
Jan. 2019 – Julie begins receiving her Section 8 housing voucher.
And here's John's story.
Nov. 2017 – John, who struggles with mental health conditions, sobriety and a disability, is enrolled in the Whole Person Care program. He’s also experienced periods of homelessness in the past.
June 2018 – He receives a notice he must vacate his group home, putting at risk of homelessness.
June 2018 – WPC staff assist John in arranging an extended stay at the Crisis Residential and Recovery Center until he can find another place to live.
Aug. 2018 – WPC staff helps John re-apply for a Section 8 housing voucher. His previous voucher had expired because he couldn’t find a suitable place to live.
Aug. 2018 – While the Section 8 application is processed, HHSA provides rental assistance to John.
Aug. 2018 – John moves into his apartment off Placer St.
March 2019 – John’s Section 8 voucher is approved.
March 2019 – John graduates from Whole Person Care and no longer needs HHSA’s rental assistance.
April 2019 – John’s Section 8 housing assistance begins. He has more income to spend on clothes and other necessities.
Today – John is sober, healthier and able to focus on his artwork. He still lives in the same apartment and hopes to go back to school and earn a degree in social science.