Transformational Housing
COI’s mission statement of helping people help themselves live healthy and productive lives comes into clear focus with the Transformational Housing program. The goal of this program is to help our residents address the issues that made them susceptible to homelessness in order to obtain permanent housing.
We do this by providing safe and stable housing for up to 16 men, 12 women, 12 young adults and 42 family members in 11 family rooms. Once they are housed, we wrap all the services we can around our residents, starting with specialized case management for each individual and family.
As one former Transformational Housing resident who recently moved into his own apartment said, “I couldn’t have done this on my own. I needed to learn how to be an adult, without the fear of failing. COI is not judgmental and keeps me safe.”
Our Transformational Housing Program provides a unique opportunity for homeless men, women, and families to learn to become self-sufficient and productive members of our community. In a structured, safe, and supportive environment clients are able to take advantage of our extensive case management services and life skills training.
We believe that all our clients have the potential to change and better their lives. Our staff is committed to provide the highest quality of comprehensive services to all of our clients regardless of their socio-economic background. We strive to support and assist our clients with dignity and respect as they are learning new skills. We focus on clients’ strengths and resources to empower them so that they may learn to help themselves.
While our clients are working towards their goals and objectives, they are encouraged to take advantage of our wrap-around services which include: substance abuse treatment, veteran’s support services, treatment for co-occurring disorders, mental health counseling, domestic violence counseling, nature-based childcare, parenting education, dental services, medical services, and limited psychiatric services for uninsured clients.
Program Description:
- All clients and/or families are offered a case manager who will complete a thorough needs/barriers assessment.
- Case managers and clients will establish goals and action plans based on clients’ individual needs, available support and resources.
- Goals may include gaining financial security, obtaining permanent housing, addressing mental health or substance abuse problems, and learning how to access resources available in the community.
- All clients participate in weekly classes on life skills, career skills, computer skills, health issues, cooking and nutrition, and communication.
- All clients are required to complete daily chores to keep our facilities clean and beautiful.
- Housing is contingent upon appropriate behavior.
Admission Criteria:
- Men and women must be 18 years or older. For families, the head of household must be 18 years or older. (A family consists of at least one adult and one child.)
- Complete a housing pre-screen.
- Provide a clean urinalysis and breathalyzer test.
Questions & Answers:
Who does this program serve?
Homeless men, women, and families where the head of household is at least 18 years old or emancipated. Clients must not be intoxicated, abusive, or violent while engaging in our programs and services. We do not shelter sex offenders or violent/dangerous offenders whose behavior may jeopardize the health and safety of other clients and staff.
How long do people usually stay?
Although there is no set maximum length of stay in COI transitional shelters, the average successful resident is here for 6-8 months.
Is there a cost?
Yes. Clients must pay $6 per night. Clients without income are eligible for “Work for Fee” chores in lieu of their housing fee.
