50. Form A Transitional Housing Program
One of the most potent homeless-prevention services a community can offer
residents who are in danger of eviction is a transitional housing program.
These programs help people hang on to their current residences or assist
them in finding more affordable ones. The methods include steering people to
appropriate social service and community agencies, helping them move out of
shelters, and providing funds for rent, mortgage payments, and utilities.
One such program is the Elim Transitional Housing program, founded by Sue
Watlov Philips in 1983 in Minneapolis. Starting as a shelter at the Elim Baptist
Church, it evolved, with the help of the local utility, North States Power, into
a transitional housing program which has benefited over 6,000 people.
Elim's success is being duplicated across the nation by hundreds of
community-based groups. Any city or suburban cluster of 50,000 or more people
either has such a group has the potential to create it.
For information on transitional housing programs, contact the Homelessness Information
Exchange.
Real People
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54 Ways You Can Help
The Homeless - Overview