Housing Authority Supportive Services Grant Application

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2. Project Description Summary: Provide a brief summary the project being proposed and a general description of how it will address homelessness or affordable housing in Kittitas County. Be sure and indicate whether the proposal is intended to provide direct client services or construction, maintenance, or improvement of housing facilities. (250 words max.) Housing Authority of Kittitas County, HopeSource and Elmview propose to collaborate on a combination of rental vouchers supported by wrap around case management and supportive services. Housing Authority of Kittitas County, in conjunction with the Yakima Housing Authority, will continue to provide vouchers to 25 households and will work with HopeSource and Elmview for wrap around case management with the goal of graduating tenants from subsidized voucher housing to permanent unsubsidized housing. Case management includes connection to mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, and job training resources. Case management is based in the progressive engagement model of light, medium and heavy service touch designed to deliver only what is needed in order to move a household forward, recognizing that some circumstances require more support than others to break free of barriers. HopeSource case managers connect households internally to energy assistance, youth scholarships, transportation, and life skills education including budgeting, credit and debt, and employment preparation. They connect households externally with resources such as mental health, physical health, substance counseling, and job searching. Linking housing vouchers with case management could potentially lead to the launch of an innovative Pathways to Permanence project where Housing Authority, HopeSource and Habitat for Humanity would partner to provide homeless households immediate shelter, then case management in subsidized housing, ending with successful homeownership. People succeed as they are supported and empowered to break the cycle of dependence on services and provided the tools to move forward with their lives. Employment is a critical element. Work enhances self-esteem, provides an opportunity to build skills and a supportive social support network, and income which enables the individual and family to be able to build assets which support them to move to invest in themselves and their families' future. The collaboration of three local agencies outlined in this proposal provides the support and framework to move families to self-sufficiency and the opportunity to positively engage in our communities.