ARC Forum on Faith

Jim's Story - 2019.

Jim has been living on the street since he was a teenager due to alcohol and drug addiction. He has been homeless, in and out of jail, and suffers from Hepatitis C. Because he had nowhere else to go, Jim would return to the streets after being released from prison and spiral back into his addictions, becoming a destructive cycle. This was Jim's life for decades - the majority of his life. Things finally came to a head in 2018 when he made the decision that his life needed to change.

Jim entered a sober house in New Haven which he stayed at for several months. Upon leaving, he sought resources for housing. Jim was referred to a Case Manager at ARC for housing services. When he first arrived, he was very soft-spoken. He shared that he has been several months sober and just wanted to get off the streets. Due to his chronic homelessness and disability, he qualified to receive a permanent housing voucher through the Voucher 1 program. Jim was then enrolled to the program.

Following his enrollment, ARC's Case Manager worked with Jim to look for an apartment. Because he did not have an income, his voucher would cover his rent payments in full. Throughout the housing process, Jim was motivated and on top of all his appointments and paperwork. After looking through several apartments, ARC's Case Manager found a single bedroom apartment that was within budget and within walking distance of downtown. The Case Manager visited the apartment with Jim and the landlord and was able to finally have him placed in his new home. Since then, ARC's Case Manager has also helped enroll him for an energy assistance program, provided him with a welcome basket containing a variety of household goods such as cleaning supplies and soap, given him information to use ARC's food pantry and performed weekly check-ins to ensure that Jim's needs are being met.

Jim himself has gone above and beyond with his responsibilities in this process and is motivated in changing his life for the better. He has maintained his sobriety, been on top of all his appointments, been an excellent tenant for both his landlord and neighbors and has begun receiving treatment for his illness. Jim has also expressed how grateful he is for the opportunities he has received and serves as an inspiring example of success in this program.

Association of Religious Communities, Inc.

35 Success Stories ! October 1, 2017- June 30, 2018

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GROUP PROGRAM

1. Family of 1 (Caucasian): Female, age 43 was homeless. She was connected to ARC through 211, provided housing and budget guidance, an opportunity for security deposit assistance and referrals to local social service agencies.

2. Family of 1 (African American): Female, age 61 was homeless. She was connected to ARC through a transitional housing agency. ARC assisted with a security deposit ($200) and referrals to local social service agencies.

3. Family of 2 (Hispanic, African American): Female, age 42, with a son, age 8, were homeless. ARC developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and was provided with advocacy and support in seeking housing and collaborating with Landlords. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

4. Family of 4 (African American): Female, age 34, with 3 sons, ages 3, 7 and 12, was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from Community Action Agency of Western CT. Client was recently awarded a Housing Voucher through Danbury Housing Authority. Client and the Housing Advocate at ARC developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350).

5. Family of 2 (African American): Male, age 46, and son, age 17, were homeless, living in their car. Client was referred to ARC from Catholic Charities. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350), and referrals to local social service agencies.

6. Family of 3 (Caucasian): Female, age 39, with 2 children ages 3 (son) and 4 (daughter) were homeless, living in a shelter. Client came to ARC through CAN 211. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($2,600). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

7.Family of 2 (African American): Female, age 41, and daughter, age 11, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350), and referrals to local social service agencies.

8. Family of 3 (Hispanic): Male, age 28, with a wife and newborn son, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

9. Family of 2 (African American): Female, age 38, and son, age 16, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350), and referrals to local social service agencies.

10.Family of 4 (White): Female, age 33, with a sister and parents, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

11. Family of 1 (White): Male, age 47, was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from The Salvation Army. ARC's Housing Advocate discussed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($300).

12. Family of 1 (White): Female, age 62, was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from The New Milford Senior Center. ARC's Housing Advocate discussed a Housing Stability Plan. engaged in budgeting assessment and provided referrals to local service agencies. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350).

13. Family of 3 (African American): Female, age 52, and two daughters, ages 14 and 18, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from a low income housing property manager. ARC's Housing Advocate discussed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350), and referrals to local social service agencies.

14. Family of 2 (Hispanic): Female, age 25, with a baby on the way and son, age 1.5, were at risk of being homeless. The Danbury Housing Authority referred the Client to ARC. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350), and referrals to local social service agencies.

15. Family of 3 (Hispanic): Female, age 41, with 2 sons, ages 17 and 13, were homeless as a result of the hurricane in Puerto Rico. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

16. Family of 1 (African American): Female, age 23, was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from a low income housing property manager. ARC's Housing Advocate discussed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350), and referrals to local social service agencies.

17.Family of 2 (Hispanic): Female, age 25, with a son, age 3, were homeless, living in a shelter. The shelter referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($2,500). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

18.Family of 3 (Hispanic): Female, age 24 with sons, ages 2 and 5, were homeless, living in a shelter. The shelter referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($4,200). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

19.Family of 3 (White): Female, age 51, with daughters, ages 20 and 18, were homeless, living in a shelter. The shelter referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($3,500). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

20.Family of 3 (Asian): Female, age 37, with daughters, ages 1 and 4, were homeless, living in a shelter. The shelter referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($4,950). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

21.Family of 4 (White): Female, age X with a spouse, age 3, and children, ages 9 and 6 months, were homeless, living in a shelter. The shelter referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($3,900). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

22.Family of 2 (African American): Female, age 29, and son, age 6, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

23.Family of 3 (African American): Female, age 49 with daughter (age 24) and nephew (age 26, Hispanic), were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

24.Family of 1 (African American): Female, age 23 was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from a low-income housing property manager. ARC's Housing Advocate developed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

25. Family of 1 (African American): Male, age 38 was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from Catholic Charities. ARC's Housing Advocate developed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

26. Family of 2 (African American): Female, age 24, and partner, age 22, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from a low-income housing property manager. ARC's Housing Advocate developed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

27. Family of 1 (Hispanic): Female, age 24 was at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from a low-income housing property manager. ARC's Housing Advocate developed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

28. Family of 2 (Hispanic): Female, age 25, and son, age 3, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

29. Family of 1 (African American): Female, age 23 was victim of domestic violence and at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from a local alternative high school. ARC's Housing Advocate found an apartment, developed a Housing Stability Plan and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

30.Family of 5 (White): Female, age 60, with daughter, age 39, and three grandchildren (multi-racial), ages 4 months, 4 and 13, were at risk of being homeless. Client was referred to ARC from 211. ARC's Housing Advocate found a home, developed a Housing Stability Plan, and engaged in budgeting assessment. ARC assisted with Security Deposit ($350) and referrals to local social service agencies.

31. Family of 1 (White): Female, age 56, was homeless, living in a shelter. Catholic Charities referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the woman's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($1,700). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

32. Family of 1 (White): Female, age 52, was homeless. The Western CT Hospital Network referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the woman's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($1,750). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

33. Family of 1 (Black): Male, age 58, was homeless, living in a shelter. Catholic Charities referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the gentleman's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($1,125). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

34. Family of 1 (White): Male, age 48, was homeless, living in a shelter. Catholic Charities referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the gentleman's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($1,900). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.

35. Family of 2 (Black): Male, age 38, and wife, were homeless, living in a shelter. Catholic Charities referred the client to ARC. An initial intake was conducted and the family's vulnerability was assessed. After client was admitted into ARC's Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC's Housing Advocate was able to secure safe and affordable housing, developed a Housing Stability Plan, engaged in budgeting assessment, and provided with advocacy and support in seeking assistance with local services for the family. Through the Rapid Rehousing Program, ARC provides rental assistance and the security deposit ($1,850). ARC's Housing Advocate meets monthly with the Client to provide case management and guidance so that each month, the Client provides a greater portion or the rent with the intent of being fully self-sufficient within 6 months.