Permanent Housing
Your Needs First will be providing Housing Specialist services and maintaining a current list of adequate housing resources to aid the clients who are ready to move out of the shelter system into permanent housing.
In the efforts of preparing the clients for permanent housing the Social Services staff will be helping them obtain needed documents, completing and submitting housing applications, taking them on housing tours, housing referrals and aftercare monitoring services.
The Housing Specialist will provide the following services:
- Providing assistance in establishing competency skills for permanent housing by addressing issues such as budgeting, housekeeping, home repairs and landlord/tenant rights.
- Identify housing opportunities that accecpt: SEPS, CITYFEPS, FEPS, HOMETBRA, Section 8, HUD VASH, EOSD, SOTA and 421A.
- Liaise with rental agents and landlords to ensure that potential housing meets YNF requirements for “client readiness” and act as expediter, as needed.
- Ensure successful transition of clients into permanent housing and provide clients with local community information.
Aftercare
The client will be encouraged to participate in the follow-up program prior to them moving into permanent housing. The staff will maintain telephone contact with former residents for one year and conduct home visits whenever possible. The purpose of the visits is to make sure that their homes are clean, safe and to provide troubleshooting assistance to support independent living situations.