butler homeless initiative, inc.. who is butler homeless initiative, inc.? founded and incorporated...
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WHO IS BUTLER HOMELESS INITIATIVE, INC.?
Founded and incorporated in 2007Received 501c3 status in 2008Mission: to locate and operate a
transitional home for people meeting the HUD homeless definition.
Diverse board with 12 membersMany other community supporters.
Petitions with over 450 signatures
WHO IS BUTLER HOMELESS INITIATIVE, INC.?
Member of the El Dorado, Augusta, and Andover Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Kansas Coalition for the Homeless and adhere to the principles of the National Coalition for the Homeless
WHY DO WE NEED TRANSITIONAL HOUSING IN BUTLER COUNTY?
In Butler County, the 2009 Point in Time Count showed us that we have a homeless population of 120
In 2011, 56% of all students in El Dorado public schools were on assisted lunches.
In 2011, 60% of students in El Dorado schools were classified as impoverished by Federal income standards. (40% in 1980)
In the last 3 years, children in El Dorado schools meeting the Federal definition of homeless have ballooned from 3 - 5 to 25 confirmed in this current school year (Sue Givens)
WHY DO WE NEED TRANSITIONAL HOUSING IN BUTLER COUNTY?
The Salvation Army & MidKap have helped over 75 individuals/families with overnight housing in 2011 (at least double from 2010)
Churches have also been providing far more overnight stays than past years.
WHY DO WE NEED TRANSITIONAL HOUSING IN BUTLER COUNTY?
Government funding for public assistance & social services has been cut back and will likely continue to be cut back.
WHY DO WE NEED TRANSITIONAL HOUSING IN BUTLER COUNTY?
WHY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING IN EL DORADO?
As County Seat, there are a large number of social services already existing. EG: WorkForce Center, Social Services, Community Mental Health.
Strong partnerships with current resources, social services, Ministerial Alliance, Numana and other organizations
Available educational resourcesGreatest number of displaced
individuals and greatest number of potentially displaced individuals
Greatest opportunities for employment
Strong community support
WHY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING IN EL DORADO?
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Experienced, paid coordinator on duty, fully versed in social services available to assist transition to independent living
Up to 1 week “pure” emergency shelter provided
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?Within 48 hours of arrival, coordinator will
conduct an interview with new residents to determine root cause of homelessness
Coordinator will utilize and access partnership contacts to develop a plan for independent living. Plan may include SRS, MidKap, Social Security advocacy, health care, education, employment, budget counseling, parenting classes and other life skills training.
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?BHI will work closely with school officials
and resident parents to aid children in school attendance and studies.
Weekly progress reviews and resident interviews will be conducted for continued occupancy
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?Residents may remain up to 4 months
in the transitional living arrangement. After 4 months, a review will be conducted to determine progress and a board decision will determine longer lengths of stay.
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Residents will have a plan for the business day and will be expected to make continued progress towards independent living. A bagged lunch will be provided as needed.
Residents will have a curfew of 6 pm except in the case of employment, approved meetings, other approved circumstances. Doors locked at 9 pm
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Residents will share in maintenance and upkeep of facility
Community service will be required of all residents who are not prohibited by work or disability
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Loitering will not be allowed around the building
A backyard recreation area provided for residents with privacy fencing
Drug and alcohol use will not be tolerated. Random drug testing and personal property searches will be authorized by resident signature upon registration.
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Partnership will be developed with EDPD for safety concerns and coordination.
Facility will have outside lighting and adequate parking.
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Background checks will be conducted on all residents and volunteers/staff. Any open arrest warrants will be respected
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
Meals will be provided by churches and other community organizations
Trained volunteers will staff facility overnight
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE RUN?
This preliminary plan of operation is subject to board review prior to opening and BHI welcomes input from partnerships
IMPACT ON NEIGHBORHOODSStudies show no decrease in property
values or increase in criminal activity in neighborhoods surrounding supportive housing–Urban Land Institute Report, 1999 (Study in Denver)