Supportive Services
House of Hope’s varied programs have developed over the years in response to the changing needs of the community we serve. The fundamental core to our programs is our social services, which have always focused on the potential inherent in every person.
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“Housing First”- based on the premise that individuals are more responsive to social services once they are in their own safe and affordable housing. With permanent housing, these individuals can begin to regain the self-confidence and control over their lives that may have been lost with years of homelessness.
“Permanent Supportive Housing”- couples affordable housing with supportive services, such as life skills, case management and counseling to keep homeless families and individuals housed. Supportive Housing also costs significantly less than other systems where its tenant base may reside, such as jails, hospitals, mental health facilities, and even shelters.
“Operation First Step”- with the closing of one of RI’s largest shelters, Operation First Step was created to replace Welcome Arnold Shelter with a system of smaller, community-based shelters. Operation First Step provides a higher level of case management, support and dignity than most night-to-night shelters.
“Youth R.A.P.”- meets once a week and provides our youth with a variety of educational, social and skill building opportunities. Our goal is to provide youth with personal development, leadership opportunity, job-readiness skills, academic achievement and creative recreational opportunities on and off-site.
“Life Skills”- meets once a week and gathers all the residents from our varied programs together. Led by our qualified staff, residents meet in a group setting and topics discussed include such things as depression, budgeting, time management, parenting, personal care and stress management.
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Our social service team helps the residents identify their needs, working on short and long term goals that will maximize their independence and maintain stable housing. The team focuses on three primary areas:
Case Management/Life Skills: Case management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s needs through communication and available resources. Assisting with the teaching of life skills provides individuals with the tools that follow them throughout their lives.
Mental Health/Physical Health: Areas such as mental and physical well-being are identified and addressed. This may include benefits analysis, substance abuse treatment, facilitated group trainings or domestic violence counseling. Services are coordinated between mental health and health providers to ensure a full continuum of care.
Employment/Education: Occupational and vocational goals are identified and residents work closely with the employment coordinator to assess resources within the community. Many components are involved, including job-readiness, skill building, job coaching, resume writing, job search, job training referrals and educational assistance.