Differences Between Transitional and Supportive Housing

When it comes to finding suitable housing options for individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability, health and human services organizations offer a range of solutions. Two common options are transitional housing and supportive housing. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them.

When determining the most appropriate housing solution for your clients, it is essential to consider their unique needs and circumstances. Transitional housing may be suitable for individuals who are capable of becoming self-sufficient within a defined timeframe, while supportive housing is more appropriate for those who require ongoing support to maintain stable housing.

By understanding the differences between transitional and supportive housing, health and human services organizations can better assess the needs of their clients and provide the most effective housing solutions for their long-term success.

Why Would Someone Need Housing Services?

Various factors can contribute to homelessness and the need for housing services. These include:

1. Lack of affordable housing: One of the primary reasons for homelessness is the scarcity of affordable housing options. Rising rental costs and limited availability of low-income housing can make it difficult for individuals and families to secure stable housing.

2. Financial instability: Many individuals and families experiencing homelessness struggle with financial instability, including low wages, unemployment, or inadequate government assistance. Insufficient income often makes it challenging to afford housing and other necessities.

3. Mental health issues: Mental health conditions can significantly impact a person’s ability to maintain stable housing. The lack of access to mental health services and support can contribute to housing instability or homelessness.

4. Substance abuse: Substance abuse issues and homelessness can be interconnected. The lack of effective treatment or support can make it challenging for individuals to overcome addiction and secure permanent housing.

5. Domestic violence: Victims of domestic violence may be forced to leave their homes quickly to escape a dangerous situation. They often require safe and supportive housing services to rebuild their lives and establish a secure living environment.

6. Systemic factors: Structural issues such as racism, discrimination, and poverty contribute to housing inequality and homelessness. These systemic factors disproportionately affect marginalized communities and can limit access to stable housing.

7. Natural disasters: In some scenarios, people may lose their homes due to natural disasters like flooding, fires, and other “acts of God.” These kinds of emergencies are largely unpredictable and can have devastating repercussions.

Housing services play a crucial role in addressing these underlying factors and providing support to individuals and families in need. And depending on each unique situation, case managers may recommend either transitional or supportive housing.

Differences Between Transitional and Supportive Housing

Transitional housing and supportive housing are two types of housing services that aim to address homelessness and provide individuals and families with different approaches to securing housing. While they share the common goal of helping people transition out of homelessness, there are some key differences between the two.

Definition of Transitional Housing

Transitional housing programs typically offer temporary residence to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These programs have a specific time limit, usually ranging from a few months to a couple of years, during which time participants are provided with housing and supportive services. The focus of transitional housing is to assist individuals in developing the skills and resources necessary to move into permanent housing, such as life skills training, employment assistance, and access to community resources.

Types of Transitional Housing Services

Emergency Shelter

Emergency shelters provide immediate and short-term housing for homeless individuals and families. The purpose of emergency shelters is to offer a safe and temporary residence during times of crisis. Typically, the duration of stay in an emergency shelter is limited, ranging from a few nights to a couple of weeks.

Transitional Housing Programs

Transitional housing programs offer longer-term support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The purpose of these programs is to provide stable and supportive living environments, allowing residents to work towards finding permanent housing. The duration of stay in transitional housing can vary from a few months to up to two years, depending on individual needs and program guidelines.

Rapid Rehousing

Rapid rehousing programs aim to quickly move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing. These programs typically provide short-term rental assistance, along with case management and support services, to help individuals secure and maintain stable housing. The duration of rapid rehousing programs is typically limited to a few months.

Definition of Supportive Housing

On the other hand, supportive housing is a more sustainable long-term housing solution. These services may include access to healthcare, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, counseling, and hands-on case management. Supportive housing is designed to offer necessary support services to individuals who may have additional challenges that require ongoing attention, such as mental illness, disabilities, or other complex needs.

Types of Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent supportive housing offers individuals and families long-term, affordable housing combined with on-site or off-site services that cater to the unique needs of each individual or family. These services may include access to healthcare, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, counseling, and hands-on case management. The duration of stay in permanent supportive housing is not time-limited.

Supportive Services Only

Supportive services-only programs provide supportive services without housing to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The focus of these programs is to offer case management and other necessary support services that help individuals develop the skills and resources needed to secure permanent housing.

Each client is unique with distinct needs, and there is no straightforward, one-size-fits-all solution for helping clients find safe, suitable housing. A comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses underlying issues that contribute to homelessness is the best method for helping clients experience positive outcomes. By offering a range of transitional and supportive housing services, communities can address the varied needs of homeless individuals and families, providing them with the support necessary to transition toward stable and permanent housing solutions. Source

5 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering as a Family

Volunteering as a family may be just the thing you need. You may know the “feel-good” emotions that come with helping others, but there are even more unexpected ways volunteering will positively affect the whole family: 

1.) You’ll feel like you have more time 

People often feel they are too busy to volunteer. Yet, the Harvard Business Review  found that giving your time to community causes actually makes you feel like you have more of it. Volunteering makes us feel capable and efficient, inspiring us to make the most of each day.

2.) Volunteering has a life-long effect on kids and teenagers 

Volunteering during adolescence has been linked  to some major positive effects such as improved grades, reduced drug usage, and  increased self-esteem. These effects aren’t just short-term but have been proved to affect a teen’s well-being in the years to come.   

3.) You can live longer if you volunteer regularly  

For adults, volunteering can provide significant physical health benefits. Washington University  found that for adults 55 and older who volunteered had better stamina, memory, and maintained overall health longer than others their age. Volunteers are also more likely to look after their own health  and are more focused on adding physical activity into their lives.   

4.) More time spent with family 

Families who volunteer together have the unique experience of working toward a shared goal. You may even learn that your child has a talent or interest you didn’t know about before. Everyone brings something unique to the table and can connect with each other and the community in a new way. And, there are tasks for every age and ability so all your children, whether eight or 18, can feel proud of their work. 

5.) You’ll be happier 

The University of Texas found in a 2003 study  that becoming involved in helping your community lowers rates of depression and anxiety. By volunteering, the entire family can benefit from bettering their mental wellness and alleviating stress. Source

Illuminating Intersections: Hunger and Health

 

When someone is sick, having to choose between food and treatment can lead to serious complications. For example, for food-insecure adults living with diabetes, the choice between food and controlling the disease can even lead to complications like kidney disease, eye disease, and nerve damage.

• Food insecurity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
• More than half the households the Feeding America network serves have at least one member living with high blood pressure and more than one-third have a member with diabetes.
• Children at risk of hunger are more likely to be in poor health and struggle in school.
• Family members in food-insecure households are also more likely to struggle with psychological and behavioral health issues. And kids struggling to get enough to eat are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.

 

What Is The Difference Between A Food Bank And Food Pantry?

What Is A Food Bank?

A food bank is a non-profit that safely stores millions of pounds of food that will soon be delivered to local food programs, like a food pantry. Food banks are all different sizes. Some are very large - more than 25 of our food banks are double the size of an average wholesale club. Regardless of size, the food they store is donated from local neighbors, retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants. Feeding America also helps connect our network to additional resources, including food. 

To get the food into the hands of the community, food banks hire drivers to make the deliveries. Every food bank serves a specific area that varies in size. For example, Feeding San Diego serves only one county, but this urban county is packed with over 3.3 million residents. While the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix services 9 of Arizona’s 15 counties, requiring their drivers to travel over 400 miles to deliver food. No matter how long or short the drive, every food bank is committed to ending hunger in their communities.

What Is A Food Pantry?

A food pantry is a distribution center where hungry families can receive food. Supplied with food from a food bank, pantries feed hundreds of people per week! Because every community is different, there are many different types of pantries.

Sometimes the best place for a food pantry is inside a school, so it is easier for children and their families to get food. For example, St. Mary’s has five school pantry programs in the Navajo Nation.

Thanks to the hard work of both food bank and food pantry staff and volunteers across the nation more than 21 million meals have been provided to nearly 110,000 children this past year!

Some communities have barriers that make getting food difficult – such as seniors with limited mobility or rural communities with little transportation. These barriers can be overcome with a mobile pantry -  a pantry on wheels. 

At a mobile pantry, truckloads of food are distributed to people in pre-packed boxes or displayed on folding tables like a farmer’s market. Island Harvest, a food bank on Long Island, NY, has a senior mobile pantry that provides excess food and grocery products to seniors in their community.

Source

 

Homeless vs. Houseless: Is There A Difference?

Thousands of people find themselves without a permanent place to call home. These individuals are often categorized in different ways, such as either homeless or houseless.The terms homeless and houseless are often used interchangeably but may have a slight distinction. Homeless is a restrictive term used to describe people who don’t have a place to live or a fixed residence and houseless refers to people who may not have a traditional home but still have a place to stay.

Understanding these terms is crucial for developing effective programs and support systems. While both groups face significant challenges, the language we use to describe their situations can profoundly impact the public perception and the quality of help they receive.

Both terms aim to describe a lack of stable housing. The term homeless is often used to describe people who don’t have a fixed residence. This includes not only those living on the streets but also individuals staying in shelters or temporary accommodations. The common denominator is the lack of stability and permanence in their living situation.

On the other hand, houseless, can refer to people who may not have a traditional home but still have a place to stay. This could include those living in RVs, tiny homes, or other non-permanent structures. They have a shelter, however they may lack the societal recognition of having a home. Those who identify as houseless may still feel a sense of belonging and community even if their living situation isn’t conventional.

Importance of Understanding the Terminology

Using precise language is more than just semantics; it shapes our understanding and compassion. When we talk about someone experiencing homelessness, it often evokes images of people living on the streets under dire circumstances.

The term “houseless,” however, can evoke a different set of images—perhaps of people who are nomadic by choice or circumstance but are not entirely without shelter. Recognizing this distinction helps tailor solutions that are more empathetic and effective.

The Social & Psychological Impact of Labels

The labels we use can significantly affect the mental health and social standing of individuals. Being called homeless often carries a heavy stigma, contributing to feelings of worthlessness and isolation. Conversely, the term houseless can sometimes mitigate these negative emotions, as it doesn’t entirely strip away the person’s sense of having some form of shelter and security.

Challenges Faced by Individuals Who Are Homeless & Houseless

Beyond the basic need for shelter, there are many unknown challenges that people who experience homelessness face.

Access to Basic Needs

One of the most pressing challenges is accessing basic needs like food and healthcare. Individuals who experience homelessness often have to rely on shelters that may be overcrowded or unsafe. Individuals who are houseless might have a makeshift shelter but still face difficulties securing consistent meals and medical services.

Employment & Education Hurdles

Individuals without stable housing face significant barriers to employment and education. Without a permanent address, applying for jobs or enrolling in school can be almost impossible. This creates a vicious cycle where the lack of resources perpetuates their unstable living conditions. Source

10 Essential Items People Experiencing Homelessness Need

Homelessness can make daily living challenging. Everyday activities such as eating, maintaining basic hygiene, or finding a place to sleep can become difficult. One of the challenging aspects of homelessness is limited access to basic needs, which are the essential items and amenities people need to survive. 

Basic needs have changed over the years, but today, basic needs usually include: 

• Food
• Water
• Shelter
• Clothing
• Access to healthcare

You may be wondering how to help and what items can help the homeless, whether you’re looking to help or doing research of your own. Let’s explore 10 essential items that can help;

#1 Clean Clothing

People experiencing homelessness will usually not have access to enough clean clothing. A care program can allow access to personal hygiene needs such as hot showers that include soap, shampoo, and clean towels. 

A care program can also provide access to donated clothes to replace worn and dirty clothing to help improve circumstances.

#2 Sunscreen

Sunscreen may be a surprise addition to this list, but it’s essential. While all homeless people aren’t spending all their time outside, they can still spend hours outside throughout the day. In warmer climates, time out in the sun can add up and result in sunburning. 

Sunscreen can be an underrated essential item when it comes to health. 

#3 Non-Perishable Food & Supplies

Non-perishable food items such as dried food can help homeless people add some variety to their meals. These food items are also easier to carry and last longer, so they have access to different meals on different days. 

#4 Winter Accessories

Just as warm climates can prompt the need for sunscreen, winter may be just around the corner, and winter accessories can provide much-needed warmth and comfort. 

Items such as gloves, scarves, and hats can help against the harsh winter weather. A great way to help is to donate some winter accessories you no longer use to your local care program. 

#5 Socks and Underwear

Socks and underwear can fall under clean clothing but are significant enough to warrant their own place in this list. Clean socks and underwear are essential to maintaining healthy bodies and can help in all climates. 

#6 Personal Care Products

Personal hygiene is a significant barrier for homeless people, and limited access to personal hygiene products can sometimes result in health problems. 

Personal care products can include items such as:

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Soap and shampoo
• Menstrual care products
• First-aid supplies
• Hand sanitizer

#7 Identification

We can take our piece of identification for granted and not realize how essential they are to daily living. 

People experiencing homelessness may lack a reliable piece of identification, and that can create additional problems such as an inability to apply for jobs or social programs. An ID clinic at the local care program can help homeless people access essential pieces of identification. 

#8 Sleeping Bags

While not all homeless people have to spend their time outdoors, some have no choice. A sleeping bag can be an irreplaceable item for homeless people who have to live outside for extended periods. 

A sleeping bag can help people stay warm and sleep comfortably in less-than-ideal environments and situations. 

#9 First-Aid Kits

We all need access to first aid options in everyday life. This need is no different for someone experiencing homelessness. Accidents happen, and anything can happen throughout the day, so a first aid kit can become an essential item to have access to.

#10 Backpacks

Backpacks can be a convenient way to store all sorts of smaller items and carry them throughout the day. Backpacks in good shape are a constant need. They can help provide a form of organization and peace of mind knowing where specific items are. Source

What Is Chronic Homelessness?

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) defines chronic homelessness as people who have been homeless for at least a year or repeatedly while experiencing a disabling condition including physical disability, serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder making it difficult to find and maintain housing. By “homeless,” HUD means someone who is sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation or living in an emergency shelter. By “repeatedly,” HUD means at least four episodes in the last three years with a cumulative total of at least 12 months.

According to the 2021 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, the number of sheltered individuals experiencing chronic homelessness increased by 20 percent between 2020 and 2021. This trend has increased in recent years and continued to do so between 2020 and 2021.

Chronic Homelessness Risk Factors

Factors increasing the risk of homelessness include:

• Lack of affordable housing
• Lack of jobs paying a living wage
• Unexpected health care costs

The average age of people experiencing chronic homelessness in 2010 was approximately 50 years old. Aging homeless people experience even greater health risks and can be even more vulnerable. Living on the streets and in public can be very difficult. Exposure to extreme temperatures as well as wind, rain, sleet, and snow increases the chances of getting and staying sick. Life-threatening hypothermia can set in starting when temperatures are between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Being homeless also leads to increased chances of the following:

• chronic pain
• skin, foot, and dental problems
• diseases and illnesses such as tuberculosis, hypertension, asthma, and diabetes
• sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS.

Homeless adults are more likely than others to experience psychiatric disorders and mental illness. They are also more likely to use tobacco and other substances. Homeless people are vulnerable to being victims of crimes, sexual trafficking, physical violence, sexual assault, rape, and verbal harassment. Source