Programs and Services
Clare House transitional shelter serves homeless women and children by providing a temporary home in a caring environment, life-skills programs and aftercare support leading to self-sufficiency. The program not only gives women and children a safe place to stay, but also assists clients in overcoming the barriers that brought them to their current situation of homelessness. The program includes a 90-120 day stay, intensive case-management services, agency collaborations and aftercare support.
Client needs are assessed during the intake process and individual goals are set. The case-manager coordinates services so that each client can continue their education, attain increased job skills or participate in personal enrichment programs. In addition, referrals are made to budgeting programs, child care information services and other necessary agencies. The hope is that by addressing these individual needs, clients may be able to increase their basic life-skills. Clients are also required to participate in weekly parenting classes to foster and improve parent-child relationships and weekly house meetings were service agencies present program information.
Once clients complete the Clare House program and move into housing, the case-manager continues to provide services through aftercare support. The case-manager works with the client to set new goals based on the current situation and monitors progress through weekly and monthly contact. Formal progress reports are completed at three, six, nine and one year after program completion. The case-manager continues to provide assistance, services and referrals.
Clare House serves five single women and five families at any one time in our shelter and over twenty clients through aftercare support. At least five to ten phone calls are received per day from women seeking shelter for themselves and their family. The need certainly outweighs the resources. Clare House transitional shelter program strives to continue assisting women and children on their road to self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Community Service and Education
Clare House is a member of the Interagency Council for the Homeless, Chamber of Commerce, Homeless Student Task Force, and is involved with numerous other community groups relating to issues of homelessness. Clare House staff participates in many community events such as health fairs, community expos and speaking engagements to educate the community about homelessness and its related issues. In addition, Clare House invites service agencies, public service providers and community groups to present information to clients at weekly house meetings.
Further, Clare House works collaboratively with other social service agencies to provide outreach to the underserved and to target the homeless population. Information brochures and applications are distributed to agencies for referral opportunities and a seamless transition program from other emergency shelters and drug and alcohol facilities is being refined.
Since its founding in 1980, Clare House has understood and addressed many of the issues specific to homeless women and as such, has realized the importance of educating the community of its damaging effects.
From the beginning, Clare House has assisted homeless women and children through crisis situations. For most of these individuals, Clare House provides a positive, life-changing experience.
Residency
Clare House provides a temporary home in a caring environment in addition to food, clothing and personal supplies. Clare House provides shelter to all homeless women and children. The only criteria is that the head of household be eighteen years of age or older, free of drugs and alcohol and be able to pass a drug test and demonstrate a willingness to participate in the program. (Please note: Clare House is not able to shelter male children over the age of 12)
Case-Management
Clare House provides a structured, comprehensive case-management program, services, advocacy and referrals. Each resident works intensively with a case-manager during their stay at Clare House and in the after-care program.
Financial Management Assistance
Clare House works collaboratively with other local social service agencies to provide information, assistance, direction, savings and budgeting. All residents must participate in the financial management program.
Life Skills Programs
Clare House provides onsite parenting and nutrition education and counseling. Daily evaluation, education and guidance are given to all residents.
Aftercare Support
Clare House is the only shelter in Lancaster County to provide a structured, specific aftercare program. For one year after program completion, Clare House continues to provide support, assistance, resources and referrals. Home visits are conducted, new goals are set and services continue once permanent housing has been obtained.