Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1060FY0102

District 15 Family Support Program for Homeless Families

Requester:

Sue Rux

Organization:

Homeless Assistance Center Inc.

Project Title:

District 15 Family Support Program for Homeless Families

Date Submitted:

1/17/2002 10:33:34 AM

Sponsors:

Ken Pruitt

Statewide Interest:

This program addresses the need for housing and support services for homeless families by assisting them in securing permanent housing.� The annual report from Florida Department of Children & Families reports there are at least 57,400 homeless people in Florida on any given day, which is up 9% from the 52,500 last year.� 33% are families.� District 15 reports over 2000 who are either homeless or living in over crowded condiitons with other family members or friends.� It is estimated that 46% are families.

Recipient:

Homeless Assistance Center

Contact:

Sue Rux

2525 St Lucie Avenue

Contact Phone:

(561) 567-2766

Vero Beach 32960

Counties:

Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie

Gov't Entity:

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Yes

Project Description:

The Family Support Program for Homeless Families assists families with children under 18 years of age who are homeless move into permanent housing.� The program provides a one-time housing-related payment to cover the security deposit, first month's rent and necessary deposits for services and utilities up to $1500.� Last year the State of Florida, through the Department of Children and Families, funded a similar program for one year of a three-year commitment.� The State did not continue its commitment after June 30,2001.� During the 10 months prior to termination of the program we served 322 families and placed 171 families in permanent housing.� We had 90 more families that were being processed when the funding was stopped. We are requesting to serve 37 families next year.� Understanding the situation the Legislature is facing this year and that funding is almost nonexistent, we are requesting funds for only 22% of the numner housed last year.� With the events of September 11 we expect the impact on the already limited funds to human services to become almost nonexistent.�� Our mission to eliminate homelessness will become rhetoic if we do not treat this devastating social issue.� The Treasure Coast relies heavily on tourism and particularly for minimum wage earners.� With the downturn in the economy and fear of flying the employers are cutting back.� Indian River County had very little manufacturing employment available to the minimum wage earner and Piper, a local airplane manufacturer, is going through a major layoff.� In addition to placing the homeless in housing we support their needs by providing services such as:� Clothing, Food, Job trianing, education, Life Skills classes, Information & Referrals.� To be eligible the family must be without housing, have a child under the age of 18 living in the household or expecting a child, and one member have a valid ID

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

We expect to house 82% of the families referred to the program.� In conjuction to housing the families, they also will receive the necessary supportive services to help them become stable and productive citizens and lessen the tax burden of the community. The Case Manager assigned to the family will continue to provide follow along support to the families to ensure all aspects for a healthy family are met.� The follow up will continue for 120 days.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$100,000

Total cost of the project:

$200,000

Request has been made to fund:

Operations

What type of match exists for this project?

Private

In-Kind Amount:

$100,000

Was this project previously funded by the State?

Yes

Fiscal Year:

2000-2001

Amount:

$237,260

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

Unknown

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

Yes

Agency:

Children And Families, Department Of

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

Yes

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

Case management reports, program referral data and agency turn away data,

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

No