Over this past month, we have been talking about the ways that, as an organization, we work to set our guests up for success. We’ve talked about the programs we offer, case management, partners, and many of the ways we support our guests as they work to rebuild their lives. Our ultimate goal is to see our guests housed, healthy, and happy. As we close out the month of June, we want to put all of these pieces together to share how we are working to build a comprehensive approach to set each guest up for success.
More Than a Place to Sleep
We know that when someone walks through our door, it might very well be the worst day of their lives. What we also know is that when people have a safe place to sleep and are fed, they’re no longer forced into survival mode. Healing starts here, with these most basic needs met. This stability creates the foundation needed to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate needs. As critical as food and shelter are, we know that we have to bring more support to the table, and we can’t do that alone.
Comprehensive Support Systems
Our dedicated case manager, Abby, and Flight School instructors work one-on-one with guests to develop personalized plans, connecting them with substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and medical care. These services address some of the root causes that can often contribute to homelessness.
Employment programs within our organization and through partner organizations teach job skills, assist with resume building, and connect guests with potential employers. Meanwhile, life skills training encompasses a range of skills, from budgeting and time management to practical tools that support independent living. Nest and our partners teach these skills as well.
Navigating Complex Systems
One of the most valuable services we can provide is helping our guests navigate bureaucratic systems and obtain essential documents, such as ID cards and Social Security cards, and other important documents. Without this support, many people become overwhelmed and give up, thus missing the critical documentation to put their lives back together.
Building Community and Accountability
At Nest Community Shelter, we institute daily routines, encourage peer relationships to build support networks, and provide accountability during vulnerable transition periods. Our staff and Flight School instructors also build and strengthen the needed networks for success. This network of support helps residents develop new coping strategies and social connections that can last well beyond their shelter stay.
The Bottom Line
We know that for unhoused individuals, the reasons why individuals find themselves in that situation are often complex. This means we must adopt a comprehensive service model that not only provides temporary relief but also interrupts the costly cycle of recidivism for some. By addressing housing, health, employment, and social needs simultaneously, we strive to set our clients up for success. The result benefits not only individuals and families, but entire community.
