Late last week, we featured the profound and life-changing impact that our partnership with Citizens Concerned for the Homeless (C.C.H.) has on the lives of Nest’s guests. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most valuable services under the C.C.H. umbrella, Keys to Hope.
Keys to Hope to Hope is a daytime program with support service that plays a crucial role in the lives of Nest guests by complementing our overnight accommodations. While we here at Nest provide a safe place for our guests to sleep, Keys to Hope offers essential services during the day that help our guests on their journey towards stability and independence.
One of the most practical and appreciated services offered by Keys to Hope are their locker facilities. As a small shelter, our space is limited, and we can’t accommodate all of our guests’ belongings. The lockers at Keys to Hope provide a secure place for our guests to store their possessions during the day. This seemingly simple service offers peace of mind and freedom of movement that many of us take for granted.
Another vital service provided by Keys to Hope is access to shower facilities for Nest’s guests. While our shelter focuses on providing a safe place to sleep, our historic building doesn’t have the capacity for daily hygiene facilities. The showers at Keys to Hope fill this critical gap, allowing our guests to maintain personal hygiene and dignity. This service is invaluable in helping our guests feel refreshed and ready to face the day’s challenges.
Keys to Hope also offers two additional services that are fundamental to helping our guests stay connected and move forward: a mailing address and access to telephones. Having a mailing address is crucial for receiving essential documents, applying for jobs, and maintaining connections with support systems. Similarly, access to phones allows our guests to schedule appointments, follow up on job applications, and stay in touch with family and friends which is crucial in building and maintaining a support network. These services, which many housed individuals might overlook, are essential lifelines for those experiencing homelessness.
Perhaps one of Keys to Hope’s most impactful aspects is its case management service, which works in coordination with our own and other support services to provide comprehensive support for our unhoused guests. Each guest who visits Keys to Hope is connected with a dedicated case manager. These professionals work in close coordination with our shelter staff, ensuring a consistent approach to supporting each individual. This collaboration allows us to provide more holistic care, addressing both the immediate needs of our guests and their long-term goals.
Beyond these core services, Keys to Hope serves as a hub connecting our guests to a wide range of support services. Whether it’s mental health resources, jobs resources, or other community services, the team at Keys to Hope helps guide our guests to the resources they need to move towards a more stable future.
Our partnership with CCH and the Keys to Hope program has been invaluable since 2018. Together, we’re able to provide a continuum of care that extends beyond the basics of overnight shelter. By combining our overnight services with the day programming at Keys to Hope, we’re offering our guests not just a place to stay but a pathway towards sustainable independence.
Nest’s collaboration with Keys to Hope and the CCH umbrella of services exemplifies the power of community partnerships. By working together, we’re able to provide more comprehensive support to those experiencing homelessness in our community. We’re grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it continues to have on the lives of our shelter guests.
You can learn more about Keys to Hope Community Resource Center by visiting their website here.
