Supportive Services Program Objectives
• To decrease homelessness by providing supportive services in conjunction with housing to persons who, due to unemployment, underemployment, age or disability, live at or below poverty level.
• Assist YMCA residents in addressing the issues that prevent, limit, or hinder their ability to be more self-sufficient.
• Provide case management that focuses on goal-setting, improving life management and strengthening independence.
• Encourage and support participants in their efforts toward independence, personal growth and financial stability.
Components Provided & Method(s) of Delivery - A fundamental part of the program is client participation in intensive case management that focuses on goals toward
self-sufficiency. Clients will meet with their case manager a minimum of once a week and produce a weekly plan
of action.
Case-managed clients are required to attend the various life skills classes provided at the YMCA.
Clients are required to conduct a job search if they are employable and produce a resume. If the client is disabled, the focus of case management is to address their health/wellness issues. Clients must provide copies of their income, such as pay stubs or award letters as well as create a realistic monthly budget. It is recommended that clients open a savings account or identify an appropriate method of saving
their money.
Basic provisions such as a food pantry, a clothing closet and bus tokens are available. Groceries may be obtained from the food pantry once a week. The clothing pantry includes business clothes for job interviews. Bus tokens are distributed as needed for job searches and medical appointments
The staff may also assist in obtaining other necessary resources – i.e. food stamps, Harris County Hospital District gold card, mental health benefits, disability benefits, Veteran benefits or benefits for seniors.
A variety of classes, including nutrition, life skills, budgeting, and employment education is offered on a monthly and sometimes weekly basis.
Learning Center - All residents have access to the Computer Learning Center (CLC). Residents can utilize phones, a fax machine, the Internet and email accounts. The CLC is available for open lab, self-paced education, employment assistance and computer instruction classes.
Location: Services are provided at the YMCA location at 1600 Louisiana.
Hours of Operation - Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with a minimum of two late days a week, with hours extending to 7:00pm. The program currently maintains one director and at least one full-time case manager.
Computer Education Classes - The computer training has been expanded to include Computer Basics, Internet Basics, MS Windows Basics, Introduction to Word, Introduction to Excel as well as Introduction to PowerPoint for advanced users. If a resident is unable to attend computer class, there is self-paced interactive instruction for basic computer skills. In addition, the CLC has a software program that allows persons with visual impairments to utilize the lab.
