This document provides an orientation for volunteers at Congregations for the Homeless (CFH). It summarizes that CFH aims to help end homelessness in King County by providing emergency shelter, case management, and subsidized housing to help men transition from homelessness to permanent housing. It notes that over 3,500 volunteers support CFH's mission in various roles from providing meals and donations to legal assistance and life coaching. The orientation outlines the causes of homelessness, CFH's integrated approach, their success in housing over 250 men, and encourages attendees to consider becoming involved through various volunteer opportunities.
3. ORIENTATION OBJECTIVES
✦ Learn about Congregations for the Homeless and the process
of moving a man from homelessness to housing.
✦ Have a deeper appreciation for the causes and difficulties of
being homeless.
✦ Understand how volunteers make a difference.
✦ Discover best ways to contribute your time and talents.
4. MISSION
The mission of Congregations for the Homeless
(CFH) is to help end homelessness in King
County.
We assist men in successfully transitioning from
homelessness to permanent housing.
We provide:
1. emergency shelter
2. complete case management system and
3. subsidized housing program
These components work together to give a single
man the path to a stable and productive life.
Helping men move !om homelessness to
housing, one man at a time....
5. ABOUT CFH
Agency of the Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council,
Congregations for the Homeless men’s shelter first opened in 1994.
In 2005 a case management-life coaching program was
implemented, helping men move from homelessness to
permanent housing.
In 2006, subsidized housing was added placing 54 men in
subsidized housing, 10 graduated to their own housing.
Currently, CFH has 16 staff, and the shelter program increased
having access to showers, laundry, haircuts, medical and dental
assistance.
6. LIVING ON THE STREETS
It is a rough life. The homeless walk the streets, looking for a
place to sleep, stay warm, get a meal.
They are exhausted, disoriented, depressed. Homeless are
often filled with shame and self destruction.
Once homeless, the road back to stability is long and rocky
and impossible to travel alone. 300-500 homeless men and
women are living on the greater Eastside.
7. Addictions
Mental Health Issues
WHAT CAUSES Physical Disabilities
Criminal History
HOMELESSNESS? Poor Credit
Evictions on record
Loss of Job
Poor Social Skills
Cycles of Poverty
Social Service System
8. Chronic Homeless
Off and On Homeless
STAYING Newly Homeless
Loss of Support
HOMELESSNESS Too Tired to Function Well
Loss of Stability
“The homeless already struggle with the internal
message that they aren’t worth as much as others.
Loss of Stable Hygiene
Bring homeless is where they deserve to be.”
Increased Vulnerability
Loss of Spiritual Community
9. Moving out of Homelessness
Congregations for the Homeless Integrated Approach
EMERGENCY SHELTER PROGRAM
Provides a warm, safe place to sleep, receive hot meals, showers,
laundry facilities, clothing donations, haircuts, medical and dental
services. With basic needs met, men begin to move forward.
CASE MANAGEMENT/LIFE COACHING
Each man receives a case manager or life coach upon entering the
shelter. Together they work on life skills, addiction recovery,
emotional, legal and employment stability.
HOUSING PROGRAM
Subsidized housing helps men transition from the shelter into stable
housing. Men receive on-going case management/life coaching, jobs
and community support.
10. Success by the Numbers
252 men moved into housing since 2006
2006: 27 men (52%)
2007: 44 men (45%)
2008: 53 men (51%)
2009: 61 men (56%)
2010: 68 men (73%)
2010
MEN SERVED: 127
JOBS FOUND: 22
MOVED INTO HOUSING: 68 MEN (73%)
BED NIGHTS: 10,793
MEALS SERVED: 32,379
VOLUNTEERS: 3850
CASE MANAGEMENT SESSIONS OR HOURS: 3665
NURSE SESSIONS: 19
DENTAL VAN VISITS: 144 APPOINTMENTS, 432 PROCEDURES
MEN TURNED AWAY DUE TO CAPACITY: 80
COLD WEATHER SHELTER: 188 INDIVIDUALS, 44/NIGHT (AVERAGE)
AVAILABLE RESIDENTIAL UNIT SUBSIDIES: 45
11. VOLUNTEERS CHANGE LIVES
Emergency Shelter Volunteers
liaison, meal service
clothing donations, shelter sundries
bus passes, haircuts
Case Management Volunteers
Over 3,500 strong, Congregations For attorney/legal assistance
the Homeless volunteers pave the way court/probation specialist
nurse/healthcare specialist
for homeless men on the Eastside to dental services
break the cycle of homelessness and physician, psychiatrist
lead a stable and productive life. Life Coaching Volunteers
life coach, career trainers
computer technicians
Housing/Jobs Volunteers
financial advisor, job developer
housing program assistant
Organizational Support
communications volunteer
grant writer, graphic designer
12. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
CFH Commitment
The organization will provide a safe and supportive environment for volunteers.
The organization values and promotes an attitude of gratitude.
Volunteer Commitment
Volunteers will support the CFH mission and keep all matters confidential.
Volunteers are to respect the homeless, but not expected to “save” anyone.
13. WHY
VOLUNTEER?
Give back to the community
Meet new people
Express values in a meaningful way
Increase knowledge and skills
Make a huge difference
Change a homeless man’s destiny
14. BECOME INVOLVED
✦ Fill out a volunteer application
✦ Decide what volunteer role fits you and your lifestyle
✦ Come to a shelter dinner
✦ Donate shelter items
✦ Donate financially
✦ Invite your friends to participate in ending homelessness
