Housing Program (RHP)

Program Description

The Rapid Housing Program is funded by the Child and Family Services (CFSA) in collaboration with the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC) will provide limited assistance in the form of short-term subsides to families for whom the lack of affordable housing will likely result in children being brought into care, or the lack of affordable housing is the major barrier to family stabilization. Young adults, with and/or without children that are transitioning out of care are also eligible to participate in the Rapid Housing Progam.

Goals

The Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative Housing Department’s goal is to establish relationships, processes and systems of advocacy and accountability that will secure safe and affordable housing for the Ward 8 Communities.

Services Provided:

• Case Management
• Budget Management
• Rental Subsidy
• Household Maintenance
• Family Stabilization and Self Sufficiency

Intake Process

1. A completed application packet will be completed by either the referring Social Worker or the Family Support Worker and includes the following:
   1. Preservation/Reunification Housing application;
   2. Family Development Plan (from Collaborative only);
   3. Most recent paystubs and/or proof of income.
   4. Credit report
   5. Verification of employment and/or other sources of income.
2. Once a completed application is submitted to the Housing Specialist, it is then forwarded to the CFSA Housing Specialist and a time is set for family/young adult to attend the Housing Review Panel. The Panel will include the CFSA and Collaborative Housing Specialists.
3. The Collaborative Housing Specialist will work with the family/young adult to find housing and negotiate rental amounts with the landlord. The Collaborative has established on-going relationships with the landlords in their neighborhoods and are up- to-date on available housing.
4. The Collaborative Housing Specialist will maintain monthly contact with the referring workers, client and landlord, during the period he/she is in RHP, to ensure that the client continues to reside at the address provided to RHP and to ensure that rental payments are made on time.