The Good Neighbor Goals Program
Planning for Self-Sufficency
Homeless members of our community, whom we call guests while they are with us, arrive at the Good Neighbor Shelter in crisis. The loss of shelter, a most basic human need, is the presenting problem. However, many circumstances lead becoming homeless – there is usually not just one event that pushes a person into homelessness. Thus, there is a need for the shelter to have a program that assists guests in identifying and dealing with a broad range of variables to facilitate the guest’s return to self-sufficiency.
The Goals Coordinator meets with each guest within 24 hours of check in to perform an intake interview. The purpose of the interview is to assess the guest’s situation and provide a plan of action for dealing with the problems that have lead to the client becoming homeless.
In weekly individual meetings, the Goals Coordinator helps guests identify and prioritize problems, develop a plan, and focus on specific strategies to accomplish Program Goals, which expected of all guests: employment, budget, savings, and housing. Problem solving skills are emphasized to assist guests in dealing current issues and future challenges. Individual goals are also addressed and are different for each person but may include: GED/job training, transportation, locating mental health services, addressing physical health issues, obtaining ID/Social Security card/birth certificates, locating childcare, satisfying debts, or reuniting with family.
The first phase of the program is finding a job, which is required within two weeks of arrival at the shelter. Employment is key to self-sufficiency and the shelter works through temp agencies, the labor department and individual employers to assist guests in locating a job.
Once employment is secured, guests can begin to address other personal goals over the next 4 weeks. The shelter works closely with all service agencies in Bartow County to link guests with needed resources. Since guests have no living expenses (other than transportation) while they are with us, savings is a key to guest success and is encouraged through a special account with a local bank. Some guests choose to leave after a total of 6 weeks as they have saved enough money and are able to make housing arrangements in that time.
The final phase of the Goals program is Extended Housing. During the four weeks of Extended Housing, the Goals Coordinator helps the guest consolidate their progress, continue to address personal goals, and locate affordable housing. Guests on Extended Housing enjoy extra privileges and have extra responsibilities, including a nominal $25 week rent payment. During the four weeks of Extended Housing, the Goals Coordinator helps the guest consolidate their progress and once housing is located, move the guest in with used furniture provided by the shelter, if needed.
