Homeless Families Program

In 1988, Beyond Shelter's Homeless Families Program introduced a dramatic innovation to the field of urban homeless, bypassing traditional "transitional housing", to move homeless families and adults directly into permanent rental housing in residential neighbourhoods. Moving homeless families and adults directly into permanent rental housing and providing individualized case management services for up to one year after their move provides the opportunity for a permanent transition to stability.

Homeless families are referred to Beyond Shelter by a network of approximately 25 community agencies, including shelters, drug treatment programs, social service agencies, and churches, a process that ensures participation from a broad spectrum of destitute individuals and families. During screening and enrollment, the family works with agency staff to develop an individualized family transition plan which identifies their housing and social services needs -- and the steps necessary to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Families are then assisted in obtaining affordable rental housing in neighourhoods of their choice throughout L. A. County. Each enrolled family is assigned a case manager, who provides comprehensive support for up to one year as they participate in their Family Transition Plans.

The mission of Beyond Shelter is to develop systemic approaches to combat poverty and homelessness among families with children and enhance family economic security and well-being.

-Since 1989, Beyond Shelter has helped over 750 high risk homeless families stabilize in permanent housing.
-Approximately 40% of programme graduates enroll in school or vocational training.
-28% obtained employment.
-32% of graduates increased their incomes.