ACCESS Housing, Inc.

What We Do
Programs & Services

Our programs are designed to respond to the basic human need for shelter, food and clothing. We apply a comprehensive, holistic and culturally responsive approach that empowers families to regain control of their lives through the following programs:

·     Family Shelter Program. Shelter is offered for up to 90 days for families with children in private, two bedroom apartment units. Shelter residents receive intensive case management services, food, clothing, personal hygiene products, household furnishings and transportation support. To support family stability, adult family members receive job services, adult education and weekly life skills training on budgeting, landlord and tenant rights, parenting, conflict resolution, health lifestyles, domestic violence and other topics that impact their lives. Summer recreation and other activities are also offered for children and youth. ACCESS Housing also collaborates with local churches, businesses and community leaders to provide emergency shelter and case management for homeless persons during cold weather.

·     Home Again Family Support Program. Program services support the transition of homeless families into transitional and permanent housing. Eligible families receive case management services and financial assistance for health care, education, rent, utility, and transportation expenses for up to two years. ACCESS Housing also owns 19 units of housing for low-income families and plans to acquire additional units over the next ten years. As a response to recent studies of homelessness, the targeted population for this program was expanded in 2009 to include single women.

·      Steps 2 Success Self-sufficiency Program. Program services support the capacity of adult family members to secure and maintain jobs that pay a living wage. Step one services include GED preparation, English language instruction, Citizenship preparation, Computer skills training, resume writing, interviewing skills, completion of successful job applications, and job search. Step two services include job placement and job retention support. Homebuyer Education and Small Business Development Workshops and individualized counseling are also offered.

·     Forget Me Not Summer Camp. Program activities build self-confidence, social skills and trust. Summer recreation activities are provided for homeless children and youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Recreation activities include arts and crafts, skating, bowling, swimming, hiking, museum tours, boating and trips to the zoo. Program participants also receive individualized mentor support and tutoring from young adult college students. At the end of the summer and before school starts every child receives a backpack filled with school supplies that are donated by local businesses.

In 2009, ACCESS Housing provided the following emergency shelter, homeless prevention and family support services for 1,601 families with children

·        243 families received $353,811 for rent, mortgage, utility, transportation, health care, education and other basic living expenses.

·        57 families spent 30 to 90 days in our shelter facility and attended weekly life skills training sessions.

·        64 families received hotel vouchers for up to 7 nights of emergency shelter.

·        112 families received food, clothing and household furnishings.

·        118 adults received adult education and job services.

·        19 units of housing were provided for formerly homeless and other low-income families.

·        988 families received referrals to community partners for services not currently provided by ACCESS Housing.