With participation from over 100 case managers and more to come, the SHS program has built a robust training curriculum for service providers in our community. Trainings are designed for case managers, supervisors, outreach workers, shelter support workers, peers, and housing navigators to build the skillset and resources required to support folks experiencing homelessness. Trainings focus on skills development in engagement, housing navigation, and ongoing support, and more concrete tools to effectively serve people struggling with substance abuse and mental health symptoms.
Two new case managers are Elise Ruiz-Hom from Centro Cultural and Mereida Alcazar from Bienestar. Elise Ruiz-Hom started as a case manager for a therapeutic foster care organization, before transitioning to work as a program coordinator at Boys & Girls Aid's shelter for youth experiencing homelessness. “I wanted to get back into direct service to help people find housing solutions that are specific to their needs, when they are so often met with closed doors.” She goes on to explain how the SHS trainings have helped her learn new skills for working with landlords and helping families keep their housing in her new role as a housing retention worker.
Mereida Alcazar is passionate about her new job helping people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorders access housing and treatment resources. Mereida shares, “I’m someone whose been on the other side of things. As someone in recovery, I know what it’s like to need housing and treatment resources. I’m able to relate and understand on another level because I’ve been where they are.” Mereida looks forward to seeing more shelter options for families and individuals and affordable homes that will give people the permanent stability they deserve. Mereida looks forward to using the new tools she’s learned at the SHS Case Manager boot camp to help her participants end their homelessness and find stability again.
The SHS training program will be offered every quarter for new case managers and existing staff looking to refresh their skills providing trauma informed and culturally responsive care, behavioral health supports, housing navigation skills and more.
