Volume 43 | October 21, 2020
HSC Helps Client Overcome
Barriers to End his Homelessness
Over the summer, the HSC worked with a client who was experiencing a multitude of barriers to ending his homelessness. He was suffering from alcohol addiction, which would lead to him miss appointments with his Housing Navigator. There was a discrepancy on his birth certificate that stood in the way of finalizing his housing. Because the client was staying in our COVID High Risk Shelter and weather relief shelter in June and July, we were able to correct the issue with his documentation. Through this process we also partnered with Native American Connections to move Mr. Jenkins into The Lodge for bridge housing, a temporary program to help people live in a stable, supported environment while waiting to move into a permanent home. This time and supportive environment also allowed staff to facilitate a serious conversation with a close family member that resulted in Mr. Jenkins focusing on his housing process.
Mr. Jenkins moved into the Horace Steele Commons property at the end of July, where he still resides and is living a healthier lifestyle. Because of the funding received from organizations like Valley of the Sun United Way, and the hard work of our team to uncover solutions to end homelessness for our clients, this man was able to move from high risk shelter to a place of his own where he is making healthy choices and decisions on a daily basis.
Homelessness is not a choice. The reasons men and women experience homelessness are as diverse as they are. To address the challenge, the Human Services Campus and our collaborating partners are seeking Phoenix City Council approval to add more shelter beds.
We are not expanding the Campus. We need permission to use our existing space for those men and women already at and near the Campus, so that more people can sleep inside. Our next important milestone is at the November 5th City of Phoenix Planning Commission meeting. Please follow us or ‘get involved’ on the web site for updates.
Please follow us at fromstreettohome.org and on social media for ways to get involved. Housing is healthcare. And for those with no home, the journey begins with shelter.
Human Services Campus | 204 S. 12th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007 | 602.282.0853 | www.hsc-az.org