cause: "Project Prevention. Keep Chattanoogans Housed. "

cause

description

The purpose of Project Prevention Program is to develop a program that will prevent an episode of homelessness from occurring for needy individuals and families. The program will address both the housing and service needs of the near homeless population within our region through financial assistance and coordination of services. The community in which the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition (CRHC) operates lacks a permanent, sustainable solution for preventing homelessness. The current economic and housing climates have created a crisis in homelessness and also an opportunity to bring prevention of housing loss to the forefront. Annually, an average of 4,000 individuals access homeless services within the community. As research has shown, preventing homelessness has exceedingly better outcomes for both individuals and the community as a whole. The experience of homelessness, while unique to individual circumstances, profoundly impacts every aspect of a child’s life-from the time spent in utero into adulthood. Research indicates that homelessness hinders the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development of children. Through utilizing evidence based practice in intervention and prevention, the devastating impact of homelessness on vulnerable children and families can be mitigated. Preventing homelessness is also a more cost-effective solution in homeless services. Homeless individuals cost the country a staggering $1.9 billion dollars each year. One shelter bed costs $8,067 more than providing services to ensure continued stable housing. This cost is comprised of emergency room visits, mental institution stays, incarceration, etc. Prevention strategies, such as short term financial assistance, will allow an individual on the brink of homelessness to remain housed and provide access to supportive services.

why

why should people support this cause

In establishing this program, the CRHC will respond to an overwhelming community need. Studies have shown critical time interventions and prevention strategies lead to positive, sustainable outcomes. Within the region, data collected from the Homelessness Management Information system indicates that 92% of persons benefiting from Prevention Services exit the program to a permanent, stable housing situation and remain housed for a minimum of six months. The primary objective of the Project Prevention Program is to empower families to maintain permanent housing, thereby preventing and eventually ending family homelessness within the region served by the CRHC.  Your donations will help fund our prevention/rapid rehousing programs as the federal stimulus program HPRP winds down.

way

total resources requested

money needed: $15,000.00

results

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