Plans for Roots

 Roots of Community is suggested supportive sheltering model that would combine elements of: housing first, diversion and prevention, and moving on models.  The design of this model draws on the wisdom of those with lived homeless experience in our community to help this program uniquely address the following objectives:

1.       Lower the number of families in the foster care system due to homelessness and/or poverty. 

2.       Provide stability and security to individuals/families to improve in one or more areas:

·       Employment

·       Education/Job training 

·       Access to services/benefits they qualify for

·       Overall physical health (Medical and Dental)

·       Sobriety 

·       Mental Health

·       Positive Relationships

·       Improve their connection with the coordinated entry system in our community.

3.       Help individuals/Families identify the best long-term housing situation for them that would increase their chances of stability and create a plan to help them qualify, apply, save, and plan for that living situation. 

4.       We will strive to use the time that they are at the program purposefully to reduce personal barriers to success: 

·       Mailing address

·       Hygiene/clean clothing

·       Rest

·       Nutrition 

·       Vital Document Access

·       Health insurance coverage

·       Legal situations

·       Transportation

·       Address the impacts of past traumatic experiences

5.       Provide accountability for personal progress through case management and progress team relationships. 

6.       Reduce the number of repeat instances of homelessness that an individual/family experiences in our community. 

Location of Program

 We have not yet announced location sites. We know that this project will require two lots of at least 10 acres per site in size in Springfield.

No Religious Requirements

It is important that we stress that there is no religious requirement for residents of Roots of Community. There is no worship service requirement, and no points can be earned for attending church services. The faith beliefs and spiritual practices of all residents will be respected and supported in this community. 

Proposed Timeline:

2023:

• Private Fundraising

     

Support Services to be offered on-site to residents

All supportive services will be developed and implemented using trauma-informed practices and research.

• Daycare for working parents

• Vital Document/ID ordering for residents

• Weekly community meals

• Computer lab

• Laundry

• High Set classes

• Parenting classes

• Tutoring program for students

• Financial management classes

• Sobriety Support Group Meetings

• Mental Health Support Group Meetings

• Literacy Activities for children and youth

• LGBTQIA+ support services and groups

• Access to individual counseling appointments

• Private meeting rooms for case management appointments

• Video conferencing rooms for meetings, medical appointments, and court hearings.

• Shuttle service to commonly used services and resources

  • Health Care

  • Coordinated Entry

  • Mental Health Care

  • Legal Services/Appointments

  • Community Services

  • Classes/Trainings

  • Interviews

• Respite care for unsheltered individuals with wounds, illness, or long-term illness

• Community Events

• Dog Park area

• Library

• Bike racks and locks

• Resume Development and Job interview coaching

• Job searching coaching

• Job skills training programs

• Community volunteer opportunities on site

• Advocacy Training

Length of Program for Residents

Individuals and Families can stay in the program as long as they are meeting the following criteria: 

1. Working with their team to set goals and make regular progress towards meeting those goals monthly.

2. Has identified the best long-term housing situation for them and is actively making progress to transition successfully into that situation.

3. Being respectful of themselves, their neighbors, and the property.

4. Passing a monthly urine analysis for illegal drugs.

5. No new arrests or legal charges.

Some people may need to stay at Roots of Community for a month while others may need to stay for years. We will work with each situation to determine what timeline is best for them and set them up for the greatest chance of long-term success. 

Exiting the program

There are two ways that an individual can exit the supportive sheltering model at Roots of Community, and they are outlined in the table below. 

**Please note that these do not include medical respite care, which has its own intake and exiting procedures outlined separately**

Successful Transition:

Individuals will transition to their chosen long-term, permanent housing. 

Support teams will help families/individuals secure needed furniture/household items to furnish their new home. 

The support team will help families/individuals move into new housing. 

The aftercare care team will follow up with transitioned family/individual for one year after they move from Roots of Community.

Redirection:

30-day process unless people or property are in immediate danger. 

The progress team will work to find a new program that would be a fit for the individual/family being exited from the program. The team will help them apply for the program and support them in making arrangements to transition locations within the 30-day period. 

A clear process will be outlined by the progress team for a(n) individual/family to return to Roots of Community.