New Beginnings collaborates with each resident on an individualized re-housing plan because each person’s situation is unique. We start by looking for a person’s strengths, for example a person may already have one form of Identification or may perceive “patience” and “persistence” as strong character traits in themselves. We recognize and amplify these strengths throughout the collaboration. We identify the barriers to housing which the person faces, for example a person may have no income at all or may have a criminal or credit problem that will make obtaining housing more difficult. We also review a person’s housing history and housing preferences so that each plan is guided by the person’s choices and needs.

While working on their re-housing plan step-by-step, each person is able to connect with our onsite support team. The team is composed of a social worker, nurses, occupational therapy interns, counselors, therapists, and New Beginnings’ own Support Specialists staff. For the first time in a long time, the person may begin accessing physical and mental healthcare. They may enhance the quality of their diet by accessing SNAP benefits. They may work on resolving a criminal legal issue. They may get support to upgrade their life management skills such as organizing their home, dealing with stress and conflict, or managing their money. As residents re-connect to community-based care and services, they are setting themselves up to maintain stability once they are able to regain housing.

At New Beginnings, we know people can and do recover from chronic homelessness. That’s why we meet each person where they are, augment their own strengths and abilities, and connect them to appropriate resources that lead to health and housing. By working together one by one, we can see everyone in a home of their own.