It’s always a good day when I hear that someone is moving into a new home, having made the transition from homelessness. We smile and cheer because we know how much it means to them!
According to the National Coalition to End Homelessness, there is a large and growing evidence base demonstrating that Housing First is an effective solution to homelessness. Consumers in a Housing First model access housing faster and are more likely to remain stably-housed.
JFS adopted this best practice over 10 years ago and John is a perfect example of the success of JFS’ Housing First program. Having lived on the streets for more than five years, John is one of 45 people JFS houses through a Department of Community Affairs grant the agency won to create a new Housing First program targeted at high utilizers of the Atlantic County jail and AtlantiCare’s emergency services.
Each year John was spending over half of his days at the county jail for trespassing and other disorderly persons charges. Thanks to Housing First, John’s life has completed changed. By having a home, a permanent home, he now has peace and a purpose. Since moving into his home over a year ago, John has not returned to jail. He went from more than 150 days annually to ZERO days at the jail. He has piece of mind knowing he has a place to live. But John has also found meaning in his life – he volunteers to check on his neighbor and he’s pursuing a volunteer job at the local food pantry.
John’s results are similar to the others housed in this initiative. After 12 months from moving in, none of the participants have returned to homelessness. All have greatly lowered their time spent incarcerated at the jail with 98% not returning at all. All 45 participants have spent less time using emergency services at AtlantiCare lowering the expenses of the healthcare system.
The ongoing supportive services provided by JFS are delivered in a kind and respectful manner with a focus on the whole person. We truly partner with the people we serve to help them live their best lives. Many with our support are seeking employment, have reconnected with family, and they are making new friends and starting new hobbies in their communities across Atlantic County.
Thank you for reading my first JFS program blog post. I would love to hear your thoughts on our Housing First program, or any other JFS initiatives. Comment below or contact me directly at lrodgers@jfsatlantic.org.
~Laura Rodgers, JFS Chief Program Officer
Strength In Community 