Permanent Housing Assistance
Housing Bridge has a Housing Director who helps resident clients develop permanent housing options. The Housing Director then undertakes a thorough review of any housing options that might meet those needs. Such options run the gamut from finding affordable rentals in the city, to finding supportive housing for which the family qualifies, to moving in with family membe
rs. As the innovator in housing placement, Housing Bridge introduced “Rapid Re-Housing”. This involves taking the initiative to reach out to property owners and serve as the go-between between the client and the landlord. This results in a plethora of available units at suitable price points so that permanent housing becomes feasible. Our Housing Director accompanies clients both to view apartments and to interviews with the landlords – after being coached so that they are likely to meet with landlord approval. Employment Assistance
Most New York City housing subsidies were eliminated in 2011. This made gainful employment – and the ability to afford monthly rent payments – a virtual pre-requisite to achieving permanent housing. Housing Bridge’s Housing Specialists also serve as Employment Specialists to ensure that clients are qualified to land jobs that enable them to move. Our Employment Specialists first work with the adults in the families to make them job-ready. This begins with a thorough skills analysis followed by resume preparation and coaching in interviewing skills to make sure the clients are equipped to land a job. The Housing Bridge Employment Specialists partner with various agencies and job training programs to identify suitable job openings. We are extremely proud of our partnering with Bridge to Employment, an agency that specializes in finding jobs for the homeless. Bridge to Employment works onsite at our facilities to prepare our clients and provide them with a range of job possibilities. Here too, the Specialists ensure that the clients are ready for their interviews and that they show up. Case Management
It takes dedicated caseworkers at each facility to help families develop their Independent Living Plans (ILPs). Housing Bridge’s Case Managers meet with clients on a bi-weekly basis to supervise and discuss progress, and address any concerns in order to make sure each family qualified for the benefits they deserve. Our professionals verify that each client maintains an Active Public Assistance case. They also ensure that the proper steps are taken to establish self-sufficiency. Moreover, Case Managers provide individual counseling, advocacy services, and referrals for childcare, medical services, etc. They play a critical role in assisting clients through the process of transitioning to permanent housing. This includes initiating savings plans that enable clients to save enough money for their rental deposits. In addition, the Case Managers teach our clients household budgeting so that they will be able to manage their future rent payments. Maintenance
From routine janitorial services to ongoing upkeep and safety of the physical plant, the maintenance standards at Housing Bridge facilities are high with adequate heat and electricity being primary. Beyond that, the on-premises maintenance crews are responsible for cleanliness, garbage removal, snow removal, and upkeep of all systems and equipment. Their duties include processing work orders, ordering building parts and supplies, and managing the HVAC service contracts. Security
Security is the lynchpin in creating a positive transitional environment for the homeless families. Housing Bridge provides each facility with security so that the families know they are in a safe and secure environment. This is part of the process of restoring stability to the lives of our clients. Residential aides ensure that all house rules are observed to everyone’s mutual benefit. 24-hour coverage is standard at most of our properties. Moreover, a full-coverage digital camera system was instituted that monitors our properties, both within and outside the facilities. Weekly unit inspections serve the dual purpose of insuring cleanliness while verifying the absence of any intrusive or disturbing elements that may be perceived as threatening by our clients. All visitors must be signed in, and any incidents are duly recorded and, if called for, reported to DHS. Among Housing Bridge’s pioneering innovations is an electronic card system whereby all clients swipe their cards upon entering or leaving a building. While allowing access to the building, the cards create an internet accessible record of anyone entering or leaving the building – a significant security enhancement that verifies which clients were at the facility on any particular day.
