Purpose

The Community Action Agency serving Marion and Polk Counties sponsors the ARCHES Project, which provides multiple housing programs and serves as a centralized referral and drop-in day center for people who are experiencing homelessness.

Description

In March 2001, the Community Action Agency (CAA) serving Marion and Polk Counties was selected as the sponsoring organization for ARCHES - see Community Resource Program info. The project provides referrals, information and follow-up to help homeless individuals and families break out of the cycle of homelessness by providing integrated interventions based on individual needs. ARCHES originated as a community-wide collaboration of law enforcement agencies and social service providers based on a model project in Reno, Nevada - Homeless Evaluation Liaison Program or H.E.L.P. (see Sept-2008 news release for further information about H.E.L.P.).

The homeless population in the region continues to grow due to a number of factors including a lack of coordinated services, reduced funding for support services, downsizing of state institutions, and a shortage of affordable housing options.  The goal of the ARCHES Project is to:

• Fill a significant gap in service delivery
• Gather data to create a clear picture of homeless individuals in the area
• Collaborate with community partners 

On-site services provided through a drop-in Day Center include:

• Two nutritious meals daily – breakfast and lunch
• Safe place to spend the day
• Sack lunches
• Shower and hygiene supplies
• Free laundry facility 
• Telephone access
• Mailing address 
• Computer access
• Blankets, coats, and socks
• Information about community resources
• Nutrition workshops

Housing Programs offered at the ARCHES Project include:

ARCHES Transitional Housing Program

The ARCHES Transitional Housing Program is funded through a HUD Continuum of Care grant.  Funds are granted annually.  The ARCHES Transitional Housing Program serves homeless individuals and families, including unaccompanied youth, in Marion and Polk Counties.  The program is designed to assist participants successfully transition to permanent housing through intensive case management services, housing placement assistance, and long-term rental assistance.  The program allows participants to further develop the stability, confidence and coping skills needed to sustain permanent housing.

HOME Tenant Based Assistance Programs (TBA)

TBA Program service areas include the city of Salem (inside Salem Urban Growth Boundary) and Marion County (outside Salem Urban Growth Boundary).  These programs are funded with HOME TBA grants.  The HOME TBA Programs serve individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and who are currently receiving probation or post-prison supervision through Marion County Parole & Probation.  The HOME TBA Program is designed to assist participants to successfully transition to permanent housing through intensive case management services and on-going rental assistance.  Based on household income level, the HOME TBA Programs assist participants with their rental payments for up to 24 months.  Participants are assisted in developing long-term living skills and in carrying out their individual action plans while receiving this assistance.  It is the goal of the programs that participants will be able to remain in their housing permanently at the end of their contract.

RENT Tenant Education Program

RENT is funded through a HUD Continuum of Care grant.  Funds are granted annually.  RENT is a tenant education program designed to assist individuals and families who are homeless and encountering barriers to accessing housing due to poor rental histories or poor credit.  The five-session curriculum is designed to teach participants the skills necessary to be successful tenants.  Curriculum topics include goal setting, tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities, money management, cleaning and home maintenance, and moving in & moving out of rental housing.  Participants who successfully complete the program are awarded a certificate.

Housing Stabilization Program

The Housing Stabilization Program (HSP) is designed to promote the economic independence of families who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless by helping them access and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.  The Program provides case management and financial assistance to families.  HSP is administered by Oregon Housing and Community Service.  Community Action Agency partners with the Department of Human Services to implement the program. 

Further Information

CAA conducts an annual homeless count that provides data on the extent of homelessness in Marion and Polk Counties. There are a disproportionate number of homeless persons in the community due to the large number of state institutions located in the area. A dual diagnosis is common involving substance abuse and mental health issues. Many individuals leave jail without a viable release plan and typically have no permanent residence or treatment service available. As a result, they become re-involved with the criminal justice system due to nuisance crimes such as trespass, disorderly conduct, theft of food and other minor yet costly crimes. The homeless population in the region continues to grow due to a number of factors including a lack of coordinated services, reduced funding for support services, downsizing of state institutions, and shortage of affordable housing options.

ARCHES provides a bridge for the homeless through a single point-of-contact and a system of coordinated services.

Initial funding for an ARCHES Project Manager staff position was provided by CAA, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Housing and Community Services Department.  Later, additional funding was provided by the Marion County Sheriff's Office to help CAA fund the Information and Referral Specialist staff position.

From March 2002 to June 2003, ARCHES operated as a Pilot Project, providing intake and assessment, and referral services to homeless persons being released from the Marion County Jail.  During this period of time, ARCHES served 345 households, representing 527 individuals.  Records show that 74% of these households found appropriate housing.

In July of 2003, ARCHES implemented its Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program that was funded through a two-year grant received from HUD's Continuum of Care Program.  The Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program will serve any homeless person living in Marion and Polk Counties, and has a strong youth component.  A Case Manager will complete intake and provide referrals, support services and follow-up.  A Bilingual Outreach Worker will provide outreach to homeless adults and youth in the community and a Housing Placement Specialist will provide one-on-one housing search and placement assistance to program participants.

Additional information on HUD’s Homeless Assistance Programs and other resources serving the homeless can be accessed through the Internet.

Outcomes

MWVCAA's ARCHES Transitional Housing and RENT Tenant Education Annual Progress Reports reflect the following outcomes for 2008-2009:

ARCHES Transitional Housing HUD Annual Progress Report:

• 62% (41 of 66 participants) who left the Project secured permanent housing compared to a goal of 60%.  
• 86% (57 of 66 participants) of Project participants increased access to mainstream health and human service programs within 6 months of enrollment compared to a goal of 70%.
• 80% (53 of 66 participants) of Project participants met at least one goal on their individual service plan prior to exiting the program compared to a goal of 80%.
• 88% (58 of 66 participants) of Project participants developed a Permanent Housing Plan within 6 months of enrollment compared to a goal of 60%

RENT HUD Annual Progress Report:

• 56% of those who exited the program and who were awarded a Certificate of Completion obtained permanent housing within 6 months of completing the program, compared to a goal of 71%.  Of the individuals that secured permanent housing, 73% remained in permanent housing for at least 6 months compared to a goal of 82%. 
• 100% of the participants who completed the program demonstrated some increase in their knowledge of how to be a successful tenant, compared to a goal of 90%.
• 88% of participants accessed mainstream health and human service programs for which they were eligible, prior to exiting the program, compared to a goal of 60%.