5CITIES HOMELESS COALITION INC

THE HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM SERVES THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK OF LOSING HOUSING IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY. IT PROVIDES CASE MANAGEMENT, RENTAL AND DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL TO COMMUNITY SERVICES, COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT, IDENTIFICATION OF BARRIERS TO SUCCESS, AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN. VISITORS TO 5CHC'S OFFICE ARE PROVIDED ACCESS TO COMPUTERS, INTERNET, PHONE CHARGING, MAILING ADDRESS, AND FOOD AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES. THE PROGRAM ALSO SERVES VETERANS WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK OF LOSING HOUSING THROUGH A JOINT EFFORT WITH GOOD SAMARITAN SHELTER TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES (SSVF). THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THIS PROGRAM.

THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS PROGRAM ASSISTS HOMELESS AND LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WHO RESIDE IN THE FIVE CITIES AREA (ARROYO GRANDE, PISMO BEACH, GROVER BEACH, SHELL BEACH, AVILA BEACH) WITH FUNDS TO ADDRESS THEIR IMMEDIATE NEEDS AND MOVE THEM TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY, HOME STABILITY, AND ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT. ASSISTANCE IS USED FOR UTILITIES, FUEL, AUTO REPAIRS, FOOD, CLOTHING, AND UNPAID BILLS PAID DIRECTLY TO APPLICABLE VENDORS ON BEHALF OF PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS. THE HOMELESS YOUTH PROGRAM MATCHES A CASE MANAGER WITH UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH AGED 16-24 TO PROVIDE EDUCATION, CONNECTION, AND SERVICES SUCH AS IMMEDIATE NEEDS, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDIVIDUALIZED ACTION PLAN TO ASSIST THEM IN LIVING INDEPENDENTLY, MAINTAINING STEADY EMPLOYMENT, AND CONTINUING THEIR EDUCATION. THOSE ENROLLED IN 5CHC'S CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ARE OFFERED ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND ADVOCACY FOR OBTAINING AND RETAINING PUBLIC BENEFITS SUCH AS SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI), SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI), CALFRESH, AND OTHER ASSISTANCE. PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN FINANCIAL LITERACY AND BUDGETING.