Homeless Housing Resources - Homeless Housing Resources

Topic of the Day: Group home A group home is a private residence designed or converted to serve as a non-secure home for unrelated persons who share a common characteristic. In the United States, the term most often refers to homes designed for those in need of social assistance, and who are usually deemed incapable of living alone or without proper supervision. Prior to the 1970s, this function was served by institutions, asylums, poorhouses, and orphanages. People who live in such a group home may be recovering drug addicts, developmentally disabled, abused or neglected youths, youths with behavioral or emotional problems, and/or youths with criminal records. A group home differs from a halfway house in that it is not restricted to recovering addicts or convicted criminals, and also in that residents usually are encouraged or required to take an active role in the maintenance of the household, such as by performing chores or helping to manage a budget. In most countries, people can still vote and attend university while in a group home. There are typically from 3 to 16 residents, as well as a resident manager or service staff. Residents may have their own room or share rooms, and share facilities such as laundry, bathroom, kitchen and common living areas. The opening of group homes in neighborhoods is occasionally opposed by residents, who fear that it will lead to a rise in crime and/or a drop in property values.[1] A group home can also refer to family homes in which children and youth of the foster care system are placed until foster families are found for them.

Regina's Column Homeless Assistance (03/01/2010) Who are the Homeless and How Can You Help? Generally speaking, homeless individuals and families are those who are sleeping in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings, or those who are sleeping in an emergency shelter as a primary nighttime residence. Learn more about the homeless. Resources for Homeless Persons HUD, along with many other federal agencies, funds programs to help persons who are homeless. These programs are managed by local organizations that we call "homeless assistance agencies." Learn about HUD resources available to the homeless. HUD's homeless assistance programs were created by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. They include: The Supportive Housing Program The Shelter Plus Care Program The Single Room Occupancy Program The Emergency Shelter Grant Program The Base Realignment and Closure Program The Title V Program Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Learn about the programs HUD has to help the homeless. Other Homeless Assistance Programs and Resources Federal partners that also provide homeless assistance include: Department of Health and Human Services Department of Education Department of Labor Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Agriculture Interagency Council on Homelessness The Department of Health and Human Services and HUD have held a series of Homeless Policy Academies, which have been designed to help state and local policymakers improve access to mainstream services for the homeless. Numerous nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and advocacy groups are also involved with homeless assistance programs. Learn about other initiatives to aid the homeless. (1434350) Past "Regina's Column" Articles Second Chance Home Program (11/16/2009) Federal Definition of Homeless (11/03/2009) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) (08/13/2009) The Emergency Shelter Grant Program (11/20/2008) Interagency Council on Homelessness, State and Local Initiatives (06/26/2008) Homeless Assistance Programs (03/10/2008) HUD REPORTS DROP IN NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS PERSONS LIVING ON NATION'S STREETS (01/09/2008) Senior Housing (12/04/2007) Community Action Agencies (11/17/2007) Self-Care (11/06/2007) Information about HMIS (10/19/2007) Why is Los Angeles the city with the worst homeless population? (10/14/2007) Youth and Homelessness (10/10/2007) Helping the Homeless/Self care (10/10/2007) Resources serving the public on Homelessness. (09/21/2007) Homelessness (09/21/2007)