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HAVEN's Transitional Housing Program for four HIV-positive adults is called Our House, a detached house on a large lot in Arnold, Maryland, near an MTA bus stop. Its purpose is to provide temporary support for residents who need permanent housing, usually within six months to a year.* Rent is 30% of adjusted gross income. Each resident will have a furnished private room. All food, household supplies, internet, and cable TV will be provided; clients are responsible for personal needs. 50% of all income is to be placed in a savings account in preparation for becoming independent.
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The responsibility of staff is to assist each resident in accessing and maintaining good medical and mental health care and to provide life-skills training if necessary. A full-time House Manager will provide support services and spend an occasional unannounced night at the house. She will be on call at all times during the week in case of emergencies. Part-time Relief Managers will spend most of the weekend at the house. The Housing Counselor will screen and assess candidates and supervise the residents' compliance with their care plans. |
The responsibility of each resident is to work as hard as s/he is physically and mental able towards becoming healthier and more independent. Each client, with staff's help, shall find productive use of all the time s/he spends in this program, including shopping, cooking, and housekeeping. Participation in HAVEN's HIV support groups is required; part-time employment is encouraged. Compliance with medical and mental health care plans is necessary for continued residency. A month's sobriety before they move in is necessary for candidates in recovery from substance abuse; they will participate actively in a 12-step or other treatment program for the duration of their stay. Tests for the use of illegal substances will be administered unannounced. |
- The Housing Counselor, in consultation with the client's HIV case manager, will prepare a written intake assessment as soon as possible after a candidate is accepted into the program. This document will address the needs and capabilities of the client for becoming healthier and more independent. Consultation with the client's medical practitioner(s) may also be necessary.
- Goals and Objectives will be developed jointly by the Housing Counselor and the client as soon as s/he moves in, and may be revised when the assessment is completed. A task list will be developed between the client and the House Manager for achieving those goals and objectives, both long term and short term.
- Staff will make sure that all possible resources are made available for the client's successful completion of tasks, objectives, and goals. The House Manager and her weekend/vacation relief will be responsible for seeing that the client is working on them and assisting as necessary.
- A written record will be kept of progress and lack of progress towards meeting tasks and objectives. The client and staff will maintain this record together. A weekly report will be sent to the HIV case manager.
- Failure to work on tasks and objectives (and/or failure to comply with house rules) will be clearly addressed by the staff, verbally at first, and then in writing, initialed by the client. Two write-ups within a 6 month-period will result in dismissal.
- Dismissal will be immediate in cases of illegal drug use or threatening behavior. Dismissal for all other incidents of non-compliance will be decided by the HAVEN Housing Team-the Executive Director, the Housing Counselor, and the House Manager-in consultation with the client's HIV case manager. An appeal may be made to the HAVEN Housing Advisory Committee.
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*Beginning March 27, 2008, there is a life-time limit of 24 months of housing assistance, including emergency rent vouchers for previous or future housing. Ryan White Part A and HOPWA awards support this program. |
For more information on any of HAVEN's programs, call
410-224-AIDS (2437) or e-mail to: HAVENinc@aol.com. | |
