City researches ways to launch homeless program - 5.25.07

I spent the morning at a workshop presented by Roberta Macauley, the coordinator for Support Circles, a Raleigh initiative to help the homeless. Shelby is currently in the process of developing a similar program that involves churches forming groups to help the homeless.

Here's what Raleigh's program is all about. Read The Star this weekend to find out more.

What Raleigh’s "Support Circle" helps with

- Offers support services and resources (furniture, transportation, job seeking assistance, etc.) to enable individuals and families to move into permanent housing and to maintain stable housing.

- Assists individuals in achieving economic independence

- Empowers families in development and achieving long-term realistic housing, career, financial management and community participation goals

-Provides moral encouragement and companionship

- Gets families involved in the community and/or faith group

- Coordinates efforts with case manager from local community agency

- Provides financial assistance for a portion of the family’s rent and emergency expenses. (Rental assistance is available to individuals/families participating with faith and community Support Circles. Individuals and families are expected to pay 30 percent of their incomes toward rent. Remaining rent is paid through grant money and donations.)

Source: Raleigh’s 10-year plan to end homelessness program