WORKING WITH BARRIERS
WORKING WITH CLIENTS EXPERIENCING
HOMELESSNESS Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. giveit2goodwill.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction
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Chapter 1: Defining the Target Audience
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Chapter 2: Appropriate Language Dos and Don’ts
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Chapter 3: How to Conduct an Intake
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Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Barriers Client Faces
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Chapter 5: Legal Terminology and Potential Resources
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Chapter 6: Types of Financial Benefits – Am I Eligible?
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Chapter 7: Social Media Resources for Clients
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Introduction to Homelessness About Homelessness As of January 2020, Tennessee had an estimated 7,256 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of that total, 508 were family households, 570 were Veterans, 353 were unaccompanied young adults (aged 18-24), and 1,153 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Homelessness does not look like what you may perceive it to be. Many think it is a person wearing dirty and torn clothes and living in their car or a tent in the woods. While that may be true in some instances, in most cases it is not. Many of those experiencing homelessness are working and have just encountered barriers to housing. With that being said, it is important to consider anyone who walks into a Career Solutions Center as potentially homeless. What are steps you can take to identify and assist a homeless person? Follow them here.
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Chapter 1: Defining the Target Audience Types of Homelessness There are different categories of homelessness, including: ● Chronic Homelessness: This is the most well-known type of homelessness. Chronic homelessness is defined as being homeless for longer than a year. Most people who are chronically homeless have something preventing them from getting out such as mental illness, addiction, or a physical disability. These individuals are typically older. ● Episodic Homelessness: This is defined as a person that has experienced three episodes of homelessness within a given year. After four episodes within a year, they are then classified as chronically homeless. These individuals are typically younger and are often battling health or addiction issues. ● Transitional Homelessness: This is a common type of homelessness. This is defined as affecting a person that is going through a major life change or catastrophic event. Many of these people have lost a job unexpectedly or are abruptly removed from their prior homes. ● Hidden Homelessness: This type of homelessness often goes unreported. These individuals are “couch surfing” with family or friends and do not have immediate prospects for permanent housing. Since they do not commonly access homeless resources, they are not usually counted in national statistics. Know your audience: Five Tips those experiencing homelessness want you to know. 1. Every face is the face of homelessness. Any person could easily be considered homeless, we are humans just like you. Look us in the eye and use our name if you know it. We spend our entire days getting told no and being looked down upon. Experiencing homelessness is a symptom of a disease, and those that suffer need help, not ridicule. Just because a person is experiencing homeless does not mean that they are lazy, a drunk, or an addict. Although these things may contribute to their homelessness, they are not all encompassing of a person. 2. Being homeless is exhausting. Sleep is broken due to safety and privacy concerns. It can be dangerous and your guard is up constantly. Women are at high risk for violence against them. Be patient with us, we may not have had a good night's sleep in a long time. 3. Often those experiencing homelessness are working. 40-60% of the homeless population work, but just cannot afford housing in their area. There may be different barriers causing homelessness. Do not make assumptions about how someone became homeless. 4. While hunger is a part of the problem, those experiencing homelessness often have mental and physical health concerns as well. Many have experienced traumatic situations that lead to being homeless and need extensive mental health treatment. Often, these clients may be very guarded about working with the police or authoritative individuals. As Career Coaches, we want to do everything we can to assist our clients. Often, those experiencing homelessness are struggling with mental health issues that may make their perception of reality unrealistic. It is important that the Career Coach not be fearful, but cautious and aware of their surroundings. Be sure to keep calm, treat the client with kindness and respect, and use common sense with your interactions. 3
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Chapter 2: Appropriate Language Do’s and Don'ts Appropriate Language The label of “homeless” can have derogatory connotations for some individuals. It implies that a person is “less than” and can impart feelings of shame to the person. Instead, using the statements, “A person experiencing homelessness” or “unhoused” can convey better that the person is experiencing homelessness currently, but it is not defining who they are as a person. Watch the following videos to become more comfortable assisting a homeless person ● Watch this video on what homelessness looks like. ● It is not uncommon for homeless people to have mental health needs. Watch this video for 10 Warning Signs of Mental Illness.
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Chapter 3: How to Conduct an Intake Step 1: Identify if a person is in a homeless situation Not everyone homeless appears that way. Here are questions you can ask if you see signs of homelessness. “How are you doing?” ● Introduce yourself and ask them their name. “Do you have anywhere to go?” ● If the answer is yes, ask them if you can make a phone call to assist them in returning there. If not, see the next question. “Do you have access to food?” ● If the answer is no, use your center’s community resource guide to find the information. “Are you interested in going to a shelter?” ● If so, refer them to United Way’s 211 or you can use your center’s community resource guide to find the information for a local homeless services provider to find out where the nearest shelter is. ● If they say no, do notfeel the need to push, it is the person’s choice to go to a shelter. Some people do not want this option and they cannot be forced. If you see the same person often and ask them every time you see them, they may answer no, but when someone is ready to go to a shelter, they will go. “Have you been in a shelter recently?” ● Sometimes people go to a shelter and leave, they can no longer stay if they are not compliant with the program requirements (such as attendance) or they successfully moved out of shelter into housing and things happen that result in their homelessness. ● If someone was recently in a shelter, ask if they remember the name of the place or the name of the person they were working with. If they remember it, ask if you can help them make a phone call back to that place to see if help can be provided. Get a release of information with the shelter listed so you can continue to keep in contact with them. “Do you feel safe?” ● If the person responds that they do not feel safe, get to a place where you can make a nonemergency phone call to the local police department. Let the dispatcher know your location and that it is not an emergency but that you are speaking with a homeless person and they are in an unsafe/compromising position and they need help. ● Tell them you need their help and do not know who else to call. They may be able to send an officer out or they might be able to get you in touch with a service provider that has an outreach team to come and meet with the person you are trying to assist. “Does anyone know you are out here?” (family, friend, outreach worker, caseworker?) ● If they say yes, again ask if you can help them make a phone call. If they refuse, it may be because they are not interested or feel they cannot reconnect with the person they know. Remember, do not place yourself in a situation that could lead to something dangerous. Use your best judgment and do not force yourself or your help on someone. If you see or encounter 6
someone who seems upset posing a threat to themselves or others, feel free to call 911 and report your location and what you observe. **Prepare ahead a one-page emergency resource handout. Include local contact information for emergency services (police, hospital, suicide, substance abuse, and so on), food, shelter, housing, transportation and clothing. A one-page document is more easily carried by a homeless individual than a multi-page community resource guide. Step 2: Sign-In Ask the individual to sign-in. This is a good time to identify urgent and secondary needs because the form will prompt questions and comments such as “what if I don’t have an address?” or “I do not have a phone.” Step 3: Determine Next Steps Identify how urgent the need is. If the need is critical, focus on assisting their needs using Chapter 4 as a resource. If the individual already is in the process of getting assistance with critical needs, see if they need assistance with secondary needs using Chapter 5 as a resource. Step 4: Assist with Job Search or Employability Skills Training After you have identified and assisted a homeless person with critical needs, share Goodwill services that we offer to help with employability skills and obtaining a job. Recommended employability skills training includes: Virtual Courses These employability skills training classes are held online with a live instructor. For more information, or to sign up for a class, register with your local Career Solutions Center or visit this link. Class days and times are subject to change. Exploring Jobs Online Applying for Work
Resume Writing Preparing for Success at Work
Interviewing for Work
Other Trainings offered by Goodwill. ● 2-Day Financial Literacy ● Digital Literacy ● Office Productivity Skills Training ● Call Center: (Paid training course- $80/week)- 4 weeks ● Construction & Weatherization:(Paid training course- $100/week)- 4 weeks ● Custodial:(Paid training course- $150/week)- 4 weeks ● Forklift: In- person training, location varies ● Google IT Professional Support Certificate ● Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate ● Google Project Manager Professional Certificate ● Google Data Analytics ● Google UX Design ● Facebook Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate ● Retail and Customer Service 7
Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Barriers The identified needs below can be described best as being critical to the health of the individual you are serving. These emergency needs must be addressed before you are able to assist the homeless person in finding a job or attending employability training. Identified Urgent Barrier: Shelter If a person is in need of shelter, be prepared with a list of local Career Coach shelters, churches or agencies that will assist with short term stay. Question Some shelters may be available specifically for a person who is “Do you have fighting substance abuse, a veteran or has mental health needs. A a place to form is provided in the appendix to list shelters and homeless advocates in your service area. stay at?” ● Visit shelterlist.com to find a list of shelters in your area. ● TNhousingsearch.org specializes in helping people with special challenges, from affordability to disability to emergency housing.
● HUD Continuum of Care (https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/housing/continua-ofcare.html) Regions in Tennessee (see map above). CoC is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. Here you will find agencies and contact information that are available. ● Find local public housing contact information at (https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/PHA_Contact_Report_TN.pdf). A list of your local contacts can be found, printed out and added as an appendix to this document ● Tennessee’s rental assistance website (https://thda.org/help-for-renters-section-8) includes information on vouchers and section 8 waiting lists by region. ● RedRover (https://redrover.org/) staff and volunteers provide temporary emergency sheltering, resources, financial assistance and emotional support when animals and people are in crisis.
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Identified Urgent Barrier: Identification A major barrier for homeless persons is lacking proper Identification (social security cards, birth certificates, driving license). Below are links to resources to assist in obtaining necessary identification. Required documents for I-9 verification I-9 verification ensures that companies are only hiring employees who are authorized to work in the U.S., by requiring candidates to provide employers with specific documents that verify their identity and work eligibility.
Career Coach Question
“Do you have any form of identification like a driver’s license or social security card?”
There are several lists of documents that can be used for I-9 verification according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including: 1. List A: Documents that can verify both the identity and eligibility for legal work The following documents can be used to verify both employment authorization and identity. This means that as an employer, you should only ask a candidate to present one of the following acceptable documents. Make note that all documents must be unexpired. ● U.S. passport or U.S. passport card ● Alien Registration Receipt Card or Permanent Resident Card with photograph, also known as a Green Card (Form I-551) ● Foreign passport containing a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 printed notation ● Employment Authorization Document (EAD) containing a photograph (Form I-766) ● For a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer, a foreign passport and Form I-94 (or Form I-94A containing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s nonimmigrant status so long as the period of endorsement has not expired and the proposed employment does not conflict with restrictions or limitations identified on the form) ● Passport from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form I-94 or I-94A 2. List B: Documents that only verify the identity for legal work If any of the previously listed documents are unavailable, a new hire would need to provide two separate documents, which could include one of the following List B documents in addition to one of the documents in List C. ● Driver’s license ● ID card issued by an outlying possession or state of the U.S. that includes a photograph and other information about the candidate’s identity such as name, gender, height, eye color, date of birth and address ● ID card issued by state, federal or local government agencies that contain a photograph and other information about the candidate’s identity such as name, gender, height, eye color, date of birth and address 9
● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Voter’s registration card School ID card with a photograph U.S. military card or draft record U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card Military dependent’s ID card Driver’s license issued by a Canadian government authority Native American tribal document
3. List C: Documents that only verify the eligibility for legal work If a candidate is not able to provide one of the documents in List A, one of the following documents must be presented with a document from List B: ● U.S. social security card issued by the Social Security Administration that is unrestricted and does not have any of the following phrases indicating restriction on it: ○ NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT ○ VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION ○ VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION ● Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-240) ● Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (FORM FS-545) ● Certification of Report of Birth issued by the Department of State (Form DS-1350 or FS545) ● Original or certified birth certificate issued by a county, state, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States that bears an official seal ● U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) ● ID Card for the use of a Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179) ● Valid employment authorization document issued by the DHS 4. Document list for minors Employees who are younger than 18 years of age and don’t have any of the above documents can provide one of the following documents instead: ● Report card or school record ● Hospital, clinic or doctor record ● Nursery school or daycare record To request a copy (https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records/certificate.html) of your Tennessee birth certificate by mail, include: 1 - The completed and signed application for Certified Copy of Certificate of Birth, Death, Marriage or Divorce (click on the link above for complete form) 2 - One of the following for identification purposes: 10
● A photocopy of a government-issued identification card which includes the signature of the requester. ● A notarized application for certified copy. ● The mother’s copy of the birth certificate (issued at the hospital at the time of birth) may be used for identification when obtaining a newborn’s birth certificate. (It must be dated within the last two calendar years.) 3 - If none of these documents are available, see ID requirements for alternatives ● Current driver's license, including the issue and expiration date. ● Current passport ● Military I.D. card ● Alien, temporary or permanent resident card ● Employment authorization card ● U.S. Certificate of Naturalization ● Certificate of Citizenship or Citizenship I.D. card OR Two items from the following list: ● Current pay stub or W2 ● Vehicle registration with name and current address ● Voter Registration card ● Military Discharge (DD214) ● Utility Bill, Bank Statement or deposit slip with name and current address ● Health care coverage card ● Medical record ● Application page of an insurance policy ● Signed Social Security Card ● For those people who have had their I.D. stolen, a copy a police report or other official documents which support the theft. 4 - A check or money order made payable to Tennessee Vital Records for the appropriate fee. Mail Request To: Tennessee Vital Records 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 Replacing a lost TN license (https://www.tn.gov/safety/driverservices/classd/dlduplicate.html) Not all homeless individuals have a driver’s license, but if your driver license has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you may be eligible to obtain a replacement online. Obtaining a replacement license does not change the expiration date of the original issued license. You may also obtain a replacement by applying in person at any driver service center. 11
If your temporary license or certificate for driving is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may obtain a duplicate temporary license or certificate for driving by making an application only in person at any driver service center. Holders of a temporary driver's license or temporary ID must provide the necessary documents indicating the extended authorized stay in the United States to renew. You must provide: ● Confirmation of proof of identity and ● Required Documentation of changes (other than those needed to correct clerical errors) in a license, temporary license or certificate for driving holder’s name, date of birth, or gender. Click here for Social Security Card Application or to complete the application online. Application on next page. (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf). Identified Urgent Barrier: Transportation Homeless may live in their car, therefore have transportation to a job. However, for many transportation to employment and other services is an urgent barrier. The state of Tennessee has regional transit authorities to assist in low cost transportation in addition to programs that may assist individuals to get to and from their job for free or discounted rates.
Career Coach Question
“Do you have a way to get to a job or local services?”
Public Transportation is available in every county in Tennessee, with a wide range of services.
West Tennessee Jackson Transit Authority (ridejta.com): Phone: (731) 423-0200. Transit service in Jackson Middle Tennessee Nashville MTA (nashvillemta.org): Phone: (615) 862-5950. Transit service in Nashville-Davidson County 12
Music City Star: Phone: (615) 862-8833. Commuter train connecting Nashville-Davidson County and Wilson County with stops in Martha, Mt. Juliet, Hermitage, Donelson, Lebanon, and downtown Nashville Regional Transit Authority (RTA) of Middle Tennessee (https://www.rtarelaxandride.com/MiddleTN-RTA-homepage.asp): Phone: 615-862-8833 Commuter service between downtown Nashville and outlying communities of Rutherford, Sumner, Dickson, Robertson, Williamson, Wilson, and Montgomery counties Murfreesboro Rover (http://www.murfreesborotn.gov/248/Murfreesboro-Public-Transit): Phone: 615-217-6837. Transit service in Murfreesboro Clarksville Transit System (https://www.cityofclarksville.com/338/Clarksville-Transit-System): Phone: 931-553-2429. Transit service in Clarksville Franklin Transit Authority (https://franklintransit.org/): Phone: 615-628-0260. Transit service in Franklin West Tennessee Delta Human Resource Agency (DHRA) (https://www.deltahra.org/): Phone: 901-476-5226. Transit services Fayette, Lauderdale, rural Shelby, and Tipton counties Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency (NWTHRA) (https://nwtdd.org/nwthra): Phone: 731-587-2903. Transit services for Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley counties Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) (https://www.swhra.org/): Phone: 800-372-6013. Transit service for Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and McNairy counties Middle Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA) (http://www.mchra.com/): Phone: 615-3316033. Transit service for Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson counties South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD) (http://www.sctddtransit.org/index.html): Phone: 800-848-0298. Transit service for Bedford, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Perry, and Wayne counties Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) (https://uchra.org/): Phone: 931-5281127. Transit service for Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, and White counties East Tennessee Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) (https://www.sethratransit.org/): Phone: 423-949-2191. Transit services Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie Counties and the non-urbanized areas of Bradley and Hamilton counties. East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) (https://ethrapublictransit.org/): Phone: 865291-2551. Transit for Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties
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Identified Urgent Barrier: Communication Does the individual you are assisting have a way to communicate? Career Coach ● Email? If no, offer to help set up a Gmail account. Question ● If the individual does not have a phone, offer to show them “Do you have a how to sign up for a free phone through a service like phone, email account SafeLink Wireless (www.safelinkwireless.com). or any other way of ● If the person has a prepaid phone but is out (or regularly communicating with runs out) of minutes, ask them if they would be interested in a Google Voice number. Google Voice allows you to make others?” and receive phone calls and text messages (by phone and computer) for free, but you do need a phone number and a Gmail account to verify and tie the Google Voice number to. ○ Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcATRODadU) to watch a Google Voice tutorial. Identified Urgent Barrier: Food Local food pantries, soup kitchens, commodity distribution centers, churches and others play a vital part in helping to feed your community’s hunger. Below are links to places you can share with a person in need of food assistance.
Career Coach Question “Do you have access to food or know local organizations that can help provide you food?”
Finding your local Food Pantry Second Harvest (https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/get-help/) provides food for many Middle Tennessee food pantries. Here is a place you can search for the food pantries they serve. Foodpantries.org has a list of food pantries in Tennessee. FoodFinder is a food pantry locator and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shows you when and where to get free food assistance in your area. The map on their homepage is a map of food pantries and school meal locations - every pin that appears is a food assistance program nearby. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) See (https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-programsnap.html) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families. SNAP helps supplement monthly food budgets of low-income families to buy the food they need to maintain good health and allow them to direct more of their available income toward essential living expenses. DHS staff determines the eligibility of applicants based on guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary goals of the program are to alleviate hunger and malnutrition and to improve nutrition and health in eligible households. DHS has a dual focus on alleviating hunger and establishing or re-establishing selfsufficiency.
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SNAP recipients are now able to use their benefits to buy authorized food items online through ALDI via Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart locations across the state. IMPORTANT: SNAP benefits cannot be used for delivery fees and SNAP recipients who receive cash benefits on their EBT cards will not be able to apply those non-SNAP benefits for online purchases. Using SNAP benefits online: At ALDI and Food Lion: SNAP customers may utilize their EBT card at participating ALDI and Food Lion stores using an Instacart Account. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used at non-participating Instacart retailers. How do I make an online purchase at ALDI or Food Lion using SNAP benefits? To make a purchase online with ALDI or Food Lion, SNAP recipients will need to have an Instacart account and add their EBT card information at the point of purchase or under the account settings menu. Once SNAP EBT information is added, customers may choose to use their SNAP EBT benefits to pay for select eligible items or full orders at the point of purchase. To learn which items are SNAP-eligible, customers will see an upfront “EBT” tag on items, and can also use the account settings menu or filter feature while shopping online. Visit Instacart’s website for assistance selecting SNAP EBT eligible items or click here to learn more about using your SNAP EBT card to purchase items at ALDI and Food Lion through Instacart. A credit or debit card must also be linked to your Instacart account to cover fees, bottle deposits in some states, taxes, delivery tips, and any other non-EBT SNAP-eligible items you may want to purchase. On Amazon Families can take advantage of this convenient option by entering their SNAP EBT card information on Amazon's SNAP dedicated website. What do I need to make a SNAP purchase on Amazon? SNAP recipients must have an Amazon user account and register their SNAP EBT card before making a purchase. Once the SNAP EBT card has been registered, food items will be marked SNAP EBT eligible. A SNAP EBT card can also be added at the point of checkout. Shipping fees cannot be paid using SNAP benefits; however, some shipping costs are waived with a minimum purchase. Cash benefits loaded on an EBT card cannot be used for online purchases. Purchases can be made through Amazon Fresh, Amazon Pantry, and Amazon Grocery.
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Walmart: SNAP recipients will be able to make purchases through Walmart Grocery Pick Up following the guidelines established for SNAP online purchasing. What do I need to make SNAP purchases online at Walmart? Purchases can be made at walmart.com/grocery or on the Walmart Grocery mobile app. During check out, select EBT card as a payment method. When picking up groceries, swipe your SNAP EBT card with the Walmart associate. Learn more at Walmart’s website. WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded program designed to provide supplemental food assistance and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children until age five. In addition to providing healthy supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support, the program also provides referrals to other health, welfare, and community-based services. WIC has proven to be effective in preventing and improving nutrition related health problems. The WIC Program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). WIC services are provided through the Tennessee Department of Health in 126 county health departments, stand-alone clinics, and hospital sites throughout the state. The program serves about 111,000 eligible participants each month. Participants must be a Tennessee resident, meet the gross income guidelines and be determined to be at nutritional or medical risk. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR CALL 1800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942)
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Chapter 5: Legal Terminology and Potential Resources Common municipal codes that criminalize life sustaining behavior for those experiencing homelessness: ● Laws that prohibit sleeping in public areas ● Laws that prohibit camping in public areas ● Laws that prohibit laying or sitting in public spaces ● Laws that prohibit lodging, living or sleeping in a vehicle ● Laws that prohibit loitering/loafing or vagrancy city wide ● Laws that prohibit begging in public places ● Laws that prohibit food sharing in public places Legal Aid If you want a lawyer and cannot pay for one, you can ask for free legal help at the closest Legal Services Program or Legal Aid Office. They can be reached at one of the phone numbers below: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: 800-238-1443 Legal Aid of East Tennessee: 865-637-0484 West TN Legal Services, Inc.: 731-423-0616 Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc.:901-5238822 You might be able to get legal help that does not cost very much through your local Bar Association or Lawyer Referral Service. Potential Resources- National and State Levels NationalHomeless.org SafeLink Wireless Harvest Share Nashville Rescue Mission Park Center- Nashville
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Chapter 6: Types of Financial Benefits and Assistance Assisting a Homeless Person with Secondary Needs A person who is homeless with secondary needs may have the urgent needs temporarily remedied, but needs assistance in other areas not determined to be urgent but keeps them in an unstable situation. The following could have financial benefits when a client receives assistance. Identified Secondary Barrier: Adult Education Adult education opportunities can be found throughout the state of Tennessee. Below is a list of programs by county. Putnam County Schools Phone: 931-520-9519 Counties: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren and White.
Career Coach Question
“Do you have your
high school diploma, GED or Hi-SET?”
TCAT Athens Phone: 1-844-688-7944 Counties: Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie Volunteer State Community College Phone: 615-230-3621 County: Sumner Workforce Essentials Phone: 1-800-826-3177 Counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Trousdale, Williamson andWilson South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance Phone: 1-866-801-4723 Counties: Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry and Wayne Henderson County Schools Phone: 1-855-569-1200 Counties: Chester, Decatur, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson andMcNairy Weakley County Schools Phone: 731-364-5481 Counties: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Lake, Obion and Weakley
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Jackson State Community College Phone: 731-425-2628 Counties: Gibson, Henry and Madison Identified Secondary Barrier: Dental/Medical Dental/Medical/Mental Health facilities with homeless assistance programs - by county. (https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/mentalhealth/documents/TN_Homeless_Resources.pdf) Freeclinics.com is the largest online directory of free and affordable health clinics. Most clinics listed in our database receive federal Career Coach grants, state subsidies, or are owned and operated by non-profit Question organizations and provide services that are either free or at a “Do you have health, reduced rate. vision or dental US Dept of HUD insurance? Do you know (https://www.hud.gov/states/tennessee/homeless/healthcare) free your options?” or low cost healthcare options in the state of Tennessee which includes: Family Assistance Service Center: 1-866-311-4287 or 743-2000 (Nashville area) TTY Line: 1-877-779-3103 The Family Assistance Service Center is available weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. TennCare’s automated Voice Response System is available around-the-clock. Operators provide information on eligibility, TennCare Health Plans, applications, and address changes. Healthcare Marketplace (https://www.healthcare.gov/) You can find free or reduced health insurance plans on this site. TennCare (https://www.tn.gov/tenncare.html) TennCare is the state of Tennessee’s Medicaid program. It provides healthcare to mostly lowincome pregnant women, parents or caretakers of a minor child, children and individuals who are elderly or have a disability. To get Medicaid, you must meet the income and resource limits. You can apply anytime for TennCare. There are several different groups of people that may qualify. And, each group has different income limits. Some of the groups also have limits on how much you own-your "resources." These are things like bank accounts, cars, and land. The number of people who live in your household count too. Some of the groups TennCare Medicaid covers are: ● Children under age 21 ● Women who are pregnant ● Parents or caretakers of a minor child (The child must live with you and be a close relative.) ● Individuals who need treatment for breast or cervical cancer ● People who get an SSI check (Supplemental Security Income)
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● People who have gotten both an SSI check and a Social Security check in the same month at least once since April 1977 AND who still get a Social Security check A person who: Lives in a medical institution, like a nursing home, and has income below $2,382 per month, or Gets other long term care services that TennCare pays for. To apply, please visit tenncareconnect.tn.gov ● State and Federally funded programs can be primarily sought through this website with the state of Tennessee. https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/housing.html Identified Secondary Barrier: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Many of those experiencing homelessness choose not to stay in a shelter that does not allow them to drink or use drugs. Career Coach Question Tragically, homelessness and substance abuse go hand in “Do you have anyone to hand. The end result of homelessness is often substance talk to or are you abuse, and substance abuse can also contribute to concerned with any homelessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless has mental health found that 38% of homeless people are alcohol dependent, challenges?” and 26% are dependent on other harmful chemicals. The difficult conditions of living on the street, having to find food, struggling with ill health, and being constantly away from loved ones create a highly stressful state of being. Individuals suffering from homelessness may additionally develop psychiatric conditions in response to a harsh lifestyle often characterized by feeling threatened by violence, starvation, and a lack of shelter and love. In addition, Mental illness is a major contributor to homelessness. In a 2008 survey performed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 25 cities were asked for the three largest causes of homelessness in their communities. Mental illness was the third largest cause of homelessness for single adults (mentioned by 48% of cities). For homeless families, mental illness was mentioned by 12% of cities as one of the top three causes of homelessness. (National Coalition on Homelessness) Lack of treatment for the most seriously mentally ill causes the kind of delusions and bizarre behavior that makes living alone or at home with families untenable. As a result, many people with untreated serious mental illness become homeless and communities are forced to bear the cost of that. Read more at: https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/consequences/homeless-mentally-ill.html Below you will find information and resources to assist in overcoming mental health and substance abuse barriers Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) (https://www.tn.gov/behavioralhealth/housing/path.html) is a federal grant program to assist individuals experiencing homelessness who have a mental illness or co-occurring disorders; the program funds community-based outreach services to connect individuals to mental health, substance abuse, case management, and other support services as well as limited housing services. 20
Among the services eligible for funding under PATH are: 1) Outreach services 2) Screening and diagnostic treatment services 3) Habilitation and rehabilitation services 4) Community mental health services 5) Alcohol and drug treatment services 6) Staff training 7) Case management services 8) Supportive and supervisory services in residential settings 9) Referrals for primary health services, job training and educational services 10) Relevant housing services PATH services are available in 36 of Tennessee’s most populated counties. Pathways Behavioral Health Counties Served: Hardeman, Haywood Henderson and Madison 238 Summar Dr. Jackson, TN 38301 P: 731-541-8200 http://www.wth.org/locations/pathways
Carey Counseling Center Counties Served: Benton, Carroll, Gibson Henry, Lake, Obion and Weakley 201 W Main St Union City, TN 38261 P: 731-571-2834 http://www.careycounselingcenter.org/
Mental Health Cooperative This PATH program location serves Davidson, Montgomery, and Wilson Counties. 275 Cumberland Bend Nashville, Tennessee 37228 MHC PATH Outreach Line: 615-744-7560 https://www.mhc-tn.org/ https://www.vbhcs.org/locations/murfreesboro/
Volunteer Behavioral Health County Served: Rutherford Guidance Center 2126 North Thompson Lane Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: (615) 898-0771
Volunteer Behavioral Health This PATH program location serves Cumberland, DeKalb, Putnam, Warren, and White Counties. Plateau Mental Health Center 1200 South Willow Street Cookeville , TN 38506 Phone: (931) 432-4123 https://www.vbhcs.org/locations/cookeville/ SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) For people who are homeless or who are returning to the community from institutions (jails, prisons, or hospitals), access to SSI/SSDI programs can be extremely challenging. Approval on initial application for people who are homeless and who have no one to assist them is about 10-15 percent. For those who have a mental illness, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders that impair cognition, the 21
application process is even more difficult – yet accessing these benefits is often a critical first step in recovery. SOAR Specialists have offices throughout Tennessee to help individuals navigate this process.
Local Representatives: Ashley Blum Nashville, TN ashley.blum@parkcenternashville.org 615.242.3576 x500
Whitney Malone Murfreesboro, TN wmalone@vbhcs.org 615-707-1337
The Community Targeted Transitional Support program provides specific, temporary financial assistance that allows consumers to live independently in the community. This is achieved by providing funding for rental deposits, rental assistance, utility deposits, utility payments, eye care, and dental care. Eligible individuals are those receiving treatment for a mental illness or cooccurring substance abuse disorder whose household income is below the Federal Poverty Level and can show this is a temporary or one-time need. Payments are not made to service recipients, but instead directly to the vendor, such as the landlord or utility company. Centerstone Phone: 888.291.HELP (4357) Web: https://centerstone.org/ Counties Served: Bedford, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hamilton, Houston, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Sumner, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson Mental Health Cooperative 866-816-0433 https://www.mhc-tn.org/ Counties Served: Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson Park Center 615-242-3576 https://www.parkcenternashville.org/ County Served: Davidson The Emerging Adults program (https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/housing/life-skills.html) is a strengths-based program to support young adults, ages 18-25, who have mental illness or a cooccurring disorder, as they transition to adulthood. Emerge is a life skills program for young adults living with mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbances and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. The Emerge program educates young adults on mental health, substance use disorders, and life skills. Group topics include coping skills, medication education, financial
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management, nutrition, personal grooming and hygiene, relationship building, and more. While in the Emerge program, young adults actively work toward employment and education goals. Julia Barlar, Director of Emerging Adult Programs Phone: 615-242-3576, ext. 600 Fax: (615) 228-4344 Email: julia.barlar@parkcenternashville.org Deborah Ward, Emerging Adults Housing Supervisor Phone: (615) 242-3576, ext. 601 Fax: (615) 228-4344 Email: deborah.ward@parkcenternashville.org Tennessee Redline Phone: 1-800-889-9789 The Tennessee Redline is a toll-free telephone service coordinated by the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services, under the supervision of the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services. Information specialists are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions and provide information and referrals on alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and gambling. TennCare Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resource Phone: 1-800-758-1638 Operators are available to answer questions concerning the TennCare Partners Program Identified Secondary Barrier: Childcare and Children’s Education ● Children’s Education: County Homeless Liaison List ● Head Start Tennessee Service Directory Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that promote school readiness of children ages 0-5 from eligible families through education, health, social and other supports and services. Tennessee’s Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance Program. (https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/child-care-paymentassistance.html) Parents applying for the Smart Steps program whose income is below the 85th percentile of State Median Income (which can be found on the Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table using the 85.0% line that coincides with your household size) who have children six (6) weeks to five (5) years old and who work or go to school, or both, for 30 hours or more a week. ● High school or middle school mothers who stay in school and participate in the Teen Parent program. ● Parents in the Families First program who need child care to complete the work activities in their personal responsibility plan. ● Parents whose Families First case has closed can receive transitional child care assistance for 18 months after their Families First case closes IF each parent works 30 hours or more a week. 23
● Non-parental guardians in the Families First program who need child care for a related child IF the guardian does 30 or more hours of work, training, or education a week. Apply Online at https://cconlineapp.dhs.tn.gov/Home/Login Identified Secondary Barrier: Transitional Housing and Rental Assistance A person who is homeless may have a temporary place to stay such as a friend or family member’s house, or hotel. However, barriers exist that a homeless person needs to overcome to achieve a stable place to live. ● RentAssistance (https://www.rentassistance.us/) provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations, others are nonprofits and charities that offer rental assistance programs. Each organization has its own eligibility rules and conditions and you are encouraged to call directly to find out what you need to do. ● Halfway House Directory (https://halfwayhousedirectory.com/) maintains an extensive catalog of halfway homes for the physical, mental, psychological and emotional treatment of people suffering from substance abuse disorder. If you feel a loved one is going through tough times and requires help, you can contact us on the forum to seek help for them. ● Transitional Housing (https://www.transitionalhousing.org/state/tennessee) is for those who are looking for transitional housing based on their current needs. Types of transitional housing listed: 3/4 house: Sober living homes that help you transition back to your normal life. Sober Living Home: Homes where residents recover from substance abuse. Halfway House: Variety of homes that can assist residents with substance abuse issues, emotional issues, physical issues and to transition back to society. Recovery Home: Transitional homes where residents recover from alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, or handicapping conditions. ● The state of Tennessee keeps a list of Approved Traditional Housing ○ https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/correction/documents/TransitionalHousingList.pdf
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Chapter 7: Social Media Utilizing social media and communication that can be accessed from a smartphone is more useful than you think for working with those experiencing homelessness. Many homeless use their phones as their lifeline, using free Wi-Fi internet at cafes and restaurants to access family and friends, look for resources and as a social outlet. It is important to acknowledge and utilize social media as a regular contact point for many of those experiencing homelessness. Know the local agencies in your area that use social media. Helping Homeless People Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/HHAMERICA Support/Resources for Homeless & People in Need Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617997818453469 Free Resources for Addicts and Homeless Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/596522190736544
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Goodwill Training Programs: Online & Virtual Trainings: Interviewing for Work, Applying for Work, Explore Jobs Online, Preparing for Success at Work, Resume Writing, Financial Literacy (monthly), Working from Home Training (monthly). Virtual Training Sign Up- 2022 Training Programs Overview & Registration Instructions Basic Digital Literacy/Computer Skills and Resume Class: (FREE) Class topics include: Computer Basics, Email, Online Job Search, Resume Office Productivity Skills Training: (FREE) A two day introduction into the Microsoft Office suite and Google Suite. You will learn Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, Google Docs and Google Spreadsheets. Call Center: (PAID TRAINING COURSE - $240 after completion of course) A three-week paid training course teaching participants how to manage and respond to incoming phone calls from customers. Trainees may earn a Contact Center Associate certification. Pretraining assessments are required prior to starting training. Please call 615-742-4151 for information. Construction: (PAID TRAINING COURSE - $100/week) A four-week paid construction training program providing classroom and hands-on training to those interested in a construction career. Trainees may earn an NCCER certification. Contact Tim.Kahn@givegw.org. for application information. Custodial: (PAID TRAINING COURSE = $30/DAY) This is a 4-week custodial certificate program.The program is designed for front-line custodians and teaches basic and advanced skills in all areas of commercial building cleaning. Call 615742-4151 for more information. Forklift: (THIS COURSE COST $100) An OSHA approved forklift certificate program that is a three to four-hour course including classroom instructor led training and hands-on training using a forklift. Some fees may apply for this program. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Google IT Professional Certificate Training: Full scholarships are available through Goodwill for an IT training program designed to prepare students for entry level IT positions such as Google IT Support, Facebook Social Media Marketing, Automation With Python, Google Project management, Google Data Analytics, and Google UX Design.
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