HOMELESS INTAKE PROCESS INTO NEW HOUSING

THE HOMELESS INTAKE PROCESS

This intake process for individuals experiencing homelessness focuses on security, health, and human dignity as they enter newly built housing units. A mocked depiction of the intake facility above.

 

  1. The Importance of a Welcoming Environment:

      Greetings and Orientation:

     - As individuals arrive, staff trained in trauma-informed care greet them warmly. The environment is designed to be welcoming, featuring warm lighting, comfortable seating, and visible signs of community support (e.g., pictures of residents participating in communal activities).

     - Staff explain the intake process clearly and compassionately, ensuring individuals understand that each step is for their safety and well-being rather than an imposition of control.

 

  1. Security and Check-In:

     - Security Check:

     - Conduct security checks with respect and privacy using non-intrusive methods, such as metal detectors or wands, rather than pat-downs.

     If weapons or contraband are found, handle them discreetly to avoid public shaming. Explain why they are being confiscated and offer options for storage or disposal, emphasizing safety for everyone involved.

     - Search and Seizure:

     - Any item seizure is carried out with utmost respect, ensuring individuals understand they are not permanently losing their possessions but safeguarding the community. Items are cataloged with the commitment of return or replacement where appropriate.

 

  1. Clothing Exchange:

     - Clothing Swap:

     - Offer clean, comfortable clothing in private changing areas, framing this opportunity as a fresh start rather than a "removal." Individuals can choose from various clean clothes, thus maintaining their dignity. Each individual will be given three sets of new clothing to replace the one being exchanged.

     - The process is explained as a health measure, providing a chance to acquire new clothes that may fit better or suit the new environment.

 

  1. Health and Mental Health Evaluation:

   -   Health Screening:

     - Conduct private, comfortable screenings using open-ended and non-judgmental questions. Health professionals are trained to identify signs of mental health issues, substance use disorders, or physical ailments.

     - Mental health evaluations are conducted sensitively, focusing on support rather than diagnosis. Immediate counseling or referral services are available as needed.

   -   Substance Dependency:

     - For those struggling with substance use, provide immediate access to harm reduction resources, counseling, or treatment options. This supportive approach emphasizes recovery and health, offering hope and encouragement rather than punishment or stigma.

 

  1. Social Work Engagement:

   -   Social Worker Interaction:

     - Introduce individuals to social workers who build trust from the outset. These interactions focus on understanding the person's needs, history, and goals rather than merely addressing immediate problems.

     Social workers help people navigate the housing system, connect with community resources, and provide ongoing support. They also act as advocates to ensure that individuals feel heard and empowered.

 

  1. Hygiene and Delousing:

   -   Shower Facilities:

     - Provide showers in clean, private areas with all necessary amenities. Staff may assist individuals with mobility issues, always asking for consent first.

     - Explain the process as a step toward health and comfort rather than a mandatory decontamination.

   -   Delousing:

     - If delousing is necessary, conduct it with privacy and dignity, using gentle, modern treatments. Educate individuals on why it’s essential, ensuring they know they are being cared for rather than judged.

 

  1. Continuous Empathy and Respect:

   - Throughout the Process:

     - Staff are trained in empathy, active listening, and de-escalation techniques. Every interaction should convey respect, understanding, and support.

     - Use empowering language (e.g., "This is your new home" instead of "You must follow these rules") to foster a sense of community and belonging.

   -   Feedback and Adaptation:

     - Regularly seek feedback on how individuals experience the intake process, adapting procedures to minimize dehumanizing or punitive aspects.

 

  1. Initial Orientation and Transition:

   -   Facility Tour:

     - Social service personnel provide a guided tour of living spaces, dining areas, and recreational facilities, highlighting communal spaces while emphasizing respect, privacy, and personal agency.

   -   Orientation Session:

     - Conduct a group orientation explaining the facility’s mission, programs, and available services. Outline daily schedules, expectations, and growth opportunities, emphasizing respect and support.

 

  1. Nourishment and Respite:

   -   Welcome Meal:

     - Serve a nutritious meal in a communal dining area to foster community.

 

  1. Assignment to Living Quarters:

    -   Room Assignment:

      - Assign housing based on previously identified needs, ensuring that any special accommodations are provided as required.

 

  1. Next Steps and Long-Term Support:

    -   Individual Development Plans:

      - Collaborate with individuals to develop personalized plans for future growth and stability.

 

This process prioritizes dignity, respect, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, and it is the process that the US HOMELESS REHABILITATION & EDUCATION REFORM FOUNDATION, INC. must continue to adhere to for the betterment of these homeless people who are finally coming in from the cold.