The Secret Ingredient for Homeless Services Programs
In another blog, we highlighted the “Secret Sauce” for helping homeless individuals escape homelessness. In that “Secret Sauce,” there is a “Secret Ingredient” that makes the sauce tastier or for this blog: successful. What is the ingredient? Life-Skills meetings.
Most case management and/or coaching programs work one-on-one. Information is shared and assignments are given, but the counselee is working alone. The results are good, but not great. If those in the homeless program are put into Life-Skills meetings together to share accomplishments, experiences, and frustrations there is a high rate of success. In Life-Skills classes guest speakers come in to talk about their own journey through addiction, financial crisis, health, and more. Other speakers come from area service organizations to share what resources they have to assist homeless individuals.
As people share their successes the entire group can clap and share in the mini-victories. Interactive games can be played. Gift drawings for successes are a big hit.
We found those who had this type of interaction were far more likely to work through their case management program and “graduate” the homeless program better prepared to face the next chapter of their lives.
Interested in what a Life-Skills class looks like and how to create one? Perhaps we can help.
