Housing First for the Homeless
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Nick and Chuck work with our most neglected and disenfranchised citizens. We walk by them every day, downcast eyes, looking past what is so apparent: the failure of our society to provide the most essential need to so many: a safe place to call home. With their new non-profit, Person Centered Housing Options, a 501(c)3 organization, Nick and Chuck are working to eliminate homelessness in Rochester. And you can help.
photo courtesy of Lucia Guarino
Their mission is simple: find permanent housing for those without it. This seems almost ludicrously obvious as a solution to our nation’s growing population of homeless citizens, but Nick and Chuck are one of the first to employ this strategy in Rochester. The model is called “Housing First” because there are no barriers to obtaining permanent housing. This is a drastic departure from conventional methods that require individuals seek treatment for addiction or mental illness, obtain identification, or begin a job search before they are eligible for housing.
In psychology there is a widely accepted model for human motivation: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It says that our most basic needs are the most important things to survive, like food, clothing, shelter. It is nearly impossible to address other needs like treating addiction and finding a fulfilling job, without first attending to our basic needs.
Person Centered Housing Options is addressing the base of the pyramid; they are providing housing and access to social services for the homeless so that they can one day lead fulfilling lives with love and acceptance.
They have already been successful in collaborating with property managers to find permanent housing for homeless men and women, like James.
photo courtesy of Lucia Guarino
James was chronically homeless and struggling with addiction. After years of shuffling through dozens of foster homes as a youth and teenager, he eventually found himself on the streets with no social or financial support. He had attempted to find housing numerous times before he met Nick, but every encounter required a dozen more, and he became frustrated and felt hopeless.
photo courtesy of Kim Bui
Nick and Chuck helped him navigate the inherently flawed system, and today, he lives in his own home and is an advocate for the homeless. Today PCHO provides case management for 31 individuals in Rochester, but your help is needed to extend housing to many more. Will you help PCHO eliminate homelessness in Rochester?
To learn more about Person Centered Housing Options please click here.
photo courtesy of Kim Bui
photo courtesy of Lucia GuarinoTheir mission is simple: find permanent housing for those without it. This seems almost ludicrously obvious as a solution to our nation’s growing population of homeless citizens, but Nick and Chuck are one of the first to employ this strategy in Rochester. The model is called “Housing First” because there are no barriers to obtaining permanent housing. This is a drastic departure from conventional methods that require individuals seek treatment for addiction or mental illness, obtain identification, or begin a job search before they are eligible for housing.
In psychology there is a widely accepted model for human motivation: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It says that our most basic needs are the most important things to survive, like food, clothing, shelter. It is nearly impossible to address other needs like treating addiction and finding a fulfilling job, without first attending to our basic needs.
Person Centered Housing Options is addressing the base of the pyramid; they are providing housing and access to social services for the homeless so that they can one day lead fulfilling lives with love and acceptance.
They have already been successful in collaborating with property managers to find permanent housing for homeless men and women, like James.
photo courtesy of Lucia GuarinoJames was chronically homeless and struggling with addiction. After years of shuffling through dozens of foster homes as a youth and teenager, he eventually found himself on the streets with no social or financial support. He had attempted to find housing numerous times before he met Nick, but every encounter required a dozen more, and he became frustrated and felt hopeless.
photo courtesy of Kim BuiNick and Chuck helped him navigate the inherently flawed system, and today, he lives in his own home and is an advocate for the homeless. Today PCHO provides case management for 31 individuals in Rochester, but your help is needed to extend housing to many more. Will you help PCHO eliminate homelessness in Rochester?
To learn more about Person Centered Housing Options please click here.
photo courtesy of Kim BuiOrganizer and beneficiary
Kim Bui
Organizer
Rochester, NY
Nicholas Coulter
Beneficiary