community casework
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Through crisis intervention, support services, referrals and advocacy, Community Casework is instrumental in preventing homelessness for individuals and families in imminent danger of losing their housing and assisting those who are homeless to secure and maintain stable housing throughout Cumberland County, in the communities where they live.
The Challenge
The problem of housing instability is far-reaching, affecting individuals and families that span generational lines and is often caused by a composite of many factors, both individual and a result of systematic and societal issues. For individuals living in the lowest income brackets, it is often only one thing that means the difference between being safely housed and being homeless: a car problem, a medical bill, or a family dispute. Circumstances often cited by clients as the core reason for their homelessness or precarious housing situation include domestic violence, marital breakup, loss of employment, loss of subsidies, and increase utility costs.
I glanced up to see a 15-year-old boy beaming at me. Jake and his father were struggling. They had been sleeping in their car, spending the limited income from his father’s job at a local hotel on gas, driving around to keep warm.
I had just explained to him that they had qualified for food stamps and health care. Jake started talking so fast that his normally clear English (his third language) was barely understandable. “Does this mean that I can go see a doctor?” he asked, creating a growing dread inside me that he was sick. “Yes, yes, you can go see a doctor tomorrow if you need to. What’s wrong?”
“If I can go to a doctor, then I can get a physical. If I get a physical, then I can play sports!” Jake explained. “And everyone told me that, in America, the way you make friends is to play sports!”
Our Approach
The Preble Street response is based on individualized immediate and on-going casework. Many people experiencing or at risk of homelessness have suffered a history of trauma, mental health issues and chronic poverty, creating a barrier through which it is difficult, if not impossible for the person to access help. At Preble Street we build the trust necessary to have a successful working relationship by focusing on the immediate needs of housing and hunger. Once those needs are met casework focuses on connecting the individual with all community resources that are available to help families to remain stable and housed.
Whether they have been living in an emergency shelter or a hotel, have been just released from a correctional facility, are camping in an abandoned building, or are about to lose their housing, Community Caseworkers intervene to provide them with an array of direct services or referrals to improve their situation, including:
- Housing subsidies
- Supportive counseling
- Employment
- Food
- Health care
- Legal assistance
- Landlord tenant negotiations
- Youth services
- Clothing
- Transportation
- Substance abuse services
- Mental health Services
In partnership with affordable housing developers, Community Caseworkers also ensure residential stability for formerly homeless tenants of local mixed-income housing developments, including Unity Village, Golder Commons, Fore River Apartments.
Hours and Location
Community Casework services are available through the Adult Day Shelter during regular business hours.
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm
Extended hours November-April
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm
Saturday-Sunday, 8:00am-1:00pm
5 Portland Street, Portland
