Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless is expanding its housing stability services to provide longer-term housing options for families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Walworth County.
“For some individuals and families, 90 days is just not enough time to successfully work the transition to independent housing,” said John Ramstad, director of housing and energy for Community Action Inc. Community Action has operated Twin Oaks Shelter since 1992.
A rapid re-housing program has been established that can serve up to 10 households at any one time who are homeless or are in imminent risk of becoming homeless. Households who meet program requirements are immediately placed in independent housing with rent support and support services provided so that these families can meet the goal of sustaining housing independence within six months.
In addition to the rapid re-housing program, five additional individuals or families can be provided rent support and support services for up to 24 months through the federal Supportive Housing Program. These five additional housing units, added to the 12 housing units already available in Walworth County, further expands Community Action’s ability to serve Walworth County residents facing housing instability.
In 2013, additional support staff was made available to ensure that each resident has a plan for becoming housing independent and has the support necessary to execute that plan. Individual residents meet weekly with support staff to develop and implement a housing stability plan. Residents also attend workshops held at the shelter with topics such as resume writing, searching for a job and budgeting.
Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless is the only fixed location shelter program in Walworth County. In Community Action’s 21-year history of operating the Twin Oaks Shelter, more than 2,000 homeless men, women and children have been helped to keep a roof over their heads and prepare for their return to independent housing. This program survives on the generosity of individuals, churches, the United Way and other civic organizations in Walworth County who volunteer their time and provide financial support.
For more information, contact Sue Katzer, housing services manager at (262) 728-8296 or skatzer@ community-action.org.
