Group Residence

The purpose of the group residence is to provide not only longer term residency to the homeless, but also a safety network of supportive services that provides opportunities to improve educational, social and economic status so that clients may regain independence, self-sufficiency and return to more traditional housing.

We also provide structured services and programs for the children who enter our homes. Currently our program offers a commitment of 3 months, with a case-by-case consideration for additional time to homeless single parents with children and older adults.

Our supportive services include:

Crisis intervention

Case-management to assist with immediate personal/family crisis; and
Provision of groceries, clothing, personal toiletries, medicines and temporary transportation assistance.

Educational/Employment assistance

Educational and training classes in Nutrition, Personal Hygiene, and First Aid;
Access to employment and educational opportunities and resources; and
Tutorial assistance to school-age children and adults enrolled in classes.

Economic self-sufficiency

Budgeting & financial management classes

Ancillary services

On-going monitoring to assist with family’s/individual’s short- and long-term goals;
Mentoring for older adults; and
Assistance in securing permanent housing placement.

Social and recreational programming

Monthly children’s recreational & educational programming;
Quarterly Mothers’ night out; and
Family holiday celebrations that promote healthy & happy memories.

Collaborative relationships to maximize stability

Day care services through our partnership with Vogel Alcove;
Mental health counseling (individual/family) through Parkland’s HOMES program;
Life skill training through our partnership with Rainbow Days, Inc.
After-school programming located at Ignacio Zaragoza elementary school; and
Special programs coordinated through our offices using designated volunteer groups and individuals.

How it works:

The group residence is an environment for several unrelated individuals and/or their families to live in one house, share common areas such as kitchen and living room, and have their own private bedroom with private bath. The purpose of group residence is to provide not only longer term residency to the homeless, but also a safety network of supportive services that provides opportunities to improve educational, social and economic status so that clients may regain independence, self-sufficiency and return to more traditional housing.

Our agency operates group residence facilities that house single women with small children and older adults. Through our partnership efforts we are able to offer daycare, mental health counseling and life skills training. Adults have the opportunity to improve their education and employment skills, develop budget management and computer knowledge, and enhance parenting skills. Children are enriched with after-school programs, monthly literacy programs and recreational, educational and social activities. This program strives to provide a living environment for homeless older adult clients and single parent families that will enable them to develop an alternative “family” network for self-help and independent living.

Staff supervises the group residence to assure maintenance, sanitation and safety. Staff is also responsible for the delivery of case management regarding screening new applicants and placing exiting residents in a more permanent living situation. Everyday household chores are the responsibility of each resident. Contractual services, networking relationships and volunteers are available to assist the residents throughout their stay in counseling, budgeting, programming and other special needs.

Questions About Group Residence Programs

Who can use the Group Residence Program?

Primarily older adults and single parent families living in Dallas County who are homeless or near homeless and seeking affordable temporary housing options, but not rehabilitation services.
Residents must be self-sufficient in their own lifestyles, promoting a self-help, self-care and independent living environment.
Older adults or head of household of a single parent family must be 21 years or older to apply.
The children of the single parent family must not exceed the ages of 10 for boys and 12 for girls when accepted into the program.
Typically, the residence is modeled to assist the individual/family through a transition period of their life not to exceed 12 months.

What services are provided by the Shared Housing Center Staff?

Case-management to assist with immediate personal/family crisis.
Provision of groceries, clothing, personal toiletries, medicines and temporary transportation assistance.
Educational and training classes in Nutrition, Personal Hygiene, and First Aid.
Access to employment and educational opportunities and resources.
Tutorial assistance to school-age children and adults enrolled in classes.
Budgeting & financial management classes.
Assistance in securing permanent housing placement.
Children’s case management.
Children’s tutoring and other educational needs.
Family recreational & educational programming to celebrate holidays and special occasions that promote healthy & happy memories.
Day care services through our partnership with Vogel Alcove.
On-site mental health counseling (individual/family) provided through Parkland’s HOMES program

What is the process for admission to the program?

Individuals interested in the group residence must complete an application and be screened for references, criminal records and drug testing. If accepted, the resident will be required to complete an agreement with the agency, acknowledging the length of time, house rules and plan of action towards seeking permanent, affordable housing.

What does it cost to participate in the Group Residence Program?

Once a single parent secures employment, there is a rental fee not to exceed 30% of their income per month to be collected. Single parent families must be employed, employable or attend school. The older adult may volunteer or work, depending on their circumstance and source of income.

Questions About Group Residence Programs

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