The Shelter Plus Care program is a vital initiative designed to provide housing subsidies and supportive services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Berkeley. This program aims to ensure stable housing and comprehensive support for those most in need within the community. Participants in the Shelter Plus Care program typically contribute around 30% of their income towards rent, making housing more affordable and accessible. Alongside housing assistance, the program offers ongoing supportive services to help individuals maintain housing stability and improve their overall well-being.
Eligibility Criteria for Shelter Plus Care
To be considered for the Shelter Plus Care program in Berkeley, individuals must engage with the Coordinated Entry System by contacting 211. This initial step is crucial for intake and assessment, ensuring that those with the most pressing needs are prioritized for assistance. A primary requirement for participation is meeting the criteria for chronic homelessness and having a qualifying disability.
Defining Chronic Homelessness
The Shelter Plus Care program adheres to specific definitions of chronic homelessness to target its services effectively. An individual is considered chronically homeless if they meet one of the following conditions:
- They have been continuously homeless, living on the streets or in shelters, for the past 12 consecutive months.
- They are currently homeless, whether on the streets or in a shelter, for less than 12 months, but have experienced at least four separate instances of homelessness in the past three years. These instances must collectively total at least 12 months of homelessness.
- They are residing in an institutional care facility for fewer than 90 days and were chronically homeless according to the above criteria immediately prior to entering the facility. Institutional care facilities include settings like jails, substance abuse or mental health treatment centers, and hospitals.
- Individuals residing in transitional housing may also qualify on a limited basis under the City of Berkeley program if they met the chronic homelessness criteria before entering transitional housing, although this does not align with standard HUD criteria.
Disability Requirement
In addition to chronic homelessness, participants must have a disability stemming from one or more of the following conditions:
- Severe mental illness
- Dependence on drugs or alcohol
- Physical disability
- Chronic medical condition
Priority for Services
Within the Shelter Plus Care program, priority is given to individuals with the most critical service needs. This prioritization is determined by factors such as:
- Having a life-threatening health condition
- Frequent utilization of emergency services or multiple hospitalizations
- Frequent interactions with law enforcement officials
These criteria ensure that the program effectively directs resources to those facing the most severe challenges and in urgent need of housing and support.
Conclusion
The Shelter Plus Care program in Berkeley offers a crucial lifeline for chronically homeless individuals with disabilities. By providing housing subsidies and supportive services, the program not only addresses immediate housing needs but also aims to foster long-term stability and improved quality of life for its participants. Individuals seeking to access this program should begin by contacting 211 to engage with the Coordinated Entry System and initiate the intake process.
