New Horizons is the future made possible in the present for qualifying families and individuals who need a bridge from shelter/transitional living to total self-sufficiency. New Horizons is the road to permanent housing in a mainstream setting for formerly homeless individuals and families beginning their new lives after leaving Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Programs.
Primarily working with the graduates of Star of Hope Mission’s Women & Family and Men’s Development Centers, Extended Services Case Managers work provide encouragement and accountability toward successful independent living. Over a period of 12-18 months, rental subsidies, home and office visits, financial coaching, and relapse prevention are provided…during which time the subsidy decreases incrementally, as the graduate’s increase their share of housing costs. Star of Hope provides continuing support and accountability toward the goal of total self-sustainability and independence. When the services end, the clients assume the full obligation of their rent and are fully independent.
New Horizons residents choose their own apartments (geographic boundaries may apply to receive services) and independently move through the application process. Extended Services Case Managers are available to assist when necessary to help navigate the apartment application process, and provide other referrals and resources as needed.
One of the wonderful benefits of the New Horizons program is its potential for creating opportunities for personal and professional success, with the added benefit of reducing the recidivism rate among those individuals who have a history of criminal behavior, poor credit, or broken leases and evictions. Not only is New Horizons a fresh start, it’s a leg up on building a positive relationship with landlords and rental agencies.
Additionally, it’s a vehicle for helping clients to improve their credit history by paying their portion of the rent on time. Life-skills services; including financial coaching and a money management course; are invaluable for helping clients position themselves to increase their income in the short term, raising it to the minimum cited by the National Alliance as necessary for truly independent living in today’s economic climate, while boosting their potential for earning even greater income over time.
Jump Start is very similar to New Horizons. Case Management is provided to qualifying applicants from our Women & Family and Men’s Development Centers.
Jump Start provides added support and encouragement for a period of 6 months after a resident has transitioned into a new home/apartment.
Jump Start is for those who have maintained a household before their homeless crisis and understand budgeting and household management.
New Horizons is more robust and designed to assist residents who have never lived on their own or managed their own households.
Applicants must be referred by a Star of Hope Case Manager.
Individuals experiencing homelessness are faced with many challenges including — unemployment, trauma, inflation, lack of affordable housing, addictions and mental and emotional instability.
New Haven offers permanent supportive housing (Housing First model) and services for single women and men who are chronically homeless (have a long period of homelessness and a diagnosed disability).
New Haven staff serve ON SITE at each location of New Hope Housing (housing partner) where New Haven resident reside. Staff create a rapport with each resident and encourage participation in activities, events, and other offerings. Residents are encouraged to set goals to address chronic health issues, addiction issues, find a place to worship, mend broken relationships, and attend counseling with the on-site Therapist in order to heal spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
“I continue to be humbled by the multiple problems these women have battled in their lives. If you ever had any doubt that what you are doing makes a difference, you can lay that worry aside. I see the changes in your clients at every session. As they regain their dignity and self-reliance in a safe environment, they are able to manage their mental health issues much more effectively,” said Dr. Robert Dickenson (facilitator of “Health Chat with Dr. Rob” for the New Haven program).
NOTE: Referrals to New Haven are received through the Coordinated Access System of The Way Home (Coalition for the Homeless). No DIRECT referrals are accepted.
Your support ensures women and men who suffer from mental illness are not abandoned, but have a NEW HOPE for life!
“Without the support of the New Haven program, I would still be homeless, hopeless and mentally unstable. With the resources and support the program has provided to me, I am successful and happy. I graduated with a certification in medical billing and coding and have a new job.” — Regina, New Haven client
New Heights provides Case Management to families transitioning from Star of Hope’s Women & Family Development Center and at-risk families living at New Hope Housing’s Reed apartment complex located at Star of Hope’s Cornerstone Community®. Other partners provide a robust offering of services to the families living at New Hope Housing Reed.
Other partners include: New Hope Housing, Buckner Children and Family Services, Bezos Academy, Reed Clinic (Healthcare for the Homeless), Reed Market (Houston Food Bank), and Hope for Youth.
