For Brian only

CheckPoint: “Eligibility Rules” HSM 240

SEE TABLE BELOW

The Boston Family Shelter: Government Run

The Boston Family Shelter (Government run) has a requirement of the clients attending 30 hours per week of schooling for them to qualify to stay in the shelter; according to one of the new shelter regulations that was recently by the administration of Governor Deval Patrick.

As of the 1st of April, homeless families would have to work or engage in specified activities leading towards working at least 30 hours weekly to be eligible to star in a state-funded family shelter as per these regulations. They would also be required to save 30% of any income on a monthly basis. Going with the current situation, families that have reached their income eligibility limit for the program are given six months to stay in the shelter. The new regulations only provide families up to three months to stay in the shelter and find subsidized housing.

Families who have been evicted from public/subsidized housing in the past three years would also be denied access to shelter and shelter benefits for children in the case where parents have outstanding default or arrest warrants.

Concerns have been raised following these changes among homeless advocates and homeless families, , in the midst of economic hard times and increasing demand for shelters, they argue that this is not the right time to get tough.

Center for Men: Faith Run

In Miami the Center for Men offers a year-long residential Regeneration Program for men who suffer from various life-controlling problems like homelessness, chemical abuse or addiction, medical and mental issues, illiteracy, and lack of adequate job skills.

The spiritually challenging Regeneration Program is based upon Judeo-Christian principles that is found in the Bible, and can accommodate up to about 130 participants at a time.

For the men who enter the Regeneration Program, they participate in individual and group counseling, various life skills classes, and attend the Miami Rescue Mission’s Jeffery A. Tew Education Center so as to improve their academic skills as well as prepare for a new entry into the job market.

There is also a provision of emergency overnight shelter and transitional housing. For those who need help in relocating in the community, they are offered Transitional housing. Emergency shelters are offered to those who need shelter, a nutritious meal, a shower, and a safe place to stay for the night.

GOVERNMENT FAITH BASED

Schooling Required Schooling Required

Job Training Job Training

Save 30% of Earnings Counseling

On comparison, the Government run homeless program is relatively stricter than the Faith Based program on the basis that it requires a client to save 30% of their income. The Faith Based program only requires one to attend counseling.

The Government run program also denies people based on their past indiscretions with the law or who have been evicted from subsidized housing in the past three years, while the Faith Based program on the other hand, makes no such exceptions.