Winterstar: Supportive Transitional Housing

Since 1997, the Winterstar program provides supportive housing to single adults who are homeless and have a history of mental illness, substance abuse or disabilities. 

While program participants stay in one of the 30 apartment units, they receive supportive services directed towards preparing them to return to appropriate housing in the community. 

Program participants are required to remain drug and alcohol-free and pay 30% of their income towards rent.

Program Goals

• To provide supportive services necessary to help remove existing barriers in the area of permanent housing, obtaining income and health care.
• To make appropriate referrals to community resources to assist clients in their efforts to become more stable and obtain permanent housing in the community.
• To create an environment based on respect for the inherent dignity and value for each person who comes to Winterstar for services.
• To provide assistance to participants in their efforts to identify and achieve personal goals and targets.
• To base all interactions with clients and the community within the moral and ethical framework established by The Salvation Army.

Services include

• Supportive Housing (up to 2 years)
• Case Management
• Housing Advocacy/Placement
• AODA Support/Referrals
• Life Skills Development
• Emergency Assistance
• Community Referrals
• Social Activities
• Pastoral Care

Program Components

• Case Management Services: Case management services begin with assessing the needs of the program participant, the arranging, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and advocating for a package of multiple services to meet the individual program participant’s complex needs. Important components of case management is the development of a service plan, with identified goals and linking the program participant to services through community agencies and organizations.
• General Supportive Services: Include orienting new program participants/help to move in, tenant ’s rights education, social engagement and activities, support groups, recovery groups, recreational opportunities, transportation assistance, emergency financial assistance and educational workshops and classes.
• Independent Living Skills: Includes communication skills, conflict resolution, budgeting, rent payment, credit and financial counseling, money management and activities of daily living training, such as cooking, cleaning,self-care, transportation.
• Medical Care: Adequate and appropriate medical and psychiatric care services are arranged for each program participant through case management services.  Health education, personal care education, smoking cessation classes and other healthy living classes are coordinated and available through networking resources
• Permanent Placement: Program participants work together with case management staff to secure permanent housing placement in the community.  About 80% of Winterstar participants have been successful in moving from transitional housing to permanent placement in the community.
• Pastoral Care: Spiritual counsel and opportunity for spiritual growth are provided by TheSalvation Army and other churches and are available to Winterstar participants, at their request.  Pastoral care services help each client recognize his/her individual spirituality and to develop a plan to embrace a lifestyle of ongoing spiritual growth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Homeless
• Individuals over the age of 18
• Mental Health diagnosis, engaged in AODAtreatment, or severe disability
• Income
• Capable of independent living
• No history of criminal sexual offenses

Referral & Application Process

• Referrals are accepted from Homeless serving agencies.  However, applications are available upon request. 
• A case management committee reviews applications and interviews applicants. 
• The applicant’s desire for recovery, the extent of disability, past history, current need, addiction history and dedication to recovery programs are all significant factors for consideration.
• Applicants are fully informed of program expectations, rules, and restrictions. This includes, but is not limited to, sobriety, savings policy, guest privileges and requirements, cooperation with case management service plan and goals, payment of participant fees and participation in meetings. 
• Acceptance into the program explicitly creates an acceptance of limitation on legal tenancy rights.

Questions?

Winterstar Coordinator
(414) 342-6203