ABOUT US
Coming Home's Housing First Model
The Housing First model prioritizes securing long-term housing for people experiencing homelessness as a first measure, providing a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. Coming Home has built upon this model and developed our own unique and comprehensive approach.
6 pillars of Support
INCREASE OPPORTUNITES BY DECREASING BARRIERS
Our model aims to provide a platform for growth, regardless of the client's current circumstances. We start by demonstrating care and offering to help the client address vital needs, attain housing stability and achieve personal goals. We allow clients to engage in the recovery process at their own pace, ensuring that everyone is presented the opportunity to improve their life, and no one is turned away.
Create individualized, flexible and adaptive Support plans
Support plans should be customized for the individual client. Individuals may have different needs, goals, communication and learning styles. Rather than employing a standardized one-size-fits-all approach, our Case Mangers and Peer Support Specialists tailor their support plans to fit the unique circumstances and preferences of each client.
PROMOTE CLIENT CHOICE AND SUPPORTED SELF-DETERMINATION
We believe that lasting change is internally motivated. We employ a strengths-based approach that recognizes and values the client's unique traits and abilities. We present the client as the expert and architect of their future, and we support them as they work to achieve their individual goals
Facilitate
Community engagement
A sense of community and engagement with peers that share one's life experiences and goals is essential to long-term recovery. New goals and new paths often lead to new environments and new opportunities to enrich one's life by forming beneficial, lasting relationships. Our team facilitates community engagement through our Development Center and through group outings.
INSTILL HOPE
AND SUSTAIN CREATIVE PERSISTENCE
We inspire hope by walking alongside the client, lending a helping hand, and presenting opportunities. When facing disheartenment, we double down on our efforts to inspire and support the client in their journey. The goals and paths of individuals are as unique and complex as their personalities. We sustain creative persistence, always looking for opportunities and avenues for encouragement and growth.
Facilitate reintigration and career development
Individuals who have been living on the margins of society for years-on-end may need assistance in reestablishing healthy habits, social skills and work history. Our Peer Support Specialists walk alongside our clients guiding them in their search for employment, education and other avenues of personal development.
Our 4 Components
Street Outreach
Our outreach team meets people where they are at, both physically and mentally, in order to provide life-saving supplies, address vital needs and seek out individuals that may be ready to transition to long-term housing. Our team often reaches people who are unaware of local resources that they may qualify for and who otherwise might not seek assistance. They work tirelessly to provide assistance on the front lines and build the kind of rapport and trust that will allow the City of Amarillo and other organizations to effectively engage with indivudals in our city experiecing homelessness.
Case Management
Once a client is housed, our Case Managers provide on-going wrap-around support services in order to help our clients meet vital needs, maintain housing stability and achieve long-term goals. Our Case Managers help our clients access medical, mental health and rehabilitative services, local resources for food, clothing and cellphone service and assist in their application for SSI, Disability, and Veterans benefits. Clients are visited frequently, usually weekly or biweekly in order to continually assess the clients current state and needs.
Peer Support
Our Peer Support Specialists meet with clients regularly to develop a one-on-one support plan that includes sharing of lived experiences, guidance in developing recovery and coping methods, modeling recovery and helping clients navigate their community in order to access resources and search for gainful employment and education opportunities.
Our Peer Supports also facilitate community engagement. Our Development Center presents an opportunity to share a meal with peers and engage in life-enrichment activities such as art therapy classes conducted by a member of our team. Peer Support Specialists also facilitate group outings to parks, museums and recreational facilities.
Prep Academy
Our Prep Academy is a part-time, transitional employment opportunity and job training program for individuals at risk of homelessness due to significant barriers to employment. Prep Academy provides the environment and tools necessary for individuals to establish health habits, obtain reputable work history, and receive guidance in their search for favorable and sustainable long-term employment.
Prep Academy team members learn and apply the principles of beautification while working to clean up Amarillo's downtown area, Rails to Trails, and many of our parks. They complete a computer Literacy Course adminstered by our partners at the Goodwill Career Center and receive a certification from South Plains College. Our Peer Support Specialists also partner with staff at the Career Center in helping them to create resumes, prepare for interviews and search for favorable employment opportunities.