The intake process includes talking with prospective participants, verifying family composition, existing housing situation, employment history, personal income, and other factors to determine need and eligibility for service. If a client is eligible for our services, a referral is made to HCSNV.

Eligibility requirements:

  Are homeless or in imminent danger of losing present housing;
  Are in a financial crisis due to an unavoidable circumstance;
  Have exhausted own financial resources;
  Have a willingness to become self-sufficient;
  Meet low and moderate income guidelines; and
  Reside in our service area within Fairfax County.

HCSNV staff help individuals and families develop, monitor and evaluate goals which stabilize their housing situation. HCSNV staff work with participants using a case plan model which attempts to resolve the crisis, determine the root of the crisis, stabilize the housing situation, implement strategies to prevent crisis recurrence, define goals which lead to self-sufficiency, monitor progress towards self-sufficiency and evolve goals as necessary and gradually reduce HCSNV involvement with each participant.

HCSNV is an equal opportunity service provider and does not discriminate in its provision of services based on race, color, nationality, religion, sex, familial status or handicapping condition.

Housing Counseling and Case Management may be short-term or long-term in duration based on individual circumstances, but will continue for a period that insures the greatest potential for stability and self-sufficiency.

Homeless Prevention Research

Dr. Dennis Culhane, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has conducted research on homelessness since 1985. Culhane urges a prevention-oriented approach to homelessness, which saves money, instead of the current emphasis on moving people through shelters. For more information on his research:

http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0297/homeless.html

Holiday Adopt-A-Family

Members of the community adopt a family for the Holiday season.

Other Services included:

  Provide community outreach to inform and educate families, individuals and the community at large
  Provide referral and access to other community based services
  Produce a weekly housing vacancy list of lowest market rentals
  Provide advocacy services on behalf of family, individual and community needs
  Advocate financial assistance for rent, mortgage and utilities