Sidewalk

The peer supported rapid rehousing program housed 5 individuals who were determined to be highly vulnerable.the rapid rehousing and shelter division services are now offered as two separate programs. Rapid rehousing has been redesigned to house the most vulnerable of our clients first, based on indicators of mental and physical health, length of time homeless, and drug use. Through the program, clients are offered vulnerability based case management to ensure they are on a path to self sufficiency.

After the pandemic caused widespread closure of social services and other essential services, Sidewalk volunteers began offering a number of vital services that we had not previously provided. These included mail service, access to telephones and computers, and distribution of sandwiches, coffee, and other comfort items. We distributed thousands of pieces of mail to hundreds of participants in 2022 and offered phone use to countless more. Additionally, Sidewalk volunteers assisted scores of people to apply for stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, food stamps, and other essential benefits.

We diverted 107 individuals from homeless service system and into housing with our shelter diversion program.shelter diversion has been separated from rapid rehousing in order to provide a lighter-touch (and lower cost) intervention for individuals who only need a small amount of assistance to escape homelessness. This program provides one-time assistance to divert people from the shelter system and into permanent homes.