Homeless Outreach

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of homeless persons would prefer to have jobs and be self-sufficient. However, even for those who are able to work, physically demanding, low-wage jobs with no health benefits leave them extremely vulnerable. A 58-year-old FreestoreFoodbank client shares her story: "I worked for eight years as a housekeeper at one of Cincinnati's biggest companies. I had to lift heavy trash and do a lot of hard physical work that required me to be on my feet all the time. When my body couldn't take it anymore, I lost my job, fell behind on my rent and got evicted. I was at the Drop Inn Center for 8 months and someone told me the Freestore had a program. It took three months for me to get my SSI benefits, but Mr. Bob and Mr. Greg gave me constant encouragement and kept me informed. It took a lot of patience and faith, even with their help." This client now has her own apartment and, through the FreestoreFoodbank's Direct Rent program, is assured that her rent will be paid on time.

The FreestoreFoodbank's Homeless Outreach programs are ranked among the top in the nation. They have received ongoing funding through the Social Security Administration and HUD, as well as two grants from The William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The goal of the programs is to help chronically homeless individuals work through the process of completing thorough assessments of their physical and mental health, personal history, and employment potential. By stepping them through this process and helping them follow-up by completing necessary paperwork and keeping appointments, FreestoreFoodbank case workers can break through many barriers that otherwise prove invincible to homeless persons attempting to find stability.

Bob Viebrooks, Homeless Outreach Program Manager, explains that other programs to serve the homeless fail because they give too little consideration to the needs of those they're meant to serve. "Persons with mental disabilities have difficulty conforming to mainstream standards. They can't meet structured time schedules. They don't manage their impulses well. They have ideas and fears that prevent positive social interaction. Many of them withdraw and stay isolated as a form of self-protection."

At the heart of the Homeless Outreach program is a consultative exam conducted by a physician. This determines a client's capacity to benefit from job training. Those who show capacity for employment enter job training. Those with disabilities that preclude them from employment are assisted with the complicated and confusing process of applying for Social Security benefits and acquiring housing. Some also are enrolled in the Protective Payee program through which case workers manage their funds and assist with daily affairs, assuring that their rents are paid and that they have access to food, medications, and other essentials.