What do we mean by "Preventing Homelessness"?

What does it mean to “prevent homelessness?”

We were asked that question recently, and our Director of Client Services Todd Logan weighed in:

Supportive Services and Life Skills training are important components of PT’s housing program. Many clients have never had a place of their own, have not had many close role models for consistent bill payment, and possess skills - while important for survival on the street - do not lend themselves well to apartment community living. 

For street survival, making oneself seem larger than life and more intimidating is an important conflict resolution skill. In an apartment setting, this important street skill can turn the simple act of asking a neighbor to turn down their stereo into a physical altercation. Therefore, conflict resolution, relationship building, anger management, and managing relationships are all part of PT life skills training program. 

Budgeting is included in the program, to include how to manage a household budget, income vs. expenses, and the prioritization of bills such as rent. One PT client decided to forego rent payment in order to pay for her daughter’s high school graduation – the first to graduate in many years – cap/gown and senior trip.  

Both scenarios described here are real and are just two of the many other situations like this that have occurred in the PT housing program - that were they to occur with the client living in the community – would lead to eviction and homelessness. 

PT rather, looks at scenarios as teachable moments, part of the long process of skill-building, problem-solving, and the shedding of those attributes that no longer serve the client in their current life. Holding the client accountable for these behaviors is also part of the process, for if PT did not, this would not adequately prepare the client for life beyond the agency. This is homelessness prevention – for the client to be fully prepared to maintain housing over the long term once they leave the program.