Results: 1. In June of 2008, Nazareth Housing was recognized by the NYC Department of Homeless Services as the best family shelter provider for a shelter under 100 beds and has been rated in the top 10 family shelter providers for NYC since 2006. Currently we provide 13 units of transitional and 40 of permanent housing, as well as extensive homelessness prevention programming and case work. Currently, Nazareth Housing is placing 220% of our goals of families from shelter into permanent housing. These families receive follow up services for 2 years. This intensive case management model has resulted in recidivism to homelessness of less than 5% since 2006.
The success of our work with homeless families has led the City Department of Homeless Services to ask us to increase our shelter provision and expand services in 2010. We anticipate adding 34 to 60 units of transitional shelter in 2010 to provide transitional housing for 170 adults and children.
2. Of the 1600 families that sought our assistance to retain and stabilize their housing, only one family needed to enter the shelter system. 65 families received direct financial assistance to retain housing and 40 received assistance to maintain their utilities. The remaining households received financial counseling, free tax filing, landlord advocacy, case management and referrals for legal, medical and other services not directly provided by our agency.
160 households received free furniture and household items in the past 12 months
5. In 2009 we provided 732 Fillings (32 over our goal of 700) ●Average return per filer $1,844
●Total Refunds: $751,251
●Average EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) per filer: $1,479 ●174 customers received medium touch financial coaching (e.g. opening a interest bearing bond, savings account, etc) (104 over our goal of 70)
Target demographics: prevent and end homelessness for low income families, seniors, and individuals
Direct beneficiaries per year: 6,723 individuals through intensive case management, urgent needs assistance, financial literacy, and educational workshops.
Geographic areas served: New York City
Programs: Nazareth housing promotes housing stability and economic independence among poor families and youth of new york city by providing, supportive and affordable housing, emergency family shelter and homelessness prevention services. Emergency shelter housing provides temporary shelter to homeless families with dependent children in units in the lower east side and harlem. It includes a broad array of supportive services for all family members including case management, financial strengthening and personal development programs. Homelessness prevention strives to keep households from losing housing, build economic resources and remain stably housed. Prevention includes arrears assistance, furniture, food and urgent needs assistance.
