“Courage is the ladder on which all other virtues mount.”

*Shelter services temporarily suspended while repairs are being completed.

CARES provides the opportunity to make a positive change in your life.

When you first come to CARES you will meet with the staff member on duty and explain your situation.  We will collect basic demographic information and provide you with a tour of the facility.  CARES provides beds, linens, towels, personal hygiene items and toiletries.  A lockbox is provided for any valuables.  If you arrive with children, you will meet with a child services coordinator to assess them, both physically and emotionally, and make additional referrals if necessary.  Our educational coordinator will ensure your children are enrolled in school with supplies, provide enrichment activities, tutoring, and more.

You will also meet with a Case Manager within three days of admittance.  Follow up meetings are expected weekly. Case Managers are flexible and accommodating to your schedule.  We will work with you to develop a housing plan to identify housing barriers, needs and goals, and necessary supportive services (housing, employment, food stamps, etc.).  Actions on these plans are required within 10 days if you are single, and 15 days if you have children.

The continuum of supportive services in your housing plan may include, but are not limited to:

• Referrals to job finding assistance agencies
• Budgeting and money management workshops
• Mental health and substance abuse screening and counseling
• Domestic violence and sexual abuse counseling
• Parenting and nutrition instruction

Once you obtain permanent housing, CARES will work to provide you with the opportunity to receive ongoing support and resources needed for you and your family to achieve stability.