Housing Stabilization Team Changing Lives
Under the careful direction and authorization of DSHS case management programs, the FLC Community Transitions program staff, also known as Community Choice Guides, or CCG’s, can assist referred client’s whose housing is at risk. There are CCG’s taking DSHS referrals in almost every county in Washington! The CCG program at Full Life Care is one of the largest in the state.
Full Life Care’s Community Transitions program is about more than just housing. The program provides clients with a well-informed, well-trained and trauma informed staff member to help them tackle whatever the current risk to housing is and to start to address the root causes of their housing instability.
Approved clients receive a partner – or guide, if you will – to navigate the systems involved in both locating and maintaining housing.
Take “Sarah,” for example. An elderly woman whose apartment was destroyed by fire, Sarah faced the prospect of homelessness for the first time in her life, well past the age of 65. With no family support or financial assistance, her situation seemed dire. Sarah was already enrolled in Washington States Long Term Care system. Her DSHS case manager talked to Sarah and referred her to Full Life Care.
Full Life Care’s dedicated team of Community Choice Guide’s stepped in, and Sarah got help in searching for and securing a place where she could start anew. The Community Transitions staff was also able to help Sara furnish her new home with essential furniture and household items, ensuring she felt safe and comfortable after her tragic loss. With respect, dignity, and care, Full Life Care’s Housing Stabilization teams have helped hundreds of people like Sarah overcome tragic situations and housing uncertainty. They help to declutter. They help to mitigate cockroach and bedbug infestations. They mediate with landlords to address issues before they lead to eviction.
Homelessness carries hidden costs that affect not only individuals but also the broader community. These include increased healthcare expenses, emergency room services, extended nursing home stays, and increased strain on social services. By helping to connect DSHS authorized clients with stable housing, Full Life Care helps mitigate these costs and promote a healthier, more stable community.
Legislators are budgeting now for State-funded services such as the Housing Stabilization programs at FLC. These programs are vital to our community. They help keep our hospitals open for those who need acute services; they help people safely age in place; and they address homelessness before it starts. We urge you to reach out to your local representative to voice your support for the Community Transitions Community Choice Guide programs. The Community Choice Guide Programs have not seen their re-imbursement rate increase since before COVID. Please tell your legislator that you value these programs in your community. Your advocacy can make a difference.
