Housing First Programs

Address: 2201 West 18th Street Port Angeles WA 98363

Phone: 360-452-7224

Recognized as a dramatic new response to the problem of family homelessness, the housing first approach stresses the immediate return of families to independent living. Created as a time-limited relationship designed to empower participants and foster self-reliance, not engender dependence, the housing first methodology helps homeless families move directly into affordable rental housing in residential neighborhoods as quickly as possible. The methodology is premised on the belief that vulnerable and at-risk homeless families are more responsive to interventions and social services support after they are in their own housing.

Serenity House currently provides two Housing First Programs:

One Family – One Home

One Family – One Home (OFOH) is collaborative effort between Serenity House, the Housing Authority of Clallam County, the West End Outreach program, and Healthy Families of Clallam County.  The program has commitments from three area apartment complexes to provide housing and supportive services. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR OFOH:

• Families who reside in Clallam County who are homeless by HUD definition.
• Must be low-income; cannot make more than 50% of the Average Median Income (AMI) for the area.  No more than $24,000 a year for a family of 3.
• Must pass qualifications of the Housing Authority's Project Based Section 8 program.
• Must have a willingness to work with a case manager towards goals of self-sufficiency.

Transitions To Housing 

Transitions To Housing (TTH) provides three to six months of rent subsidy and home-based social services support to help each family transition to stability.  The goal is to provide support for families who need short – term assistance. .

ELIGIBILITY FOR TTH:

• Families who reside in Clallam County who are homeless by HUD definition.
• Must be low-income; cannot make more than 50% of the Average Median Income (AMI) for the area.  No more than $24,000 a year for a family of 3.
• Must be able to show financial sustainability upon entry to the program.
• Must have a willingness to work with a case manager towards goals of self-sufficiency.

Application Process:  Serenity House uses a single application form for households to apply to the Family Shelter Services, One Family-One Home, Evergreen Family Village, Serenity Court, and Transitions to Housing programs.  Staff then determines which program best fits the needs of the applicant.  Interviews are made by staff, with the household then placed on a waiting list for the next available opening.

Call or come in for an application to any of our family services. Applications are taken at the front desk at the Administration building, located at 2203 West 18th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98363 between 8am and 5pm Mondays through Fridays.