Transitional Housing Program
Being a lifelong resident of Roseville I had heard of The Lazarus Project and all the good work they do for those in need. Several years ago my son Mark’s life was spiraling out of control. He lost a good job, couldn’t pay the rent and was suffering with severe bouts of drugs and depression. I didn’t know where to turn to for help. I was in way over my head trying to help him and deal with the fallout. I contacted The Lazarus Project and they accepted Mark into their program. Mark started attending AA meetings, and doctor’s appointments to treat his bipolar disorder, and did work around the area. Today, Mark is doing very well. Not only was Mark saved by the program, it also helped our family cope during those difficult and emotional times. It is a relief to know that there is an organization like The Lazarus Project available that people and families can turn to and get assistance. ~Clark Fratis
Many people picture a man sleeping in a cardboard box when they hear about the homeless. But the “great recession” has changed the face of the typical homeless person as more hard working men and women find themselves living on the streets. In fact, homeless in Placer County has increase 82% since 2002. Living in poverty, our homeless neighbors don’t get proper nutrition or medical attention. They move around between seedy motels, sofa surfing among friends, or try to find room at the local shelter. Seen in the landscape of our community is a former happy and successful construction worker has now been reduced to eating the handouts from the local food pantry. Or a woman, whose life was once filled with marriage and employment, now considers an unthinkable act, just to pay for the motel room tonight.
These homeless neighbors are dealing with a variety of problems such as unemployment, addictions, credit problems, domestic abuse, poor health, and insufficient education. They have no realistic plan or hope of escaping the situation. Yet they don’t want to be homeless and dream about what life could be for them, if things could just turn around. That’s why The Lazarus Project is so important. It’s the only program in Placer County for homeless men and women, offering free transitional housing. Our four residential homes are much more than a safe, clean and sober place to live in Roseville. They are an environment of success where men and women get their lives together and become a successful part of our community.
Our homes are much more than a place to stay. Men and women who live in our homes participate in a program that will take them away from a lifetime of detrimental habits and lead them to self-sufficiency. Up to 6 men and women can live in each home at one time and we help up to 24 people at any given time. The men and women who graduate from The Transitional Housing Program have left behind them the abusive lifestyles, bad choices and tragic circumstances that led them into homelessness and poverty. Today, they stand on their own, supporting themselves and have a new purpose in life.
Participants in our program turn their lives around. Those struggling with drug use, eating disorders, alcohol abuse and other addictive behaviors receive counseling; attend Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous or a Celebrate Recovery program. If the men and women need medical or mental health attention, our program works with them to meet those needs through the local county clinic and department of mental health services. We are proud to say that 85% of our program participants move into permanent housing.
Taking steps towards becoming financially self-sufficient, the men and women work to acquire their high school diplomas if they don’t have them. Then, career counseling helps them to identify their skills, and vocational training prepares them for a skilled, marketable position. To learn how to be self-sufficient, the men and women receive life skills training. Women who often find themselves without custody of their children receive proper training in parenting to make re-unification possible. Financial counseling helps them to clean up their credit and learn budgeting skills. They also receive training in proper nutrition, anger management and other needed skills through our case management services.
This all-encompassing program gives our homeless neighbors a way out of their sad situations. The Transitional Housing Program is a haven of peace, safety and support as men and women work towards a better future for themselves and family.
At the Sierra House adult men begin their comprehensive program with a Personal Development Plan. These plans developed by participants themselves, with the support of trained staff, include a thorough self-assessment including but not limited to job skills identification, job search workshops, employment search and retention goals, health care, on site AA-NA meetings, relapse prevention groups, community building, basic living skills and other services necessary to end the cycle of homelessness. Participants are expected to adhere to the strict house rules to allow all participants an opportunity to be successful.
Established in 2001 the Schiele House provides housing for 6 single adult women who live with persistent mental illness. Many of the women receive support through programs focused on enhancing each individual's strengths through crisis prevention, basic living skills, community building, and job readiness and retention. The Schiele house maintains a 6 bed capacity, participants stay an average of six to twelve months. Of primary importance is ensuring that participants receive the psychological intervention necessary for independence.
Nestled in the quiet and second oldest neighborhood in the City of Roseville the Somers Home is the latest addition to our project. A transitional home with intensive support services, this house provides a point of entry for chronically homeless men coming off the streets and out of shelters. In addition to housing and meals, program participants have access to health care, case management, mental health and recovery services that will assist them in stabilizing their lives.
The Lazarus Project doesn’t just provide housing, we provide a means for families and individuals to get their lives in order and become a successful part of this community