Homeless Prevention 2019
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s Homeless Prevention Program
The Homeless Prevention Program’s team is committed to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in every community across our 10-county service region. We service the areas of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford.
Homeless Prevention Dedicated to Youth
The Youth Homeless Response System had 41 young people (18-24 years old) experiencing homelessness, and they were assisted with case management and supports with a HUD Rapid Re-housing programs
14 Households were exited from the NMCAA Rapid Re-housing programs into permanent housing and are now living on their own
64% Of young people who entered the Rapid Re-housing programs were exited into positive destinations
Adult and Households | Community Members were Supported
Support in Homeless Prevention in 2019
7,888 Individuals were assisted through the Coordinated Entry Call Center and Walk-In Services
147 Households experiencing homelessness received rapid rehousing assistance
91% Of individuals exited Rapid Re-housing Programs to a permanent housing solution
54 At-risk households avoided homelessness through prevention assistance
A Client’s Story
Kenny’s Story
When the community received the Youth Homeless Demonstration grant from Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in January of 2017, the Greater Grand Traverse Area Continuum of Care (GGTCoC) objective was to end youth homelessness. At the time, it seemed like a daunting task but with coordination of agencies, organizations, and community support, changing the course of a young person’s life, can become a reality.
Kenny (age 21), found himself experiencing homelessness in the Traverse City area after leaving his home situation. He was surrounded by people who partied a lot and decided to find a better environment. Kenny was working part-time in Traverse City and quickly realized he needed further assistance to secure housing.
Kenny was referred to NMCAA by the Goodwill Street Outreach team. Samantha Smith, a NMCAA housing-based case manager, began working together on a housing plan. He was accepted at East Bay Flats, a housing development that was led by Executive Director, Tony Lentych, of the Kenny, on the road to success after receiving his CDL.
Traverse City Housing Commission. In addition, the Rotary Charities financially assisted with the housing project and took it from an idea to a reality.
“NMCAA helped me get my own place. I had been trying to get an apartment with no credit and nothing in my savings to help me get my own apartment” said Kenny.
Once housed, he was connected to Michigan Works! and started a program with Pinnacle Driving school to further his career and future goals.
“Besides having my own place to live, I’ve been receiving weekly check-ins from NMCAA to help me move forward. It was helpful and reassuring to have Sam there to help me meet my goals” said Kenny.
In March 2020, he graduated from Pinnacle and acquired his CDL license. Today, Kenny is on the road, fulfilling his dreams, gaining financial stability, and making sure the products he is transporting reach their destination.
“This is a new beginning and I’m so happy” said Kenny.
