Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What kind of funding do you receive?

A. Project PLASE receives much of its funding from local and Federal sources including Maryland Dept. of Human Resources, Baltimore City Office of Homeless Service, HUD, Ryan White Title I, and other sources such as the Veterans Administration. Additionally, PLASE has received funding from private foundations and corporations, e.g. the Abell Foundation, the Cavanaugh Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, and the Knott Foundation. The support of individuals, small businesses and faith-based communities also helps to make our work possible.

Project PLASE remains firm in its objective to serve homeless men and women with great need. That has not changed in over 35 years and will continue to remain a driving value. Because of our determination and commitment to our cause, it is essential that we are able to rally community support. This is where your generosity and private donations may have the greatest impact on our organization and the clients that pass through.

Q. How many clients do you serve?

A. At any give time we can have up to 62 clients in our transitional and emergency facilities. This translates to roughly 350 clients per year. PLASE also fills between 95%-99% occupancy each year. Throughout the three facilities we operate, they each house as follows:

Project PLASE also serves about 200-250 persons annually in permanent housing.

Q. How does a client enter your facility?

A. The most common way that a client enters Project PLASE is through referral from another agency — Dept of Social Services, HERO, Healthcare for the Homeless, or any of a number of community-based organizations and overnight or emergency shelters. We also receive referrals from hospitals, health clinics, and nursing homes. It is also generally accepted that a person's family may refer or a client may self-refer. However someone is referred, it is important that the individual be ready to accept the assistance and regimen that PLASE offers.

Q. Do you have a waiting list?

A. We keep a waiting list on hand to take any referrals that may come in. Generally, the list is first-come, first serve. On occasion, when the situation is dire and urgent, some people may be placed as a higher priority on the list so that they may be served quicker. Additionally, clients with a previous history with PLASE are given priority.

Q. How do you measure success and what is your success rate?

A. The most measurable way to determine the success of our clients is by the percentage that were able to obtain permanent housing either through rental subsidy, family reconciliation, or an assisted living situation more suitable to their needs. Our minimum goal is that 35% of clients will move into permanent housing, but last year 50-60% transitioned.

Q. Do you serve families?

A. We only serve families in our permanent housing program. We are not equipped at this time to serve families in our temporary facilities.

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year (Urban Institute 2000).

see more homelessness facts

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