MAIN OFFICE: Project PLASE, Inc. 1814 Maryland Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-837-1400 Fax: 410-837-6130 e-mail: info@projectplase.org

Building futures for more than 30 years.

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 sources such as such as foundations and corporations e.g. the Abell Foundation, the Cavanaugh Foundation, and more recently, Johnson and Johnson. Also, many individuals and faith-based communities support the work of PLASE and make a big difference. Our notable grant accomplishments include the recent nationally competitive Johnson and Johnson grant and the original very competitive HOPWA/SPNS grant which we received in 2001 to assist with our new Medically Fragile Facility and re-funded effective February 2004.

Each bed is funded in part by other sources and therefore some carry with it eligibility requirements. For instance, a bed funded in part by the Baltimore Mental Heath System requires that a client have documented mental illness. A Ryan White funded bed requires that the client be HIV/AIDS defined. Because of this diversity in funding as it relates to each client, it is possible to serve clients who are not funded by any particular source. This is where private donations help to ensure that each person receives all the services they require.

We are currently in the process of diversifying our funding sources as government funds are very competitive and fall short of fulfilling all the needs of the organization and our clientele.

It is also not uncommon that federal funding sources may change their funding objectives each year. This does not mean that the focus of previous years is any less important, but it does mean that they may experience greater competition and have less funding. Hence, the support of private partners, individuals, businesses, faith communities, and schools are all crucial to us.

Project PLASE remains firm in its objective to serve homeless men and women with great need. That has not changed in 30 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 when the focuses of federal programs differ from our own. This is where your generosity may have the greatest impact on our organization and the clients that pass through.

For more information please see our most recent Annual Report.

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 four facilities we operate, they each house as follows:

• Men's facility: 24 beds
• Women's Facility: 12 beds
• Co-Ed/ Mental Health Facility: 14 beds
• Transitional/ Medically Fragile Facility: 12 beds

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 40-50% 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.

© 2003-2008Project PLASE