Comprehensive List of PLASE Support Services

Case Management for Transitional & Permanent Housing

Advocacy Counselors provide case management services in our transitional facilities. For clients in PLASE permanent housing programs, Outreach Counselors make home visits and provide support services. This support helps prevent recurring homelessness and assists each person in living as independently and fully as possible. PLASE staff includes counselors trained to provide intensive case management for those residents requiring additional services.

Addictions Assessments & Life Skills

Soon after admission, clients are administered specialized assessments (ASI, Burns Anxiety and Depression Assessment, and Life Skills Assessment) which identify areas of strength and weakness that may impact a client’s personal, physical and mental progress. Assessments cover areas ranging from housekeeping, parenting skills and personal hygiene, to legal issues, finances, and employment. This process creates a foundation for counseling, skills building and the indentification of community resources.

Medical Assessments & Connection to Community Services

Our nurse assesses at-risk clients upon entrance into PLASE and serves as a resource on an as-needed basis. The nurse also educates staff and clients on health issues with a focus on HIV/AIDS and helps communicate with medical service providers. 24-hour staff also supervise and monitor residents' medication (particularly psychotropic medication).

Socialization Activities

Residents are given opportunities to express themselves through socialization activities held in our facilities with assistance from qualified volunteers. PLASE offers clients art classes, yoga, nutrition presentations, GED instruction and tutoring. Additionally, occasional outings such as baseball games, trips to the zoo and our annual picnic provide residents with the opportunity to live a normal and healthy life.

Peer Counselors

Project PLASE currently has former residents in the position of Peer Counselor at our facilities. These peers assist PLASE counselors in the shelters and provide a personal example to all current residents of the possibility of success and sobriety in their future.

HIV Outreach

PLASE's HIV Outreach Workers function as an agency wide team present throughout Project PLASE's housing facilities. All HIV infected residents are screened by a member of the Outreach Team upon entry and are then provided with information and active support and encouragement while living in and transitioning out of Project PLASE. HIV education, peer support, escorts to appointments, referrals, screening, compliance with medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment programs are a few of the key services provided by team members. The role of the team is imperative to providing the HIV infected homeless men and women who enter Project PLASE with specialized referrals, support services and attention that assists in improving the quality of life of these residents. In addition to servicing HIV positive residents, team members attempt to screen and educate all uninfected residents regarding at-risk behaviors, the need for HIV testing and counseling, and HIV transmission. Every HIV infected resident who is in need of a medical provider, mental health provider or substance abuse treatment facility will have the appropriate appointments scheduled. Escorts are provided for those residents in need, to assist in establishing compliance and participation with the programs to which they are referred.

Client Advisory Board

PLASE has consumer advisory group which we call a Client Advisory Board (CAB). This body provides an additional voice for PLASE’s residents.

Transportation Assistance

PLASE provides bus tokens to residents who have no income and no other source of transportation assistance and mobility.

House Meetings

Weekly house meetings provide a forum for residents to share their ideas and concerns. These meetings are held at a set time each week and are facilitated by a staff member.

DID YOU KNOW?

In its 2001 survey of 27 cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that the homeless population was 50% African-American, 35% Caucasian, 12% Hispanic, 2% Native American, and 1% Asian (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001).

see more homelessness facts

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