Family Wraparound
The IHN shelter at Alpha House has six family rooms that are similar to a dormitory room at a college. The shelter facility has a shared playroom, living room, family room, dining room, kitchenette and playground. We can provide shelter for 6 families at a time, up to a maximum of 24 people. Families are able to stay at the shelter for up to 90 days, and then receive home-based, follow-up services for twelve months or more after leaving Alpha House.
Each family is assigned a family facilitator as they enter the shelter program. The facilitator and family identify a family-centered planning team (wraparound team) that is created shortly after the family takes up residence at Alpha House. The team makes a long term commitment to work with each family to meet their goals. The team is composed of key professionals employed at the shelter, natural supports identified by the family such as friends, relatives or clergy, and professionals from other agencies engaged with the family. Teams not only address family needs, but also model problem-solving techniques.
Facilitators work closely with each family to develop a family action plan. The plan focuses on the strengths, assets, and skills of family members. Parents are an integral part of the team and the plan reflects their voice, choices and preferences. The plan is comprehensive, addressing needs in the following areas: housing, income/employment, children, legal, transportation, and health. Families are also aided by informal resources, help that can be obtained through religious congregations, civic groups, businesses and members of the local community are identified, as well as traditional mainstream services. Outcome measures are identified by the family and the plan is evaluated weekly. The planning team identifies the most immediate needs and begins developing strategies to meet those needs. Once the family moves into housing in the community, our Home Based Support Worker continues to work with them to ensure stability for the family.
Family Profiles
A Conversation with Anita Watley
A Conversation with Nancy