The Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI) Project that will be implemented by Loaves & Fishes will consist of 250 Hispanic and economically disadvantaged shelter and dining hall/clinic clients who will be the population of focus. Loaves & Fishes will also assist returning veterans and their families by addressing their behavioral health needs, designing appropriate programs, and prioritizing this population for services as needed. According to American Fact Finder, approximately 79.5% of the population of Harlingen, Texas is of Hispanic/Latino descent. Shockingly, 32.5% of that same population is considered below poverty level with an average household income of approximately $34,466 per year. With the percent of unemployment escalating to 4.3%, many of the Harlingen residents are forced to become dependent on organizations such as Loaves & Fishes. The population of focus will include, but is not limited to, bilingual (Spanish speaking) clients of all ages and sexes that need assistance with employment, financial stability, and housing.
Loaves & Fishes hopes to accomplish several goals through this project which includes providing Substance Abuse Counseling to homeless individuals and families with substance abuse or mental health disorders; provide housing assistance to homeless individuals and families with substance abuse or mental health disorders; providing job services through Loaves & Fishes Job Shop Program to at least 65% of shelter clients; providing services to 100% of shelter clients, in need of services, through collaboration with Family Crisis Center, whose counselors evaluate the needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims; providing treatment for at least 80% of the homeless individuals and families with substance abuse or mental health disorders with the partnering organizations; implementing effective evidence-based practices and legal, health, educational services focused on retaining at least 85% homeless individuals and families; and reaching at least 80% of the homeless individuals and families in the local area to offer them our services.
To ensure that all shelter clients receive the services they need, Loaves & Fishes will implement several key activities to align with the purpose of this grant. These activities include outreach and engagement strategies; direct treatment; case management in providing permanent housing, primary care services, and support services; enrollment resources for SSI/SSDI; and “wrap-around”/recovery services to improve access and retention. These activities will aid the shelter clients not only in present endeavors, but also for a successful future financially, educationally, and socially. Clients will use third party health insurance or veteran’s benefits before using grant funds. As part of the GBHI Project, Loaves & Fishes hopes to serve at least 1,250 homeless and/or needy individuals (including youth) and families.
