Sunday, May 19, 2024
5/19/2024
Abstract: CLARE Foundation Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI) CLARE Foundation, Inc. (CLARE) will expand local infrastructure for the integration of behavioral healthcare into the homeless service delivery system of Santa Monica, CA – a high incidence homeless area. Called Bridges to Recovery, Hope, and Home, the project builds on CLARE’s sunsetting GBHI grant with development of a systems-wide trauma-informed approach. The effects of trauma present a serious barrier to recovery for homeless people and decrease their participation in all helping services. To augment outreach, engagement, screening/assessment, case management, and recovery support for homeless persons, CLARE will facilitate trauma training for homeless service providers in greater Santa Monica. CLARE Foundation will conduct our GBHI project in partnership with the local Coordinated Entry System (CES), the Westside Homeless Coalition, Venice Community Housing, Step Up on Second, CLARE treatment programs, and other points-of-contact for the homeless. Bridges to Recovery, Hope, and Home will use evidence-based Motivational Interviewing in all participant interactions to increase motivation for treatment and service retention. Homeless individuals will be referred to permanent supportive housing by the CES. The CES will then provide referrals of individuals in need of GBHI interventions to CLARE. Project services will be delivered in Rapid Re-housing developments (each participant’s home), including brief risk screening and comprehensive assessment for substance use, co-occurring disorders, trauma, and related service needs. The project will deliver Intensive Case Management to link participants with treatment, primary care, and other needed supports, and staff will provide skills building support for relapse prevention and intervention. During the five-year project, CLARE will serve 250 homeless individuals living in permanent housing (50 annually). Over the life of the grant, systems training for use of a trauma-informed service approach will be provided to 200 individuals (40 annually) working in local homeless service agencies. The city of Santa Monica embodies California’s chic beach lifestyle. Alternately, we are known as “The Homeless Capital of America.” This 8.3-mile urban swath eight miles west of L.A is second only to L.A.’s Skid Row as the homeless epicenter of Southern California. Here, 56% of the homeless have alcohol abuse disorders only; 14% have mental health disorders only; 24% have co-occurring disorders; and only 6% have no substance use or mental health issues at all. It is indisputable that homeless persons in Santa Monica need treatment and recovery services, permanent housing, and healthcare, but those are not their only needs. Trauma disorders are endemic among the homeless here, including veterans and domestic violence victims. Left untreated, trauma is a significant factor in homeless recidivism and addiction relapse. In fact, trauma has been identified as the second most common acute health problem for homeless persons after respiratory illness. Homeless people witness violence on a daily basis and are often victims of it. Those who are mentally ill or under the influence of drugs and alcohol are the most vulnerable to attack, and they are less likely or able to seek help afterwards. Homeless adults, youth, and families in the greater Santa Monica area need coordinated, integrated care that is trauma-informed in all directions. CLARE is a trauma-informed service provider and we have been the sole behavioral healthcare agency in Santa Monica for nearly 50 years. Guided by a steering committee that monitors the project, our GBHI staff will conduct provider training to ensure that homeless people in our service area can access sustainable trauma interventions throughout the greater Santa Monica homeless service system.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
