October 2008
In this Issue
Healthier Homes, Healthier Children
Local Transitional Housing Effort Wins Award
A New Formula for Greening Neighborhoods
In the Garden... On the Roof!
In the next issue of ResearchWorks
Local Transitional Housing Effort Wins Award
The Clara White Mission's (CWM's) transitional housing program, winner of the 2008 HUD Secretary’s Empowerment and Opportunity Award, is a nonprofit venture that began in 2003 to help homeless individuals move from the streets to permanent housing and employment. For more than 100 years, CWM has worked to restore and rebuild the lives of homeless and disadvantaged people in Jacksonville, Florida.
"We look at our program not as a homeless assistance program, but as an economic development program," said Ju'Coby Pittman-Peele, CWM CEO and president. "We're housing people, providing clients with supportive services, and our culinary training program provides the workforce training our clients need to move out into the community."
In the beginning, approximately 50 percent of program participants were veterans and ex-offenders, and almost all were men, said Pittman-Peele. "Clients initially came to the program for a bed. We soon realized that we needed to provide mental health counseling and personal and behavioral counseling, so we turned to the community to get partners who would work with us." CWM has developed partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit groups, and faith-based organizations.
Supportive Housing + Workforce Training = A More Promising Future
The 36-bed transitional housing/culinary arts training program is open to homeless individuals, many of whom are referred by CWM's nonprofit community partners. All clients must be drug-free for 30 days before they are admitted, and they must be able to read. A two-week probationary period allows both clients and staff to ensure that the program is a good fit. CWM provides clients with a full physical and mental health assessment at enrollment. Because 50 percent of the clients report mental health issues and 75 percent have drug and alcohol problems, the program offers various supportive services. CWM conducts random drug tests throughout the program; clients who relapse can go to one of the center's local partners for drug rehabilitation. Once rehabilitation is complete, the individual is welcome to return to CWM if a bed is available.
Twice each year, CWM offers a rigorous, 460-hour residential training program in the culinary arts. Clients must achieve in both the classroom and in the kitchen to graduate from the program, which prepares them for careers in food service. The four-part curriculum includes basic food preparation, commercial food production, front- and back-of-the-house skills, and specialty cooking and service testing. Culinary students produce 400–500 meals each day for CWM's feeding program and cater meetings and special events. Students are also responsible for an upscale luncheon offered each Friday at Clara's at the Cathedral, located in St. John's Episcopal Church. The luncheon is open to the public, and all proceeds benefit the culinary program.
To date, 270 people have graduated. Program graduates work at approximately 35 businesses; 10 graduates currently work for nonprofit feeding programs in Jacksonville, and 6 have joined the CWM staff. CWM's placement specialist works with graduates to find employment and then provides 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up. An alumni group holds two special events each year, and a 2-year apprenticeship program allows graduates already working in the culinary field to acquire additional training to advance their careers.
In addition to its daily meals program, CWM also operates a drop-in center, which Pittman-Peele refers to as "the country club in the 'hood." This one-stop shop provides a place for homeless individuals to shower, wash their clothes, access a phone or computer, and have a snack. If they need a mailing address, they can use the Mission's address.
Last year, 85 people used the transitional housing units, 65 received job placements and remained employed for at least 6 months, and 31 acquired permanent housing. Students in the culinary arts program are allowed to stay in the transitional housing for up to 6 months after graduation before moving on to permanent housing.
Making It Happen
"The Board of Directors and the staff are the driving force behind the success of the Clara White Mission," states Pittman-Peele. "Our staff grew quickly from 5 to 25, and we developed specific skill sets to provide needed services to our clients."
Funding for CWM comes from various sources, and fundraising activities are ongoing. CWM has received government funding, but as those grants diminish, it is exploring other areas. The catering company, staffed by culinary arts students, brings in revenue, as does the Friday luncheon at Clara's at the Cathedral. CWM holds four major fundraisers each year. Several members of the Jacksonville Jaguars football team actively fundraise for the Mission. Pittman-Peele notes that she keeps the media involved, so the community is aware of CWM's accomplishments.
When asked how other organizations could replicate CWM's programs, Pittman-Peele said, "Do your homework. Be politically astute and get local politicians and legislators on your side by marketing yourself as an economic development paradigm for the community. Include organizations that can provide programs that will complement what you offer. And be sure to run your nonprofit like a business."
Looking to the Future
Later this year, continuing its long tradition of helping the homeless restore and rebuild their lives, CWM will begin a janitorial program to train people for work as housekeepers and janitors in the hospitality industry. Plans are also underway to build 100 units of permanent housing with supportive services. CWM recently acquired a nearby house that can hold up to 10 people that will be used as a demonstration site when the new permanent housing is built.
For more information about CWM, visit www.clarawhitemission.org or contact Ju'Coby Pittman- Peele at jpittman@clarawhitemission.org.
