Partnering to Stabilize Lives
Through a $1.25 million grant from the Federal Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program the Charities brought together three Episcopal faith-based agencies to form the Episcopal Homeless Initiative to helps clients regain dignity and become self sustaining. Adding much-needed stability for downtown Houston's growing homeless population, the grant enables the agencies to expand the most basic and needed support services.
The Initiative brings together three Charities grantees – The Beacon, Community of the Streets Outreach (COTS) and The Way Station at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. By sharing resources they offer housing information, screening for benefits; coordination of medical and mental health care; pastoral support and care; and life skills training. Through access to the Houston Community Voice Mail Program clients can connect with family and potential employers. The Charities Wimberly Scholar Marlynn May, PhD, along with the Charities' Celene Meyer described program in a paper, "Criteria for Successful Community Partnerships: the Episcopal Homeless Initiative," presented at the 2010 Australian Universities Community Engagement Association's National Conference.
