In our previous piece, we had a look at how Transitional and Supportive Housing help in ending chronic homelessness for those in need. We looked at how Living in insecure housing can have a significantly negative impact on one’s health.
Homelessness can exacerbate mental illness, make it difficult to overcome substance abuse, and prevent chronic physical health problems from being addressed. While living on the streets, people with these and other health concerns frequently find themselves in crisis circumstances, and emergency rooms may be their sole source of healthcare.
For our readers, here’s a recap of what Transitional Housing is and how it works:
What is Transitional Housing?
Transitional housing is a supportive – but temporary – type of housing that is designed to help people transition from homelessness to permanent housing by providing structure, supervision, support (for things like addictions and mental health), life skills, and, in some cases, education and training.
Transitional housing programs have traditionally been located in dedicated, building-specific environments with more shared space and less private space than permanent housing surroundings.
New concepts that combine scattered-site housing are now being embraced as the concept of transitional housing has evolved. Some of the transitional ‘supports’ are considered transferable in such instances.
Transitional housing was created to help those who are homeless or in a crisis, as well as specialized populations facing social acceptance issues, bridge the gap between temporary and permanent accommodation.
Transitional Housing is distinct from Permanent/Supportive Housing, which is meant for those with special needs such as physical or mental illness, developmental disabilities, or drug addiction. Permanent Supportive (or Supported) Housing (PSH) is a type of housing that combines rental assistance with individualized, flexible, and voluntary support services.
Permanent Supportive Housing is an alternative for people who have been homeless for a long time (PSH). PSH units are contained in a single structure or household for the most part. It can take several forms, ranging from a single room in a house to a number of or all of the units in a structure.
PSH units may be deployed in a variety of settings, depending on the individual’s level of need and the availability of supports (provided either through home visits or in a community-based setting).
What are Halfway Homes?
Halfway houses were first established in 18th century England to shelter youngsters who had committed crimes. In the United States, similar houses were established to house prisoners who had recently been released from prison.
Many halfway homes are still used to shelter newly released offenders or as a solution for homelessness, while others are dedicated to housing persons who have recently completed addiction treatment. Residents in halfway houses are frequently ordered by the courts to stay for a set period of time.
A halfway house also called a “sober living house” in some states, is a transitional housing facility for drug and alcohol addicts. Some people travel to a halfway house after leaving a long-term addiction treatment facility, prison, or a homeless situation, while others go to start their recovery journey in a sober living setting. People are placed in halfway houses as a result of court orders in some situations.
One thing to keep in mind is that the phrase “halfway house” has grown to signify different things in different parts of the country. In Pennsylvania, for example, a halfway house is a structured residential treatment center, whereas, in Florida, it could be a transitory residence following treatment.
Furthermore, the word “halfway home” has a negative connotation, as there has been much in the news about shady operations and overdoses at halfway houses. The terminology employed to describe the home environment is deceptive, ambiguous, and has negative connotations.
What’s the Difference between Sober Living and Halfway Houses?
When you’re seeking help while working on your sobriety, it’s crucial to know the difference between sober living and halfway houses so you can figure out which is best for you.
Some sober living homes are now associated with addiction treatment programs, while others are maintained by sober living experts whose primary mission is to provide a safe living environment for persons in this stage of recovery.
Some halfway houses, on the other hand, are run by government entities. Sober living homes are constructed more like private dwellings, providing residents with greater privacy and comfort. Halfway houses can be congested and dorm-like.
The expense is another significant distinction between sober living and halfway houses. Because they often have fewer facilities, less privacy, and less structure, halfway homes are the less expensive option. However, insurance may cover sober living, making it a practical choice for those who might benefit from this degree of assistance.
While the goal of sober living homes and halfway houses are similar, there are a few variances. For starters, halfway houses are frequently intended for those who have recently been released from prison and have completed a drug treatment program while incarcerated.
Unlike halfway houses, sober living homes do not usually need residents to have served time in prison. They may also not force housemates to participate in treatment regimens while they are living there. Another significant difference — and benefit — is that sober living homes do not have a residency time limit.
Residents can benefit from longer-term responsibility and community support, as well as the peace of mind they need to focus on their recovery rather than worrying about where they’ll live after their time is up.
What Are Sober Living Homes?
Although some sober living facilities provide possibilities for peer support group meetings, they do not provide ‘formal’ addiction therapy. Residents must still see their therapist, doctor, or treatment center to stay on track with their treatment plan.
Residents at sober living facilities must adhere to a set of rules and regulations. This can range from agreeing to drug tests on a regular basis to adhering to curfews. Sober living homes can provide a valuable platform for people who are just beginning their sobriety journey to progressively develop newly gained life skills and coping mechanisms.
Early on in recovery, staying in a sober living home is an effective relapse prevention approach. It’s easier to resist the urge to relapse into drug-using habits when you have round-the-clock access to assistance and are in a substance-free environment.
Sober living homes, like halfway houses, have a lengthy history. Beginning in the 1830s, religious organizations began to build “dry” hotels where guests were compelled to abstain from using alcohol.
Sober living homes, like halfway houses, have developed. Some facilities provide residents with a lot of structure and assistance in order to help them stay on track with their recovery, while others are less structured.
Who Can Live In A Halfway House?
Most halfway houses don’t have any restrictions on who can live there, but most people who live in a sober living home have already completed a treatment program. This is primarily due to the fact that halfway houses demand you to stay sober while you are residing there.
As a result, those who have previously achieved some level of sobriety are more likely to succeed in a halfway home than those who are just starting out in recovery. However, this isn’t a necessity. You can live at a halfway home if you’re freshly sober, have gone through detox, are willing to stay sober, and can commit to following the house rules.
In comparison to an inpatient treatment program, halfway houses are often less structured and offer greater independence. They do, however, provide more structure and support than you would get at home. While you can work and/or go to school while living in a sober living home, you must continue to work on your recovery by attending 12-step meetings (or other recovery meetings).
What are the Key Rules of Living in Halfway Houses?
The restrictions differ from one facility to the next, but there are a few that apply to all sober living houses. When you move into a halfway home, you agree to these agreements, and breaking them might result in fines, having to make reparations, or even being asked to leave.
The following are some frequent halfway house rules and guidelines:
- You must maintain your sobriety. You will be subject to random drug testing if you use drugs or drink alcohol.
- There will be no fighting or violence directed at other neighbors.
- Doing chores is a requirement for you to contribute to the household.
- You must follow a curfew.
- There is no stealing or destroying the property of another resident.
- If you don’t already have a job, you may be obliged to interview for one.
- You are required to attend 12-step or other types of treatment groups.
How Case Management Helps in Transitional and Halfway Housing
Transitional and midway housing programs rely heavily on case management. Case managers assist their clients in locating suitable housing options that meet their requirements and circumstances.
Case managers are also responsible for addressing difficulties that may prevent the homeless from accessing livable housing alternatives in other housing programs. Credit history, arrears, or any other legal concerns are examples of these impediments. Case managers are also the ones who negotiate favorable lease agreements with landlords on behalf of the homeless.
Even after the client has moved into their new home, the housing case manager’s work does not end. They’re also in charge of keeping track of the client’s housing stability and health after they’ve found a place to live. This can be accomplished by maintaining regular contact with the landlord and/or making random house visits.
Case managers are also in charge of connecting participants to valuable community resources in order to ensure their well-being and long-term success. Income and healthcare benefits, community services, job opportunities, and other resources are examples of these resources.
Nonprofits and social service organizations may now efficiently face field difficulties and serve more clients with less effort and in lesser time thanks to cutting-edge case management software for housing. These software solutions make the whole process of case management, right from induction to exit a breeze for both the client and the case managers.
So, whether you’re a small or large charitable organization, you may benefit from a housing case management software that’s right for you.