
Homeless clients of the Resident Shelter Program receive comprehensive case management and set up a Service Plan with an individual case manager to address pertinent issues of joblessness, parenting, domestic violence, health, low income housing, financial dependency and other impediments to independent living. We frequently assist people in connecting them with resources to obtain Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Individuals and Families (TANF), Food Stamps, Emergency Assistance, Veteran’s Benefits, Job Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment, Marriage and Family Counseling, HUD Subsidized Housing, Clothing and Transportation. Clients in the Resident Shelter Program are required to save 80% of their income, seek employment (if able) or apply for benefits and remain drug and alcohol free. The goal of the Resident Shelter Program is to provide transitional housing (up to 6 months) for clients experiencing difficulties while promoting self-sufficiency.
The hours of operation for this program are 10 pm - 6:45 am. Clients are provided with a place to sleep, shower facilities, personal hygiene products and linens. There is a 30 day, per calendar year, limit to length of stay in the Emergency Shelter Program. However, the 30 day limit is suspended during times of cold weather. Clients must be in compliance with shelter rules of conduct or run the risk of forfeiting their shelter privileges.

Bartlett House has recently started a new life skills program for female residents. In collaboration with the WVU School of Nursing, four monthly classes have been scheduled to address the health related needs and concerns of our female residents. Many of our residents who are in various stages of pregnancy are also receiving information regarding proper prenatal care. These classes are held at 1:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m. in the Bartlett House conference room every two weeks. Our current participants have revealed that they feel more comfortable in a womens only setting. Of course, Bartlett House looks forward to the future growth of this collaboration.
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
Life Skills Classes are utilized at Bartlett House to educate our clients on a variety of topics relevant to their needs. Topics include everything from balancing a checkbook and development of a budget to shopping on a limited income and interview techniques. By allowing our clients access to these workshops, we, as an agency are able to tap in to the resources offered by other local agencies as well as provide our clients with the tools they will need in the future.
Our Outreach Program provides a support system for clients after leaving our facility. Case Managers will conduct home visits to ensure clients have adequate food, their utilities and housing payments are current and most importantly, to provide support given that many former clients do not have the support system that many of us have. We feel that our Outreach Program is a proactive approach to preventing the reoccurrence of homelessness. We have identified a strong correlation between follow-up / outreach services and a reduction in the recidivism rate.
