Pathways Program

Through Pathways, we help people recover from the crises of homelessness, poverty, and addiction through a three phase program. Clients and staff work together to set goals for recovery, jobs, benefits, and housing, and are held accountable to achieve those goals.

At each phase, clients take steps to achieve their best life possible by overcoming barriers and connecting to resources, with the support of an empowering community. An average stay in Pathways is 180 days and clients graduate from this program once they have secured a permanent, positive solution to their crisis.

Phase 1: Days 1 - 30

Goals:

  1. Identify and address underlying issues that may be a root cause of a crisis

  2. Help clients change their mindset by learning how to live again

In this phase case management and clients work on getting an ID, securing benefits, getting placed on HUD’s housing priority list, and connecting with resources to address mental health issues, physical health issues, legal issues, or barriers.

Through classes offered at our shelter by staff and partner agencies, clients are able to work on themselves, learn responsibility and accountability, and gain a toolbox of skills and resources to prepare for life beyond the shelter. Peer-led groups, held by our certified peer support specialists, create a supportive environment for clients, promoting recovery from any type of addiction, trauma, or crisis.

Phase 2: Days 30 - 90

In the second phase of Pathways, clients work on reentering the workforce while building on the foundation of progress established in Beginnings. Case management helps clients navigate the process of getting a job through assistance with resume writing, completing applications, interview preparation, and enrolling them in applicable job training programs or vocational rehabilitation.

Once clients have a job or income, they work on financial literacy and start saving their money for life after their shelter stay. At this stage, clients are encouraged to begin the process of growing and building relationships outside of New Directions by attending community meetings and peer-led groups of their choice.

After clients have held a permanent job for at least one month and demonstrate they are ready for life beyond the shelter, they enter the final phase of the program.

Phase 3: Days 90 - 180~

Clients in the final phase use the tools and resources they have attained in Pathways to prepare for life beyond the shelter. During this phase clients will:

  • Work with Case Management to secure permanent housing OR

  • Work with Peer Support Specialists to find placement in a recovery house or transitional housing.

Clients in the this phase of the program become mentors to new clients and have leadership roles within the shelter, such as with peer groups and with chore crews. They continue to attend both on-site and community meetings and classes, maintain their employment, and save until they find a housing or recovery solution. At that point, clients depart from the shelter, having achieved a positive outcome to homelessness, poverty, and addiction, and having gained a toolkit of resources and inner resolve to maintain.