“Homelessness” is a complex problem – and severe mental illness, addiction and/or major life events are not the most common cause. Often, economic hardship or family issues (such as divorce or running away from an unsafe home) are factors on one’s path to losing housing. What’s more, the experience of homelessness itself can be traumatic. For some, these events continue to stack until finding a way out feels impossible.
Because each person’s path to homelessness is unique, the services offered are tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Participants join the program with a desire to find support with the employment and housing search, but are offered much more:
- A daily meaningful activity to participate in each day of the week
- A community of peers and mentors
- A goal-oriented structure through which to gain lifelong skills
- A sense of commitment to giving back to the larger community
- A feeling of pride in the results they create (cleaner streets, new relationships)
- An opportunity to demonstrate leadership
These elements come together to help create confidence, dignity and a stronger sense of self for program participants. In addition to the practical and emotional benefits DST provides, the program offers the following services:
- Case management
- Employment support & opportunities with local companies
- Community Outreach
- Additional support offered through partnerships:
- Substance use support, therapy, legal services, etc.
