Peer Navigation Program as families return to permanent housing
| Grant Information | |
|---|---|
| Requested | 15000 |
| Granted | 5000.00 |
| Categories | Community , Environment , Education |
| Location | United States |
| Grant Cycle | 2025 |
| Organization Info | |
|---|---|
| 501c3 Organization | FUSION-FRIENDS UNITED TO SHELTER THE INDIGENT OPPRESSED AND NEEDY |
| Organization Website | www.fusionhousing.org |
| Grant Description | |
|---|---|
| Description | FUSION plans to use funds from this grant for an existing Peer Navigator position who plays a pivotal role in guiding families who have recently transitioned from homelessness into permanent housing. This position offers support and resources to families to help them remain housed and address any barriers they face in maintaining their new homes. The Peer Navigator works closely with families, offering empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance as they adjust to their new circumstances. The Peer Navigator acts as a primary point of contact for families, identifying obstacles to maintaining their housing, and connects families with community resources and services. The Peer Navigator has the lived experience of being unhoused and will utilize personal experiences to build trust and rapport with families and offer peer support and encouragement to motivate families towards long-term success. We anticipate that the Peer Navigator will work with 18-21 families at a time for up to three months after they exit the Family Shelter, meeting one-on-one for 60 minutes monthly. Families choose to opt into this program. Approximately 80% of the families who have utilized FUSION’s services are families of color, 29% of FUSION residents have a disability and 50% of residents are under the age of 12. FUSION is deeply committed to continuing the support of all families who move into permanent housing, helping them achieve self-sufficiency, with the support of our Peer Navigator. |
| Used for | Once a family exits our FUSION Family Center emergency shelter program, they lose access to our robust wrap around case management support which creates a gap in supportive case management services. By funding our Certified Peer Counselor position, who serves as a Peer Navigator with lived experience, we can increase our capacity to support families as they re-enter permanent housing by extending supportive case management for at least three additional months. |
| Benefits | For the past several years, one statistic tracked by King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) has remained roughly the same: approximately 25% of families and individuals registered in King County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), reentered homelessness from either permanent housing or after a period inactivity. We expect to lower the reentry rate to homelessness for King County families by expanding our case management support services through our Peer Navigator program, during a crucial period when families seek to regain a solid footing. FUSION serves a regional homeless population, 81% of whom last reported a permanent residence in King County. |