With a gracious heart I would like to share with you a program that responds to the needs of individuals who have served their time and seek successful reentry to the general public. Saint Ambrose Housing seeks to address those needs.
On Sunday, December 3, 2023, after the 10:00 a.m. service during hospitality, Shalawn James, the Director of the Program will speak to us as to how parishioners can participate in a Home Sharing Program.
In addition to the attached flyers this additional information should help you prepare for her presentation. All home sharing opportunities are vetted through St. Ambrose to include a criminal background check, mental health and needs assessment, home inspection (Home Provider only) and reference check.
Specifically for the 180 Homeshare (Returning Citizens) we ensure that there is no recent criminal activity and that they are connected to an educational program, employment/job training and or parole/probation officer before entry into the program.
The program does not allow the following offenses for 180 Homeshare Sexual assault or any charge of a sexual nature and any charge with fire starting behaviors (Arson).
For all non 180 Homesharers no criminal activity is allowed within a 10-year period. Home providers and Home seekers work with St. Ambrose to determine the specific responsibilities for both parties through a document called a Living Together Agreement.
This document discusses the terms that both parties are agreeable to provide or not provide when making the match. So, in essence the Home provider is only committing to providing a living space. No food, transportation or other needs are their responsibility unless they want to and agree to provide such services. St. Ambrose for the Returning Citizens population provides a 500-dollar stipend directly to the home provider, 6 months’ worth of food vouchers, 3 months of transportation vouchers, a clothing voucher, a Chromebook, cell phone, and a bed to the Home Seeker/Returning Citizen.
Home Sharing agreements for the 180 Homeshare program are a month to month 6 months term. However, this can be ended or extended by one or both parties. In addition to the Home Sharing Program, there are other ways you can help.
According to Ms. James, “In addition to Returning Citizens, St Ambrose also houses homeless youth and other housing insecure individuals. In our efforts to provide stability we are in constant need of donations. These include but are not limited to toiletries (individually packaged toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, body soap, deodorant, lotion, shampoo, conditioner) wash clothes and towels, non-perishable food items, linen, comforters, blankets and throws, pillows, gentle used business attire (ties, belts, pants, skirts, shirts and blouses and shoes), undergarments, socks, household goods that can be taken with the seeker to their new living space when the successfully transition from the program. Each seeker is provided with a bed from St. Ambrose that they can take with them when they transition.”
