JARS OF CLAY
We believe who we are as human beings is determined by how we treat each other
Rapid Rehousing Program
INTRODUCTION
Since 1996 Jars of Clay has served and protected the rights of the most vulnerable homeless children, teenagers, women and men. Jars of Clay is a Christian Non-Profit organization. We are not federally funded by choice. We are funded by Christians who want to end homelessness, like we do. We believe good people can ban together to help change America and end homelessness for the GLORY of GOD. Jars of Clay's Rapid Rehousing Program serves as a powerful tool for good people who are without a home connecting; homeless people with apartments, jobs, education, agencies, churches and governmental advisors to end hunger and homelessness.
The heart beat of this program is to serve as an information and referral program to END HOMELESSNESS.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Once a person is evicted it is almost impossible to get approved for another apartment. Their credit, if any, is destroyed. Our first goal in our Rapid Rehousing Program is to interview each client to determine if they are Truly Homeless. If the client is homeless we will help them get into another home as fast as possible, regardless of their credit. Once a decision is made that they fit the legal definition of homelessness, then we begin the task of rebuilding lives as fast as possible. Once the client makes application for our program and is approved, a referral form is given to the client to help their new landlord or apartment complex approve them for second chance housing.
Many of our clients get approved for a new apartment withing 15 days of searching or less. And through the McKinney Vento Act, we try to keep your CHILDREN in the same schools so they do not lose their friends, teacher and security. After the client submits their new "pre-lease" our second goal is to schedule an orientation to help them learn about HUD funding sources for the homless. Once the second class is taken, clients will be given agency information, those who help the homeless with new move in expenses.
WE DO NOT PAY BILLS AND WE DO NOT MAKE YOUR APOINTMENTS. Because we do not receive federal funds, we refer clients to organizations that received those funds to help the homeless move back into their own home through one of the many HUD or FEMA approved funding programs. agencies for funding under one of many 'homeless assistance funding programs" like McKinney Vento Act.
Schedule An Appointment By Phone:
404-974-8023
(Phones are answered Monday-Friday 9:30-noon only)
OR
click the calander to your right for an APPOINTMENT
(available 24 hours)
If you are homeless and needing assistance getting approved for a home, consider letting us serve you through our Rapid Rehousing Program.
Simply pick the date and time you would like to come into the center for an official orientation and the scheduler will do the rest for you. Please remember:
1. You must be homeless
2. You must have identification
3. You must not have sex crimes against children
**Check this link to clear your background:
http://state.sor.gbi.ga.gov/Sort_Public/SearchOffender.aspx
4. You will be required to pay an enrollment/application fee of $25.00. This fee supports many other services to keep you stable.
5. You will be required to sit through a 45 minute orientation. The first class teaches you about the program and how to get housing.
6. You will be required to attend a 2nd orientation (once approved for your new home) This class will give information on how to move into your new home and agencies that accepted funding for the homeless.
7. You will be required to have viable income prior to your second orientation.
8. You will be given a coach to help you understand the housing process, learning how to be a good tenant, maintain a drug free home, empower your children through the McKinney Vento Act, & permanently end homeless.
No one should experience homelessness. No one should be without a safe, stable place to call home.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How do I apply? You can only apply on line.
How long does it take to get an appointment? It varies, with our new integrated calendar it may take a day or 2, but could go up to 2 weeks.
Is there a small fee? Yes, we charge an enrolllment/application fee of $25.00 and you may write this cost off on your taxes because we are a non-profit organization.
What is the purpose of the fee? To cover the paper cost of processing all the documents you will need for the program, for administration of those documents and for orientation supportive services (see brochure of services).
Is there an interview? Yes, once you obtain your appointment you will be required to attend two (2) orientation classes. The first class is a program overview (to understand the program ), to learn how to obtain a new apartment, to understand budgeting for your apartment, to receive your "Landlord Referral," and to meet your advisors. Once you are approved for an apartment, you will be scheduled for a second class (orientation), and will be advised about funding sources, information referrals, agencies that accept emergency funds to help the homeless, agencies that do not accept federal funding--but help the homeless, faith based organizations and churches, and final steps to end homelessness for your family.
How long are the classes? An average class lasts 45 minutes
How long does it take to get approved for an apartment? It depends on the person. Many clients (with bad credit) usually gets approved quickly. The process is faster when you know which area of town you want to live, if you do not have barriers, if you have income, if you are willing to end homelessness.
Do I have to work or have income? Absolutely, this is a program of "personal responsibility' you will be required to have viable income.
Does your organization help find employment? Yes, and we will help you create a resume.
Does your organization help everyone? No, we will not support any client that has sex crimes against children.
Can I get denied? Yes, if we discover you have sex crimes against children, if you are not truthful, if you are fraudulent in our program, if you do not follow our ethical program rules.
What if I have other program problems? Our Christian staff will coach and encourage you through common obstacles until you gain a solution.What if I have problems with funding agencies? We have created a help desk that solves 99% of problems. We will also help you make your appointments.
What about if I am living on the streets? We will help you with emergency housing to protect you and your family.
What about if I am in an abusive relationship? We also help people experiencing domestic violence.
What if I am homeless and have a warrant? We will contact your probation officer, plea with them for community service in lieu of a fine or arrest, and then we send documentation to them to state the facts for the judge. This service is usually offered for tickets or lesser charges.
What if I don't have an address? We offer free mail service and telephone use, computer use and we serve as a warming station.
Will you help me fill out the application? Yes, we understand some people have literacy struggles.
Will you help me with shelter if I need it? Yes, we have several emergency housing options.
Will you help get my children back in school? Yes, and we will contact your school(s) and set up provisions under the McKinney Vento Act, so your children have transportation, counseling, uniforms (if required), school supplies and more.
Do you help with counseling? Yes.
My kids are stressed, do you help with that? Yes, we offer counseling and supportive services (on a kids level) that helps them understand stress and how to cope with it.
Can I come to the center to use the computer or phone? Yes.
Do you help with clothing? Yes.
Why do you help? As a way of serving God and blessing people whose faith is a little shaky because of their struggles or homeless experience.
Any more questions...call 404-586-9793
Already in the program?
Need to schedule a funding orientation? Need a little help or encouragement? Need a job? Need food? Need childcare? Please call the office at: 404.586.9793