Mobile Outreach Program

S.E.A.R.C.H. Homeless Services Search Emergency Aid Resource Center for the Homeless. – Mission: Provide hope, create opportunity, and transform lives – Values Integrity: We do the right thing and make the right choice. Trust: We are credible, competent, and keep our commitments. Authentic Communication: We respectfully exchange ideas, information, and perspectives. Client Centered: We make clients the central focus of our work. Learning Organization: We foster education, innovation, and discovery.

Program Description SEARCH’s Mobile Outreach Program (MOP) goes out into the community where unsheltered and un- served people congregate or camp to promote the awareness of SEARCH’s services to the population experiencing homelessness: – MOP also: Carries needed services and supplies to persons outdoors Acts as a liaison between the individual experiencing homelessness and other service providers – Our primary goal is to assist people experiencing homelessness in accessing the social services they need in order to obtain a stable, sustainable independent lifestyle.

Engagement Resource Center – Breakfast & Lunch – Intake & Client Orientation – Showers – Laundry – Information & Referral Services – Clothing – Hygiene Items

Stabilization PATH Program – Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness – Provides services to individuals with serious mental illness, as well as co-occuring substance use disorders Mobile Outreach – Serves as a bridge connecting persons on the streets of Houston to services within SEARCH Chronics – Provides for clients who are disabled and chronically homeless focusing on transitioning into a permanent housing situation Disability – Provides assistance to homeless, disabled individuals in applying for Social Security Disability Benefits Downtown Management District – Provides intensive case management to homeless individuals in the downtown Houston area as referred by the HPD HOT Team

Housing Shelter Plus Care – Provides clients with a combination of stable housing and supportive services designed to help them take charge of their lives and live as independently as possible. Partners Program – Provides on-site supportive services to formerly homeless residents at Jackson Hinds & Northline SRO with the highest needs. Off Site Collaborations – Collaborate with New Hope housing to assist clients who are formerly homeless or at risk of homeless to maintain current housing.

Employment Employment Services – Offers job readiness, skills training, employment placement assistance and case management. Supported Employment – Provides a full range of services which enable people with disabilities to access and succeed in competitive employment. Veterans Reintegration Program – Support and assist homeless veterans looking for employment

Do’s and Don’ts Encountering a potentially hostile homeless individual: – Maintain legs’/arms’ length distance – Maintain respectful eye contact – Be sensitive to cues – Do not touch client’s possessions – If the client does not wish to engage respect their wishes – Do not approach persons or animals without permission

Do’s and Don’ts When approaching a sleeping person: – Do not come up behind them – Do not touch them or attempt to physically wake them – Keep your distance while calling out to them in case they awaken with a startled response – Do not leave perishable items or items that can be tampered with if they do not awaken

Do’s and Don’ts Do not attempt to engage a client on your own. Do not make promises/commitments to clients. Do not give inaccurate information about services. Make sure to approach each client courteously and respectfully. – Smile! --Call people by name! --Shake hands! Listen to what each person has to say respectfully. – It is important to remain open and nonjudgmental