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“Don’t Worry About Housing Now” Wendell Hansley understands what it takes for substance abusers to overcome their addictions and why housing is so important to that mission. Hansley started using drugs himself at age 13. When he finally stopped, he was drawn to helping others. He worked in a methadone program, going out into the streets to bring others into treatment. Hansley also worked as a drug treatment counselor and an HIV and AIDS worker. “I have a competitive spirit that says you can cure all,” says Hansley. “I know I can’t, but if I can get one or two I’m happy.” Hansley and Good Shepherd have done better than that. Over a dozen people have already graduated from their 18-month program and are now leading productive lives, some having starting their own business or even bought their own home. Participants enter the program after a peer-based screening committee is convinced that they are clean and good candidates for the program. Residents must be homeless, coming out of an institutional or treatment setting, or doubled up in temporary housing. These are successes that, in most cases, come after years of failure, relapse and crime. Fourth Quarter gives its residents something they most likely never (have - take off) had: a chance to get out of their old neighborhood, off the streets, and into a safe, stable home where they can be surrounded by others who are working on recovery from addiction. “I tell them, don’t worry about housing now. Worry about recovery.” It’s a gift that seems to be yielding great results. Fourth Quarter’s Public Housing Ally One of the major keys to making the Fourth Quarter Apartments possible comes from a very progressive public housing authority. Wilmington Housing Authority Director Alan Jones, known statewide for his willingness to embrace new ideas, didn’t have to be sold on the importance of Fourth Quarter’s mission. Years ago, Jones had an employee of his own who was struggling with substance abuse problems. Convinced that she had the ability to overcome her addiction, and concerned for her children, Jones held the woman’s job for her twice, while she tried to get clean. The employee eventually moved into public housing, kicked her habit, and went back to school to get a master’s degree. She now has a good job and recently bought a home for her family. “We made a commitment that if we’re going to do something to help the homeless and people with substance abuse problems, let’s make it a priority,” Jones says. “We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do.” What Jones is doing is making Section 8 rental assistance available to Fourth Quarter in a way that is flexible and rapid enough to actually make the program’s operations work. When a new resident is screened and accepted into the program, Jones’ Section 8 staff swing into action almost the same day. This ensures that Fourth Quarter has the rental income cashflow to remain solvent. If residents are successful after 18 months in the program, Jones and his team help them secure Section 8 rental assistance upon their departure. [NAME] made homelessness a priority for its public housing and Section 8 programs, and has created a streamlined process for dealing with priority applicants. “There is all kinds of justification, both written and implied, throughout housing law,” for making these extra efforts, Jones explains. “ What we’re doing here can be duplicated by any Section 8 program in any county in this state.” Area Program a Partner Too For Walter Vincent, Fourth Quarter is a great program for those people serious about their recovery. Vincent is the Supportive Housing Specialist at Southeastern Center, the area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse program. Vincent and his agency refer many of the clients to Fourth Quarter. In fact, according to Hansley, many have dual diagnoses of both substance abuse and mental disabilities. He has also played a key role in strengthening peer counseling and decisionmaking at the program. “ One of the first things I took on when I came to the Southeastern Center was the screening committee for Fourth Quarter, Vincent remembers. “We included residents, consumers, veterans and mental health professionals.” But Vincent, a strong believer in peer support, helped take the screening committee a step further. “About six months ago, we turned that duty over to the residents. We put ourselves out of business. Anytime we can empower the consumer or encourage peer support, programs have a much better chance of succeeding. “No matter how great or how well-trained your staff is, if you have someone who is not doing well, they’ll listen to a peer more than anyone else. If you encourage and promote peer support, then people will continue to use peers for support after they’re out of the program.” If you’d like more information on how Fourth Quarter works, contactWendell Hansley at 313-3133 |
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