Transitional Housing

Bridges West Transitional Program

Bridges West Transitional Housing Program (BWTHP) is a more recent addition to the Siouxland Area.  Twenty-two units, eight family units and fourteen single units, house community members who have experienced homelessness.  Transitioning into BWTHP, the once homeless now have access to more personal space.  While each unit is equipped with a small microwave and refrigerator-freezer, both family unit occupants and single unit occupants have access on each floor (family unit floor and single unit floor) to a common living room and a common kitchen.  The common living rooms are equipped with a television and telephone.  In this way, participants have access to the latest news developments and communication with employment and resource professionals.  Both floors also are equipped with a laundry room in which once-homeless individuals need not worry about finding funds to keep their attire clean and in presentable order.

BWTHP is located in a geographic area within blocks of the Sioux City downtown area.  This downtown area houses many of the agencies, which provide access to mainstream resources.  In addition to mainstream resource agencies, the geographic area surrounding BWTHP houses both employee agents and employers.  If an agency or employment potential is not located in the downtown or surrounding area, occupants may access city bussing by walking to the end of the block. 

From the onset of entrance into the BWTP, participants experience similar, if not more extensive, process of obtaining housing.  Entrance involves a certification process in which once-homeless individuals must provide certain paperwork, clear a criminal background check that contributes to a safe environment for all participants, and review and sign an occupancy agreement.  This occupancy agreement provides a basic guideline for participants and administration. 

BWTHP provides on-site case management.  The property/case manager with the participant gathers information.  The property/case manager and participant identify personal strengths and obstacles then design case plans.  Case plans are centered on the three program goals to promote self-sufficiency:  obtaining and remaining in permanent housing, achieving greater self-determination, and increasing skills and/or income.  For each main goal, the case manager and participant form at least three action steps.  These action steps are monitored for achievement or revision, providing structure for participant and program success.  While working towards self-sufficiency, participants have access to supportive services that include basic needs like food, medical care and prescriptions, child care, children’s activities, and information and referral.  Information and referral connects participants to resources such as Sioux City Housing Authority, Center For Consumer Credit Counseling and Center For Siouxland Client Trust Services, Iowa Workforce Development, Goodwill Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Iowa Department of Human Services, Department of Vital Statistics, Social Security Administration, Veteran’s Administration , Siouxland Mental Health Center, and their Community Support Specialists, Siouxland Community Health Center, Women Aware, Counsel on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Jackson Recovery Services, Native Family Resource Center, Westside Resource Center, Mary J. Treglia Community House, and AEA.  Administration and case management utilize the Homeless Management Information System not only to guide both individual case plans and overall program activity but also to accumulate important data. 

In addition to case planning, the case manager also organizes and coordinates activities that contribute to self-sufficiency.  Workshops provide participants with life skills and information.  Floor and house meetings allow participants and administration to voice concern areas and experience problem-solving techniques.  Unit inspections increase participants’ property care skills and prepare once-homeless individuals for future successful landlord-tenant relationships or perhaps eventual homeowner success.  Participants experience leadership and accountability through weekly floor captain assignment.  Floor captains organize weekly tasks that maintain cleanliness and order in the common areas. 

BWTHP demonstrates a community vision unraveled into the everyday.  From the physical facility to locality to infrastructure, the design embraces community members who experience homelessness and equips these individuals with components of self-sufficiency.  Self-sufficiency not only promotes individual independence and community success, but may be the road to increased involvement from a once taxed, disengaged, or withdrawn community member.