THE BOULEVARD OF CHICAGO INC
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Mission Statement
The Boulevard of Chicago is a unique organization and a long-standing recognized leader among the agencies working to address the challenges faced by Chicago’s homeless population. We are dedicated to helping homeless men and women with medical recovery needs that cannot be appropriately addressed in a shelter environment. We believe there is a direct link between stable medical and mental health, and stable housing.
About This Cause
The Boulevard’s objective is to provide residential and support services for homeless adults with acute medical needs, and prepare each to return to independent living. Structurally, the organization is divided two primary programs and several projects to work toward that goal. Assessment-Respite Our Assessment-Respite program works to help our residents complete their medical recovery, begin receiving support with social and psychological issues, and successfully relocate into stable housing. The program operates at our 64-bed facility located on Chicago’s West Side. Significantly the Assessment Respite program includes an on-site clinic staffed by the PCC Wellness Center. Individuals are referred to the program by the Chicago Department of Family Support Services and area hospitals. The program serves 300 men and women annually, providing housing in a dorm room environment, and three meals a day. Health Issues -- Primary eligibility criteria require that the individual be homeless and in need of medical respite. Residents must be able to self-care, the Boulevard is not meant to be a hospice or a nursing home. The first goal of the program is to help clients recover or stabilize their medical condition. The program addresses multiple Chronic Health Issues including respiratory problems, HIV (29% of residents are impacted by HIV), and a dedicated Diabetes Project. Psychosocial Issues -- While at The Boulevard residents are assessed by an on-site LCSW for a wide range of behavioral and psychosocial challenges, with treatment options provided when warranted. Follow-up mental health case management and substance abuse services are provided by a LSW and/or Substance Abuse Counselor staff at The Boulevard. Case Managers also provide a variety of on-site workshops for residents on daily living skills, budgeting, social skills relationships and both men-specific and women-specific group sessions. Alvin Baum Employment Project – Some of our residents will be able to return to the job market when they have completed their stay at The Boulevard. Participation in the Employment Project is optional but highly encouraged. The project helps our clients develop job skills and job search skills; and assists them in finding jobs or entering workforce development programs. The Project also includes a Service Learning Program which offers specialized training in marketable skills, including food service, housekeeping and training as a resident care assistant. Housing Advocates – Because of the lack of affordable housing in the city, finding permanent housing arrangements for our residents is our most difficult goal – 49% of our residents enter The Boulevard with no source of income, greatly limiting their housing options. Housing advocates on staff work with a network of permanent supportive housing programs and private landlords to accomplish placements. Residents are normally housed within 90 to 120 days, though residents are not discharged until housing can be found. Health and Housing Outreach Team The Boulevard’s Health and Housing Outreach Team (HHOT) provides continuing support services to individuals who have successfully transitioned into independent housing. These services are provided through weekly in-home visits from staff to make sure clients are maintaining their medication regimen, keeping their medical appointments, and verifying that their basic needs are being met. HHOT works through two projects. Samaritan Project – The Boulevard provides continuing support services to individuals housed throughout the city by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Samaritan Project. In our last fiscal year, 51 individuals were served. Lake Street Studios – The Boulevard provides support services to the 61 residents of the Lake Street Studios, a housing facility that is a collaborative project with the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation and the Chicago Housing Authority. The Boulevard has a full-time case manager working exclusively at the Studios.