Funded by Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly Section 8) and Lutheran Social Services, Saybrook opened its doors on March 8th, 2004. There is a waiting list for housing there.
In order to qualify to live at Saybrook, families must be homeless, either coming off of the streets, out of a homeless shelter or from a temporary housing situation. One adult needs to have a disability, and each family must have at least one child under the age of eighteen. If substance abuse has been an issue, all family members must be clean, sober, and willing to participate in a relapse prevention or recovery program, and at least one adult must be either employed or willing to be employed.
Services Provided
While living at Saybrook, families are offered multiple support services in order to achieve the program’s goal for its residents: self-sufficiency and a permanent job that pays a living wage.
Saybrook aims to address the repetitive or cyclical problem of homelessness. Two key factors in this cycle are transportation and childcare. Saybrook is intentionally located near local public transportation. Licensed childcare is provided onsite for children five and younger by Little Blessings, and Saybrook has contracted with the Youth Guidance Connection to offer after-school tutoring, life-skills coaching and recreation. Education is provided on substance abuse and support groups meet routinely. Life skills classes, dealing with parenting, budgeting, nutrition and anger management are offered.
Saybrook staff assist residents with writing resumes, connect them with employment centers, help them prepare for interviews, coach them in conflict management, and advocate for Saybrook residents facing challenges in their employment. Residents are supported in the completion of their GEDs and enrollment in vocational/technical schools or colleges.
When do services end?
Clients may stay at Saybrook until they are stabilized and self sufficient.
The Saybrook Permanent Supportive Housing program in Sacramento just celebrated its first year -- these statistics were reported by clients in March 2005, comparing their circumstances to those of one year previous.
