4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FAMILY SHELTER I recently visited Alpha House, the family shelter located in Ann Arbor, and was welcomed like a family member attending a family reunion. I arrived with the intention to discover what Alpha House is all about and learn the details of their current expansion project, but first let me describe how it was founded. History of Alpha House Initially there were 12 religious congregations in Washtenaw County, mostly in Ann Arbor, that came together in 2001 to operate a weekly rotating shelter for homeless families. They later became the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). They found that these rotations were negatively impacting the school age children. Some children’s ability to get to and from school became problematic as was having to change schools in the middle of the school year, and/or prohibiting the freedom of desired choice. It was an unstable environment. The IHN needed a permanent location. St. Joseph’s Hospital had a rehab facility located at 4290 Jackson Rd. in Ann Arbor that was shut down, so they let IHN use it as a permanent shelter for only $1 a year rent. That is how it became IHN at Alpha House, better known as Alpha House. How about that for miracles? I reckon that the people of the IHN would probably just simply state that the Lord works in mysterious ways! Before I go any further, let me introduce four amazing members of the staff for IHN at Alpha House and an outstanding volunteer: Executive Director Shonagh Taruza, Director of Operations Brad White, Volunteer Coordinator Patty Page, Programs Director Denise Diggs-Taylor, and volunteer Greg Humbel. Words aren't enough to describe these beautiful souls, but further along in this article I will comment on their assets that I appreciate. Shelter experience I will now share some information and criteria for obtaining the services that Alpha House offers. Being homeless is number one and the city of origin doesn't matter, as long as potential clients are U.S. citizens or have a green card or legal rights to reside in the United States. If potential clients do not have proper required identifications, Alpha House staff are able to assist with obtaining these documents within legal parameters. Clients must also be pregnant, or have a child or children. If communication barriers present, someone on staff will reach out to interpreters. Upon arriving at Alpha House clients are immediately welcomed then assigned a case manager. The case manager conducts an assessment in order to better assist them with their needs while taking action with cooperation of the clients to make positive gainful progress possible. Clients can stay at the shelter for 60 days. I am not aware of policy for extensions at this time. Clients are provided with job assistance and encouraged to participate in their existing employment program entitled Career Scope. Within the vestibule of Alpha House is an area for pursuing job leads that includes a table, chairs, a phone, and a bulletin board that lists jobs and educational opportunities, as well as community events that may be partaken in. Yes, childcare is an essential priority to me! Alpha House volunteers and staff work closely with the Childcare Network to address any childcare needs. This broadens time availability for parents which increases employment opportunities. To add to that, the wonderful McKinney-Vento Hearth Act law requires all homeless school-age children residing in LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover vendor No. 56 shelters to be provided funded transportation for the benefit of being able to continue attending the school they are presently enrolled in, or the school of their choice within the Ann Arbor school district. For example, some children are bussed, cabbed or driven to school in unmarked vehicles with assigned staff members; this way no child is singled out for living in a shelter. The guardian of a child that has a personal vehicle is given a gas card for gas for the purpose of taking and picking the children up from school. It is tantamount that children receive all of the academic education that they can get in an ever-changing, technological society. There are volunteers who provide on-site childcare for non school-age children of their clients. This is another way the more fragile youths can remain in an environment that is safer healthwise; it decreases exposure to dangerous health hazards for a child who is not yet fully vaccinated. As most of us who have encountered toddlers know, they love to stick things in their mouths. We all pretty much know that credit scores can have a negative impact on our quality of life and the ability to apply for and/or obtain suitable housing or other things we may apply for. So this is why at Alpha House the clients are encouraged to obtain a credit score report for awareness and the opportunity to address any issues that may have lowered their score. Criminal background checks are performed to intently address any issues that would hinder or prevent clients from accessing gainful employment and suitable housing, but other barriers may exist or arrive because of MARCH 22, 2024 Alpha House expands capacity by eight families Shonagh Taruza, Alpha House Executive Director, Patty Page, Volunteer Coordinator, and Brad White, Director of Operations, pictured left to right. an unknown charge or warrant. So please do not be offended by this part of the process. Now let me describe what it is like inside of the Alpha House shelter, and report about the rooms being renovated for the expansion to serve more clients. As it operates now, Alpha House has six rooms that may accommodate six families ranging from one pregnant woman per room or a family of four that consists of at least one child. They have two congregate family rooms. One has two computers and printers, video games and a library; clients may keep books they like. There is a cafeteria area that has a view of the outside, and an adjoining patio for sitting or smoking. No drugs are allowed including medical or recreational marijuana. Clients may cook any food in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer, as long as it is made clear by staff that it's okay. The children have a large area in the basement stocked with all sorts of toys, games, crafts and play related activities, and a fully functioning playground that has a couple of bikes and scooters. The children are appropriately and safely monitored at all times. Increasing need inspires rennovation Last winter, because of higher rent rates, a lot of families became homeless and IHN at Alpha House wanted to do more. The IHN at Alpha House members and staff realized that a rotating shelter would be essential to see FAMILY next page fully
5 Publizr Home