Community Resources

Since the beginning of our country, there has been a need for programs that address the human services needs people have in communities across this land. Through the years, our government has provided a vast array of programs falling under the category of human services. At the present time, the United States Department of Health and Human Services is the agency responsible for the protection of the health of Americans and the administration of over 300 programs for persons in need. These programs are varied and diverse, yet all in some way address the common theme of treating each recipient with the dignity and respect due them as human beings and citizens of our country and offering them assistance in their time of need. Programs range from health research to emergency preparedness, from infant care to elder care. The agency works in tandem with State and Local governments across the country and with private grantees who administer programs for the agency.

I have chosen to focus this paper on Housing Services offered through community resources in the human services area in two communities: Vero Beach, Indian River County and Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, both in Florida. I live or work these communities. Both these counties receive funds administered through the Department of Health and Human Services via the State of Florida.

In Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, Florida the city offers a State Housing Initiative Program (S.H.l.P.) through their Community Resources office. The S.H.I.P. program provides funding through grants or interest free loans for the down payment/closing costs associated with the purchase of a safe and decent home, funding for the repairs to an existing home or the payment of the costs associated with connecting to the water and sewer services provided by the utility department. To qualify a resident of the county must fall under the extremely low, very low or moderate income levels. Applicants must meet certain criteria in addition to income guidelines such as: income to assets ratio; be current with property taxes; the property must be the primary residence of the applicant. Is the applicant willing to live in the community for the number of years specified by the contract so that it will be forgiven or through volunteering in the community? Finally, can the property be brought up to current building code without exceeding the grant or loan?

The application process can take up to two months and the paperwork required is extensive, however, speaking from first-hand knowledge, the benefits of being awarded either a grant or loan through the S.H.I.P program are well worth the effort to both the homeowner and to the City. The positive impact the program has upon a family and community is profound. Homes are purchased and existing ones are kept in good condition and not abandoned throughout the community. Residents once homeless now have a decent roof over their head and other residents who once lived in unsanitary or hazardous living conditions now live with dignity and feel empowered to contribute back to the community through employment or volunteering.

In Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida “The Source,” founded in 1995 provides outreach services to people who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness. 46% of the people receiving assistance are the вЂ?working poor’ who have lived for over 10 years in

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