The primary goal of C.A.T.C.H. is to significantly reduce the number of unsheltered homeless persons in Boise by placing them into permanent housing. Secondary goals include: 1) connecting participants with relevant social services; 2) observe noticeable relief to the temporary emergency shelter system which could then serve transitional and episodic homeless more efficiently.

Description:
C.A.T.C.H. provides housing first to homeless families, in order to enable them to become independent and financially self-sufficient. The families are selected from homeless families who meet program eligibility criteria and are living in local Emergency Shelters.

C.A.T.C.H. participants are provided case management services for emotional support and encouragement, job and life skills training, budget counseling, individual and family counseling, and group support. C.A.T.C.H. also provides advocacy, support services, and referrals to assist families/youth with debt reduction, increasing personal savings, securing affordable housing and child care. Employment counseling and assistance in obtaining permanent affordable housing are provided to help families become economically and socially independent.

During a period of up to six months of reduced or absent housing fees, participants must demonstrate an effort to acquire additional education, upgrade their job or technical skills, reduce debt level, and/or increase their savings in order to enable them to become financially independent.

C.A.T.C.H. has the capacity to provide professional case management and supportive services to 20-25 families based upon the level of support needed. Affordable housing is subsidized by local businesses or faith-based partners. C.A.T.C.H. staff work collaboratively with partners and social service agencies to create change, offer support and compassion, and ultimately ensure success of the participant family. (e.g. move-in support and help to obtain furniture is available upon entry to the program, assistance with weekly budgeting or other tasks identified on the individualized service plan is provided to help families stay focused on their desired outcome, and training needed to improve their overall quality of life such as ongoing parent training is available).

History:
C.A.T.C.H. has celebrated its 2nd year of service. The program started November 17, 2006. From its inception C.A.T.C.H. has served 54 families with a total of 115 children. Of these families approximately 83% successfully completed the program, and were able to pay their own rent upon program graduation. C.A.T.C.H. represents a community-wide, collaborative effort sponsored by the City of Boise, the United Way, local congregations of faith, and local businesses, and was developed due to a recognized need for more services in the local Continuum of Care for homeless families with children. By utilizing the “housing first” approach, C.A.T.C.H. offers a permanent housing solution for families experiencing homelessness, and the weekly encouragement and professional support of licensed social workers.

Contact people:

Janet Rinker, CATCH Program Coordinator/Lead Social Worker, (208) 384-4087, (email) Greg Morris, CATCH Program Manager, (208) 493-2503, (email) Melanie Owen, Administrative Assistant, (208) 384-4087, (email)

Office fax number: (208) 343-0529

Address:

1276 West River Street, Suite 201 Boise, ID 83702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/PDS/CATCH

Directions:

We are located at the corner of 13th and River Street on the 2nd floor. The Housing Authority and United Way are also in this building.   Nearest Bus Stop: 500 feet