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Non-Profit of the Week: Peoples' Self-Help Housing
updated: May 22, 2010, 10:00 AM
Peoples' Self-Help Housing (PSHH) is a non-profit organization founded in 1970 with the mission to provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income families, seniors, and other special needs groups in communities on the Central Coast, including Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.
In the past 40 years, Peoples' has achieved much success, developing over 1,250 rental units for low and extremely-low income households, providing affordable rents in safe and attractive housing in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. In addition, Peoples' has assisted 1,100 low-income households to build and own their first home.
To fulfill its mission to promote self-sufficiency for its residents, Peoples' provides supportive housing services such as counseling and case management. PSHH is one of the few agencies that has the ability to set aside affordable units to house those who are transitioning from homelessness. PSHH follows the "Housing First" model by housing very low-income and homeless individuals first, and then providing intensive wrap-around services in their homes in order to stabilize them and to make the move permanent.
National statistics that show that supportive housing programs can decrease costly emergency room visits by 50%, increase participants' earned income by 50%, and reduce their rate of employment by 40%, decrease dependence on welfare, and keep people successfully housed. Studies have demonstrated that providing people with permanent supportive housing is the most humane and cost-effective way to end chronic homelessness. One study documented a savings of $16,281 per year for individuals placed in permanent supportive housing.
Peoples' also provides free after-school education daily for 300 K-6 children at six youth learning centers. Our youth educators help students complete their school work. The program has been effective in increasing math and English literacy competencies and in keeping children at their grade level. YEEP also offers enrichment activities in the arts, science, nutrition, and physical education. Enhancement activities provide the opportunity to explore art, music and science, and to learn about colleges, universities and career options for the future.
For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or learn more about Peoples' Self-Help Housing visit www.pshhc.org or call Rochelle Rose, Fund Development Director, at (805) 962-5152 x227.
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