What is the program’s goal? The Step Up program assists homeless families with permanent housing and a successful transition to financial independence.
When was the program established at EOC? 2005
Who do you help (client base)? The Step Up program helps homeless families with children in need of assistance in securing housing and learning to budget appropriately, while striving for financial independence.
What are the eligibility requirements? Eligible families are those that do not have permanent housing, but have a strong desire to change their position in life and accept help in achieving that goal.
How many clients do you serve monthly/annually? The program is currently working with one family at a time, but the hope is that we will have three families engaged in the program by the end of the year.
Who is the current program manager? Jody Ketcheside, Shelter Manager
How many employees work for this program? 2 employees and staff of California Oncology (our partner)
Where is your office / are your offices located? 2336 Calaveras Street and 1545 “N” Street in downtown Fresno
Tell us about one of your “success stories”… The Hiatt family was living in a motel when they were selected for the Step Up program. They had three children and one more was on its way. The family entered the program and had some difficulty budgeting, but was very determined to make the necessary changes. Mr. Hiatt secured permanent full-time employment shortly after the family was placed in their apartment. Over the course of the two years, the family was able to have the utilities and apartment lease transferred to their names. Mr. Hiatt has maintained employment and built a savings account for emergencies. The children are thriving in school and have made friends. They are completely financially independent, and have expressed a great deal of gratitude for what the program was able to help them achieve by giving them the tools they needed to “Step Up” to the challenge of taking charge of their lives.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about your program? The Step Up program places homeless families in permanent housing. A case manager works closely with the family to assist them in making sound financial decisions. The program provides financial assistance with rent, utilities, clothing, and transportation while easing the family into financial independence. The program is approximately eighteen months long per family.
