In 2007, the Foundation, in partnership with the Prince William County Community Services Board submitted a grant to the US Housing and Urban Development to partially fund a program to provide Housing First Permanent, Supportive Housing for homeless, seriously mentally ill heads of household.
If housing is difficult for poor working families, a person with mental health disabilities finds it that much more challenging. The program fills a high priority need in communities in Prince William County.
The Shepherd Homes Leasing Program provides permanent, affordable supported housing in scattered site leased apartments. Participants pay 30% of their income for rent. A full range of Mental Health supportive services are provided by Prince William County Community Services Board.
Today, the Foundation serves single adults and families with chronic mental illness in leased apartments. Some residents are Veterans, but all were homeless; many for more than 15 years. This program in conjunction with the Community Services team of mental health providers has proven to be a very successful Housing First model.
Program availability is by referral only from PWC Community Services.
