The Bethesda Center - The United Way of Forsyth County

Updates:
Agency/Program
2 of 3
Received funding from Kate B Reynolds Charitable Trust to implement a collaborative housing project.
Implemented a 90 day tracking system including identification process involving CHIN and was recognized by
Hands on NW NC.
Established a Client Advisory Council to be responsible for addressing client issues and consequences to
eliminate any biases and in support of motivational/ peer specialist process.
BCH has a trained staff person completing SOAR applications and is completing certification.
Received an AmeriCorps Grant for a Volunteer/Program VISTA Coordinator.
Transitioned the coordination of Resource Day Program from United Way to an activity maintained by
Bethesda Center.
Increased bed availability for women from 27 to 39.
Challenges:
Bethesda has identified and seen an increased in gang members between 18-25 seeking shelter.
Because of this new challenge, the Center has requested the involvement of Parks and Recreation
Gang Task force to provide staff with ongoing training on gang activities and identification and is in
the beginning stage of developing a plan to address the issue of gang members in the shelter.
Although Bethesda Center has revamped the staff, it appears that some issues are aligned with similar
circumstances and continue to reoccur. Example, there has been an increased in complaints on Bethesda
Center and the abilities of the staff.
Our agency is the only shelter provider opened 24/7 during extreme weather. Therefore, clients and
staff are interacting constantly.
There has been an increased level of activity for the night shelter consisting of new entries and
returning clients and lack of bed availability during peak times. The challenge is to meet housing needs
while reducing shelter beds.
Because Bethesda is practicing harm reduction, clients are entering the Center that may not be
permitted to enter other locations.
There are individuals entering Bethesda Center and they are inappropriate for entry due to major
mental and physical disabilities; however, there are limited options.
Lessons Learned:
After many years of operating without a time limit for clients to stay in the shelter, a time limit policy was
adopted for 90 days. Individuals making progress may apply for a 30 day extension (up to 2 extensions).
Although the Clients adjusted to the new policy, many are recycling through other shelters. Therefore,
the average length of stay was reduced and is consistent with other shelters. We have seen some of
those affected by the first wave of the 90 day policy return to the Center.
Due to funding cuts, BCH ceased providing evening meals and clients were able to eat when several
churches became partners in providing meals through programming services at Bethesda.
Clients don’t always understand that when agencies reduce or terminate a service that funding is the
reason for the reduction instead of the lost being viewed as punishment to them.
A major ongoing challenge at Bethesda is educating and helping the clients to change their attitudes
from entitlement to self-reliance-with-assistance. Because we have been successful in placing some
people into housing, the clients see it occurring for some and not for others; however, they do not
understand why some are able to move into housing faster than others. Therefore, educating the clients
on eligibility requirements for programs is very essential. Many individuals without impairments, lack of
age eligibility and or income do not qualify for housing programs or any other assistance. There is a
group of people who do not qualify or fit into any system or would be able to acquire housing if HAWS
does not present the opportunity (client must pay a minimum fee for housing).
We believe that clients should play an essential role in improving their situation while being pointed in
the direction of multiple systems of assistance and help; there is expectation by participants that the
system should do more.
In the first six months of services, there was a decreased in the number of men being served due to
housing placement or reduced enrollment and bed availability was converted to serving more women.
For the first time since 2006, there were sufficient beds to meet demands for beds by women.
Scanning identification cards increased accuracies in registering for services and card maintenance for
entry into the Center has required clients to be responsible. Clients have brought into the identification
process.
Mid-Cycle Report – 2011 through 2013
January 2013 Version