Model Proposals - Connections for the Homeless (CFH)

Like many other foundations, VNA enjoys funding new programs that offer creative and measurable solutions to problems facing the underserved. It is particularly satisfying to see those programs, following several years of funding, develop into models for innovative practice.

Connections for the Homeless (CFH) began as a community response to homelessness providing basic food and shelter. Today, CHF offers a comprehensive array of services through its Hilda's Place program. Although other Chicago-based shelters offer access to services, none provide the range of in-house services that include financial and employment counseling, health services and education, life skills training, and mental health and substance abuse counseling.

This proposal was approved in full by the VNA Foundation Board at its April 30, 2002 board meeting. It offers a clear explanation of the problem, well defined strategies and partnerships, and realistic outcome measures. We are pleased to offer it as the Proposal of the Quarter for the quarter ending June 30, 2002.

Request to the VNA Foundation

I. Executive Summary

Connections for the Homeless is part of a broad community response to homelessness and provides a variety of supportive services that address impediments to independence. We are very appreciative of the VNA Foundation's support of this endeavor and would welcome your continued partnership with a grant in the amount of $60,000 for personnel costs for the nurse. Holding the title, health services coordinator, the nurse coordinates medical services and works collaboratively with other clinical professionals to ensure that healthcare needs are addressed holistically. Health services are provided primarily to residents and guests of Hilda's Place, Connections emergency and transitional shelter. The anticipated budget for the funding year March 1, 2002-February 28, 2003 is $225,095, and we expect that nearly 80% of the revenue will be from private sources. A grant from the VNA Foundation will provide much needed funding and will serve as a valued endorsement of the mission of Connections for the Homeless.

People who are homeless have physical and mental healthcare needs that are similar to yet more severe than the general population. Over the past two years, Connections for the Homeless has enhanced and added services to address the complex healthcare needs of homeless individuals . . . and now families. What are the long-term benefits of these increased services?

• Increased knowledge about disease prevention and management of illness, resulting in improved overall health.
• Increased access to treatment and community resources.
• Increased ability to be independent and productive because of improved health.

Harrison's story provides a "real-life" picture of the value of Connections' health services, in particular the treatment and advocacy provided by our nurse. Because he was sick with a variety of diseases and ailments-e.g., HIV, diabetes, hepatitis C-Harrison came back to this area from the West Coast to live with his brother. That arrangement was short-lived, and

Harrison found himself out on the street and very ill. Fortunately he found his way by referral to Hilda's Place. The nurse treated his immediate needs and took him to the hospital for the extensive inpatient care he required at the time.

Once his symptoms were under control and he had the appropriate medication, Harrison returned to Hilda's Place. In that nurturing environment, he received assistance in applying for benefits and responded positively to the structure provided in the shelter-e.g., specific goals, required health education sessions, appointments with his case manager. Harrison speaks admiringly of how the nurse kept pushing him to ask for and stand up for what he's entitled to-"you don't have to take that from her," meaning the state worker processing his application for benefits. In time, the nurse was able to link him with supportive housing at Chicago House, where, as an HIV client, he can live for two years while his health status improves and he moves closer to self-sufficiency. A Vietnam vet who was a Teletype operator, Harrison views his time on public entitlements as temporary because "someone else may need them." His goal now is to set up his own small business that he can manage from his apartment.

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II. The Need

A. Homelessness Quantified
Though transient and homeless people have been a regular and visible presence in north suburban Chicago for decades, homelessness has increased over the past 15 to 20 years for many reasons-a shortage of affordable housing occurring at the same time as an increase in poverty; untreated mental illness; domestic abuse; and addiction. According to a recent point prevalence survey conducted by outreach staff under the auspices of the Evanston Task Force on Homelessness, there are well over 100 homeless individuals on the streets of Evanston at any one time. Regional statistics are a bit more difficult to obtain-estimates of the number of homeless people in greater Chicago vary from 25,000 to 60,000 on any given night.

B. Healthcare Access
Individuals who are temporarily homeless or who have been chronically homeless for a long period of time have difficulty accessing healthcare services. Barriers might include: the lack of insurance coverage, lack of knowledge about services, no transportation to treatment, or simply the higher priority given to finding shelter and food.

Nevertheless, homeless individuals have healthcare needs that are more severe than the general population, and it is those needs that Connections for the Homeless is addressing through a range of health services. Our services help keep people out of the emergency rooms of hospitals, and the people whom we serve can get more appropriate care, whether for a chronic medical condition, a mental health issue, or when suffering the ill effects of the weather. Outreach staff in the EntryPoint program are pro-active in identifying and offering treatment for the healthcare needs of individuals they encounter on the streets and are often able to convince a long-time street person to accept the services of Hilda's Place.

A distinguishing characteristic of Connections is the comprehensive, integrated services that are provided in the shelter. That is, although shelters in Chicago provide access to services, none provide a comprehensive integrated range of services in house. Offering a broad range of on-site services has made it possible to increase the compliance rate of residents needing physical and mental health treatment and assistance. The informal yet professional setting of the health services area is less intimidating for shelter residents than a hospital or public clinic.

Staff work collaboratively to provide services because we believe that the chances of success are greater if we approach treatment holistically. Interdisciplinary weekly case reviews are crucial to the ongoing effective treatment and support offered to each resident. In one of the weekly case management meetings, for example, the nurse might be asked if there are any physical health issues that would affect a particular resident's ability to work. The nurse also sits in on case reviews for those receiving psychiatric assessments and/or medication monitoring in order to contribute information about medical issues and to note which psychotropic medications are being prescribed.

C. Identified Needs
Several healthcare needs of shelter program participants surface during intake assessments that are used to determine appropriate treatment and support:

• Screening for health, substance abuse, and mental health problems.
• Diagnosis, treatment (including medication), and referral for acute or chronic health and mental health conditions.
• Attention to dental and vision problems that have been long overlooked.
• Knowledge about maintenance of health, prevention of disease/illness, dealing with substance abuse issues, and managing mental health problems.
• Knowledge about accessing physical and mental health services in the community.
• Ability to seek and advocate for one's own health and mental health care.
• Documentation for disability or other benefits and programs.
• Documentation of compliance for corrections, legal, treatment, or other systems.

III. The People Whom We Serve

The focus of health services provided by Connections for the Homeless is treatment and support for homeless women and men in our community-people who are among the most vulnerable in Metropolitan Chicago.

A. Hilda's Place
Provided in Hilda's Place, Connections' adult shelter, health services are primarily geared to guests and residents of the shelter. Staff offer two types of services in Hilda's Place: immediate help for survival and rehabilitation for the long term to break the cycle of homelessness. Individuals who simply want a bed and food are called guests and can stay for a few days. Health services are offered to these individuals, however, in hopes that they will make the decision to make changes in their life circumstances. Those who choose to participate in programming become residents and can remain at the shelter for up to six months. Through the guidance of case managers and their own personal commitment to a goal plan, residents become better equipped to find permanent housing and resume activities of an independent adult, whether recognizing the importance of a support network or finding and keeping a job.

Because inner-city problems often spill over into adjacent suburbs, Hilda's Place serves a high percentage of individuals from Chicago-73% of the 413 individuals served in FY2001. The age range of program participants is 18-65 years, and all of these individuals are below the poverty line (i.e., income less than $8,590/year per federal poverty guidelines). Mental illness and substance abuse do not necessarily cause homelessness, but a high percentage of individuals who seek services are dealing with one or both issues. Approximately 70-80% of shelter residents are substance abusers and 45% have a mental illness. Nearly half of those with a mental illness also abuse drugs or alcohol; that is, they have a dual diagnosis.

Several years ago, the federal government's Department of Housing and Urban Development created a continuum of care model for services to individuals who are homeless: The people benefiting from the health services offered in Hilda's Place are at the very beginning of this continuum; that is, they are just off the street and receiving services in the shelter.

B. Families and "Street People"
In 2001, Connections' began offering health services to adults in the Family Housing Services program, and now we also include health assessments for children to ensure that they are referred to the proper medical care. Health assessments can help case managers determine health-related obstacles to permanent housing and/or job retention. Staff of the family program can utilize drug-screening kits to uncover any substance abuse issues and can consult with and receive assistance from the psychiatrist on mental health issues of their clients.

A more recent development is the collaboration between Connections' nurse and EntryPoint staff. When outreach staff encounter a homeless person on the street who has health problems, the nurse accompanies her colleagues to do a health assessment and to treat any immediate needs.

IV. Health Services Overview

A. Education & Prevention
Many activities of health services are focused on prevention and education. TB screening, for example, is mandatory, and a variety of services are offered to all shelter residents and guests-influenza vaccination, nutritional counseling, and HIV education and testing. Monthly HIV sessions are provided by the nurse, Cook County Department of Public Health, or the American Red Cross. Guests and residents are required to attend the weekly educational sessions, which are often facilitated by volunteer healthcare professionals and include such topics as: Taking Charge of One's Health, First Aid-What to Do in an Emergency, What You Need to Know about Taking Medication, A Bug's Life-What You Should Know About Viruses, and Beat the Heat! Learn about Heat Stroke.

B. Medical Care
Medical services include care for episodic and acute illnesses and monitoring of chronic conditions. These services are offered during weekly clinic hours and at other times by appointment with the nurse. When residents need primary or regular follow-up care (e.g., a series of appointments to get blood pressure under control or a complete cardiac work-up), staff make referrals to existing healthcare systems with which Connections has working agreements for free or reduced-rate care. Hilda's Place utilizes a number of referral sites for primary care-Chicago Health Outreach, Evanston/ Northwestern, and Catherine Deamant, MD and David Buchanan, MD at Cook County Hospital. The nurse works in collaboration with Connections' contracted medical director who provides oversight of medical services.

C. Psychiatric Services
Shelter residents who have a mental illness, whether mild depression or more severe such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can receive psychiatric services from Connections' contracted psychiatrist who provides services one afternoon a week. Many of the shelter residents who present with a severe and persistent mental illness have not experienced success in community mental health facilities, consequently have fallen through the cracks of the social service system and ended up on the street. Services for these residents include psychiatric evaluation, distribution of psychotropic medications to moderate the symptoms of the illness, and medication monitoring. The psychiatrist also is available weekly for staff consultation.

D. Mental Health Services
Complementing the high-quality psychiatric services are the specialized mental health services to help residents with mental illness improve their ability to be self-sufficient, which is crucial to community integration. Group and individual sessions focus on life skills training such as nutrition, shopping, budgeting, cleaning an apartment, accessing social services and support groups, social and family relationships, and communications skills (e.g., assertiveness in conversation; negotiating effectively to have needs met). The mental health specialist also provides information and education about living with a persistent and severe mental illness, the importance of medication, and the side effects of medication.

E. Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment
Connections' full-time substance abuse case manager helps residents deal with the complexities of substance abuse. This addictive problem must be addressed at the same time efforts are made to find employment, reunite with family or friends, and secure a place to live; otherwise, such efforts can be undermined by relapse. The case manager provides engagement, assessment, one-on-one counseling, education groups, referral to inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and relapse prevention groups. Connections believes that a good substance abuse program and sober support system contribute significantly to the homeless person's ability to keep a job.

Diagnostic clarification and ongoing assessment of treatment for dually diagnosed (mental illness and substance abuse) residents requires the availability of laboratory services to monitor drug levels, potential side effects, and suspected relapse. Currently staff work with Evanston Northwestern Healthcare to provide these services at a greatly reduced rate. Connections also participates in a collaborative program to more fully address the needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis. (See Dimensions, page 8.)

F. Vision and Dental Care
It has been extremely difficult to find dental services for our residents. The Skokie Dental Clinic (Division of the Cook County Dept. of Health) provides adequate services, but they have limited availability. And until recently it was virtually impossible to find pro bono services. A local dentist, however, now offers his services to program participants and even comes to the shelter to pick up the residents and take them to his office in Kenilworth! We estimate that he has provided $12,000-$15,000 dollars of free dental care for shelter residents.

Many of our program participants need corrective glasses, as vision care is not a high priority for most homeless individuals. Fortunately, we have been able to link several residents with LensCrafters, which has a charity program for reduced fees for exams and glasses.

G. Staffing
Medical services now are coordinated full time by Margaret Robinson RN, MS, CNP. Maggie brings a valuable blend of nursing and diagnostic skills as well as a familiarity with our clientele as she was a volunteer healthcare provider with Connections for nine years. As a nurse practitioner certified in the state of Illinois, Maggie will be able to assess and diagnose symptoms as well as write some prescriptions for treatment. She will work closely with David Buchanan, MD, who is Connections' medical director. Dr. Buchanan also is an attending physician at Cook County Hospital and has extensive experience providing health care to homeless individuals, including overseeing and providing outreach services to homeless people in Golden Gate Park and collaborating locally with other providers of services to the homeless population.

Elizabeth Brumfield, MD is under contract to Connections to provide psychiatric services. Dr. Brumfield is a recognized local expert on mental illness and the homeless and works with several agencies to provide psychiatric service to marginalized individuals. Michael Lee, Connections' substance abuse case manager, has several years of experience as a case manager with homeless individuals and now is working on his certification as a drug abuse counselor (CADC). The mental health case manager position is held by Ryan Spangler who has held two other positions at Connections, so he has the skills and expertise to work with shelter residents. In addition, he has a familiarity with mental illnesses and with the unique challenges faced by psychiatrically disabled individuals.

Staff and volunteer collaboration is one of the unique features of Connections' health services. Dr. Buchanan has linked us with the medical residency program at Evanston Hospital for assistance in the clinic, and his presence on staff has led to more consistency of physician volunteers. More than ten volunteer healthcare professionals assist Connections' health services staff: volunteer nurses assist weekly with assessments and minor treatments; attending physicians volunteer their time regularly; medical residents from local hospitals provide treatment on a volunteer basis; two podiatrists volunteer their time monthly; and professionals facilitate some educational sessions. We also are privileged to have a retired pediatrician helping with assessments in the family program.

H. Increased Hours
Over the past two years, the availability of paid healthcare professionals has increased significantly:

• Weekly hours of the nurse expanded from 15 to 40.
• Our contracted psychiatrist's weekly hours increased to four. Connections' medical director provides much more assistance than the six hours/month for which he is paid.
• The full-time position of mental health case manager was added in the fall of 2000.

The increased availability of professional staff has in turn increased the volunteer participation of community healthcare professionals, as mentioned above. These expanded hours and the increase in healthcare professionals, both staff and volunteers, have held significant benefits to the people whom we serve:

• Increased numbers of health assessments-originally targeted for those with chronic conditions, all residents now receive assessments.
• Increased number and improved quality of health education classes.
• Better continuity of care because of stronger relationships with referral sources.
• Improved resident follow-through with referrals for primary or sub-specialty care-for example, the nurse schedules appointments and accompanies physically and mentally disabled residents to appointments. She has "hand-held" many a program participant through the bureaucracy.
• On-site availability of HIV testing and counseling.
• Efficient coordination of residents' care and tests at Cook County Hospital.
• Availability of medical and psychiatric services to participants in the family program and to homeless individuals whom outreach staff encounter on the streets of Evanston.

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V. Objectives Evaluation

The purpose of Connections' health services is to provide access to high-quality medical and psychiatric services that are compassionately delivered. These services are an integral part of the comprehensive services offered in the shelter and play a major role in empowering self-sufficiency.

A. Objectives
Both process and outcome objectives are utilized as a framework for health services. A grant from the VNA Foundation will help Connections meet the following objectives:

General Health
Identify clients with health concerns and help them obtain appropriate treatment.

• 100% of residents will be assessed for acute or chronic health concerns.
• 100% of residents identified as having acute or chronic health concerns will be treated on site or referred for care.
• 40% of those referred for care will follow through on their appointments.
• 100% of referrals from EntryPoint or Family Housing Services will receive full assessments

Health Education
Increase residents' knowledge of common health concerns of the homeless.

• 90% of residents will participate in weekly health education classes.
• 50% of residents participating in the classes will demonstrate a 20% increase in knowledge based on pre- and post-test assessments.

HIV Education & Testing
Provide access to HIV education and testing.

• 90% of residents will participate in one of the monthly HIV classes.
• 50% of high-risk residents participating in the class will be tested for HIV.
• 100% of those tested will receive their results.

TB Testing and Treatment
Ensure that all residents are free of active TB.

• 100% of residents will be screened for TB.
• 100% of residents with evidence of TB infection will be screened for active disease.
• 100% of residents with evidence of active TB will be hospitalized.
• 75% of candidates for prophylaxis will be offered prophylactic treatment.
• 30% of those offered prophylactic treatment will comply.

Influenza Prevention
Limit outbreak of influenza through vaccinations.

• 90% of residents will receive education about the disease.
• 25% of residents will be vaccinated.

Mental Health
Provide psychiatric evaluation, assessment, and treatment for mental health concerns.

• 100% of shelter residents will be assessed for mental illness.
• 75% of residents assessed by the shelter's clinical director as needing psychiatric evaluation will comply with the referral.
• 100% of residents needing psychotropic medications as assessed by the psychiatrist will be provided with the medications.
• 75% will adhere to the medication regimen.
• 100% of shelter residents requiring blood and urine testing in connection with medication monitoring will be referred for testing.
• 75% of residents who are referred will comply with testing.
• 80% of shelter residents receiving services from the mental health specialist will attend twice weekly individual sessions.
• 65% of shelter residents with a mental illness will attend weekly group sessions.
• 75% of shelter residents with a chronic and severe mental illness will be successfully linked with permanent supportive housing, private housing, or the YMCA.

Substance Abuse
Provide assessment, education, and counseling for individuals with a chemical dependency.

• 100% of shelter residents will be assessed for substance abuse.
• 75% of residents in the substance abuse track will participate in weekly group counseling.
• 100% of those in the substance abuse track will receive individual case management services.
• 60% of residents requiring inpatient, outpatient, or halfway house programs will be placed in and complete the programs.
• 40% of residents assessed for the 12-step track (Alcoholics Anonymous) will develop a sober support network.

B. Evaluation
Program evaluation at Connections for the Homeless is ongoing and encompasses all services. Hilda's Place weekly case management meetings make it possible to continually evaluate progress of residents and modify each individual's goal plan accordingly.

In evaluating the annual objectives of health services, the following benchmarks apply:
The effectiveness of services is measured by collecting data to determine whether resident participation is at anticipated levels and whether outcome objectives are being met. By the end of the funding period, Connections expects to be successful in meeting the health services objectives listed above. Evaluation incorporates a review of individual client outcomes, consumer feedback, and an assessment of the objectives that are developed annually. The program is considered successful if it meets or exceeds at least 90% of the annual objectives. Connections' clinical leadership utilizes the results to make any necessary program adjustments and determine service enhancements.

VI. Collaborative Approach

A. Evanston Health Department
Connections' health services program is a creative partnership between Connections and the Evanston Health Department. The collaborative relationship with the city is beneficial in a number of ways:

• Connections refers residents for STD treatment as well as X-rays and prophylactic treatment for TB.
• The department provides malpractice insurance coverage for our healthcare professionals.
• Influenza vaccine is made available to Connections through the department.
• City staff provided training for Connections' nurse regarding community services available to the indigent population.
• The department provides dental care for children in the family program.
• Family planning counseling is available to Connections' program participants at the Civic Center.

B. Housing Options for the Mentally Ill in Evanston
Connections has a linkage agreement with Housing Options to identify, refer, and collaborate in the transition of shelter residents who are appropriate for their Pathways program. The program provides permanent supportive housing for six homeless individuals who have a persistent and severe mental illness and have difficulty functioning. The two agencies collaborate in the assessment and treatment planning process with potential program participants.

C. Medical Referrals The addition of Connections' medical director has enhanced continuity of care and the shelter's ability to refer shelter residents to primary, specialty, and sub-specialty care. Dr. Buchanan coordinates residents' care and tests at Cook County Hospital, and his involvement has resulted in more expeditious referrals to and navigation through the facility.

D. Dimensions Program
Connections has participated in task forces and service provider networks over the years and works with other agencies to respond to specific needs of clients. For example, discussions in Evanston's Substance Abuse Task Force about the lack of services for city residents with a dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse) led to a collaborative program called Dimensions. Now housed in Hilda's Place, the program draws on the expertise of staff of Connections, PEER Services (substance abuse prevention and treatment), and St. Francis Hospital. Funding is provided by the Evanston Mental Health Board.

VII. Financial Overview

A. Summary of Funding Request
(See attachment 2 for health services budget.)
Personnel costs for full-time nurse $60,000

B. Continued Funding
Connections is continuing to enhance the rehabilitation focus of shelter services by improving physical and mental healthcare care, which of course requires increased resources. Because access to health services is an ongoing issue for homeless individuals, Connections for the Homeless will seek continued funding for health services from private and government sources.

Both government and private sources have provided ongoing funding since Connections' health services were added ten years ago. For example, philanthropic funding already obtained this year that is helping to cover continuing and expanded services includes grants from Grant Healthcare Foundation, the Michael Reese Health Trust, and the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation.

Although in-kind support is not quantified on the attached budget, it is important to note substantial savings in two areas:

Insurance Coverage
Connections' partnership with the Evanston Health Department includes their covering the costs of malpractice insurance for the medical director, nurse, psychiatrist, and volunteer nurses and physicians.

Volunteer Healthcare Professionals
As mentioned above, nurses, medical students and residents as well as attending physicians provide treatment and services regularly. Connections would not be able to provide the extent of services it does were it not for the generous donation of time and expertise of these skilled professionals.

VIII. Challenges

A. Transition
As mentioned above, a transition is occurring in the coordinator of health services position. Transitions are often challenging, and maintaining consistency in providing education and meeting healthcare needs of the homeless population is crucial. So Connections is indeed fortunate to have Maggie Robinson, a nurse practitioner as the new full-time nurse. Maggie has been one of our healthcare volunteers for nine years, thus already has built some trust with our program participants. She joined the staff on March 11th and is working alongside her predecessor for a short time to help ensure a smooth transition. We expect little change in the focus of health services in the short-term, though it may be that Maggie has brought with her some additional creative approaches to healthcare services that she will implement over time.

B. Undermining of Domestic Spending
Congress is appropriating billions of dollars for military and relief actions in the wake of the September 11th tragedies and we have yet to know what off-budget expenses will help shore up the country's intelligence activities. Government domestic spending therefore is likely to be undermined, and we don't know the long-term effects of this on Connections' services. Cuts already have occurred in local funding. State officials have alerted Connections that the agency might experience cuts in support, but no details have yet been presented. And the current climate in Washington that is promoting bricks and mortar rather than services may ultimately have an impact on our HUD grants. Currently over 50% of Connections' budget is government support-federal, state, county, and local.

C. Barrier to Growing Philanthropic Support
Growing the philanthropic funding base is a challenge under the best of circumstances, but the tragedies and concurrent economic downturn present an unusual challenge to all charities that rely on private dollars. Connections is a valuable community resource that provides experienced and informed responses to homelessness-our mission is clear . . . and people are turning their lives around. We will be counting on the support of current funders and soliciting new grantors to help Connections stay fiscally sound and able to provide effective services, indeed respond to the increased requests for services, during these uncertain economic times.

D. Unrestricted Dollars
Connections continues to face the challenge of securing adequate unrestricted funding. Many of Connections' government and philanthropic grants in support of the agency's annual budget are restricted to specific services. Given the increased costs of new and enhanced services and the accompanying increase in administrative costs, securing unrestricted funds is both more crucial and more challenging than ever before.

IX. Agency Capability

For over 17 years, Connections for the Homeless has helped people deal with the effects of hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Formed as a community response to homelessness, the agency offers a variety of services that help homeless individuals and families become self-sufficient. Connections is a leading service provider to the homeless population in the northern suburbs and is the only agency that provides a range of services that holistically address the barriers to self-sufficiency.

A. Direct Services
Experienced professionals offer services through three programs:

• EntryPoint is an outreach service for homeless people on Evanston's streets. Staff make regular rounds daily throughout the city and are available 24 hours a day to respond to requests for assistance. With the community's assistance, outreach workers engage, assess, refer, and transport individuals and families to services that best meet their needs. Hilda's Place is the only shelter north of Chicago to the state line and east of the Tri-State
• Tollway that provides year-round, emergency and short-term housing as well as a range of services that foster self-reliance: residential services (food, shelter) and clinical supportive services (case management; psychiatric assessment, medications, and monitoring; substance abuse evaluation and counseling; health education, prevention, and treatment; and access to a job coordinator). The shelter is in Evanston and has a capacity of 36 adults-28 men, 8 women.
• Family Housing Services-with the goal of preventing future crises and often to avert homelessness, a variety of services are offered to help stabilize families: case management, financial assistance, transitional housing, employment counseling, and linkage with other community services. These services are offered in Evanston and in Northfield Township. Staff of the family program also offer information and referral for families that are not eligible or appropriate for Connections' services.

B. Forum on Metropolitan Homelessness
One of the barriers to self-reliance that homeless individuals and families face is public stereotyping. Connections recognizes that our services must include education to dispel misperceptions. In addition, a close working relationship with other stakeholders is imperative in order to respond adequately to the needs of homeless people in our community. Through Forum on Metropolitan Homelessness, Connections partners with schools/universities, local municipalities, business groups, and other agencies to provide technical assistance and education about homelessness.

Program Budget Form(if applicable) [Note: This budget is a revision of the FY2001 budget in order to reflect service enhancements. The Board of Director's upcoming budgeting process may result in additional changes to this budget during the funding cycle 3/1/02-2/28/03.]
Budget for the period: From March 1, 2002 To February 28, 2003

VNA Facts

More than half of uninsured families earn an annual income of less than $35,000 for a family of four and private health insurance can exceed 10% of this income.

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Phone: 312/214-1521
Fax: 312/214-1529