When staff members at ECHOS had the chance to review their programs recently, they realized they were missing an opportunity to serve everyone. "We looked for gaps, and we realized we were missing the 55-plus demographic," said Natalie Dixon, development director for ECHOS. In February, ECHOS launched the Homestead Housing Program to address that gap.

The program provides transitional housing for people age 55 and up who are low-income and at risk for or experiencing homelessness. Other criteria considered for acceptance into the program include veteran status or having a disability. Preference for participants is given to residents of northwest Lancaster County, but the program is open to any Lancaster County resident.

"We have four one-bedroom and two studio apartments available for people in the program," Dixon noted. "They are fully furnished."

Along with providing stable housing, the Homestead Housing Program gives participants the tools necessary to succeed once they leave the program. "When someone becomes a client, they agree to case management, and that involves working one-on-one on an individualized basis," Dixon stated. Clients work with Sue Petersen, ECHOS campus housing coordinator, to determine their specific needs. "Whatever their personal obstacles are, Sue helps them," Dixon commented. "It could be anything from help with budgeting to connecting to job resources or access to food or clothing resources."

Program participants may also take advantage of the Enrichment Center on-site, where they can use computers to search for jobs and take part in workshops on topics including communication skills and mock interviews. The program also works to help participants build their income so they can eventually move out on their own.

Dixon said older people face some unique challenges when experiencing homelessness, including an ever-changing job market. "For some of our older clients, with the skill sets they have, the jobs just don't exist anymore for those particular skill sets," she stated. "They also often come with extra obstacles, including physical needs or mental health concerns."

Through the Homestead Housing Program, ECHOS has had the opportunity to expand its roster of community partners, Dixon noted. "We're working with Veterans Affairs and the Office of Aging, which are two agencies we hadn't worked with before," she remarked. Referrals from the program come from various places, and clients can self-refer.

Brie Anderson, executive director of ECHOS, noted that the program is open to single people or couples, provided both members of the household fit the program requirements of age and income limits. "This is a transitional housing program, but clients can stay up to a year in an apartment," she said, adding that some of the current clients were guests in the Elizabethtown Emergency Shelter who qualified for the program.

Although the Homestead Housing Program has just begun, it's already made an impact, Dixon noted, and she's looking forward its continued success. "So far, we have had two people graduate from the program," she said. "It's been very exciting to see that. ... The need for this program is there, and it's so rewarding to see participants succeed."

For more information on the Homestead Housing Program, visit https://echoslancaster.org.