Program areas at CFR
See Schedule O Direct Services programs help stabilize families and individuals in crisis and prevent homelessness by providing financial assistance for rent and utility payments, food, prescriptions, transportation (bus tickets, Lyft rides, etc.), and holiday programs. Financial assistance is provided to households with dependent children, but other services (food, prescriptions, transportation, and holiday programs) are provided to all low-income individuals and households in need. Case managers work with each family receiving financial assistance to identify the issues that led to the residential instability and to develop a plan to address them. Additional supportive services such as employment and/or educational services, budgeting, and life skills may also be provided. Case managers follow up with families who receive financial assistance at 30, 90 and 180 days to determine if the family has been able to maintain their permanent housing. In addition to that, CFR operates a food pantry program, providing 3 to 5 days of food for low-income individuals and households residing in Cobb. Households may receive food four times per year. Our on-site food pantry often has fresh produce and bread, plus other necessities like diapers, formula, and basic hygiene items. Households enrolled in a program with CFR may receive additional food on an as needed basis as recommended by their case manager.
See Schedule O Employment/Education Services are offered to clients through access to an employment case manager with CobbWorks, the WorkSource Georgia partner serving Cobb County. Our clients have direct access to a dedicated case manager who works in our office two days a week. Employment services, access to training and certificate programs, resume building, interview skills and more are provided through direct, one-on-one appointments. Additional educational services are provided through weekly life skills classes designed to address additional needs that support their housing stability. Life Skills classes include topics like budgeting, money management, financial literacy, positive parenting, toxic relationships, access to main stream benefits, mental health resources and much more.
See Schedule OHousing Services provide a range of services for homeless and near-homeless families. CFR operates both a short-term (30-day) program and permanent housing programs for families with dependent children meeting the HUD definition of homelessness. The short-term program operates as an alternative to congregate shelter and homeless families are placed in individual apartments where they have 24 hours of safe, secure housing. This enables them to maintain a higher degree of normalcy and self-reliance in their everyday routines. The Rapid Rehousing program assists homeless families coming from the street or a shelter with housing identification, securing a lease in their name, case management, and a housing subsidy for 3 - 6 months. Supportive services including food, assistance with the cost of childcare, transportation, mental and/or physical health needs, employment, and educational services are offered to assist families in developing housing stability. Permanent, affordable housing for low income families with a temporarily inability to maintain permanent housing is offered through a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA). Participants receive assistance with rent and utilities for up to six months while working and participating in classes and activities to foster their residential stability and self-sufficiency.