Our prevention program provides housing stability to those at risk of homelessness and most vulnerable in our community. Most often the greatest barrier to self-sufficiency for low-income households is the “cliff effect.” According to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, a Nebraska family of four qualifies for childcare subsidies until the parents’ combined earnings reach $24.68 per hour. However, a living wage for the same family is $47.68 per hour. This leaves a gap where achieving self-sufficiency becomes increasingly difficult as Nebraska is one of the few remaining states without a graduated system to lessen family’s reliance on financial assistance. Along the way, there are sudden losses of supports, such as SNAP benefits or childcare subsidies before families make enough to pay those expenses without assistance. The unintended consequence either leads to a disincentive towards economic mobility or leads to a situation in which the family is working harder but is financially worse off. Often, those we serve experience the consequences of the “cliff effect” as they increase their income. Case management helps navigate families through “cliff effect” situations to prevent homelessness while working towards self-sufficiency.

In addition to assisting with rent and utility needs, our case managers assist individuals and families in creating a budget, securing, improving, or maintaining employment, and applying for benefits. This program allows individuals and families to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness. This program works in conjunction with the food pantry and the thrift store voucher program.

Care Corps LifeHouse’s aftercare services are essential to individuals and families as they transition out of the shelter program as well as those who transition off any of the housing programs. Realizing many of those we serve build a trusting relationship with Care Corps LifeHouse and their case manager, we emphasize the importance of continuing the relationship. We offer vouchers, referrals, life skills, and other aspects of case management to past program participants to avoid individuals and families from reentering into homelessness.