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Sand Castle offers temporary shelter to LaPorte County families: primarily single moms with children; sometimes families headed by couples or dads, too. When space is available, we accept single women. All family members must test free of drugs and alcohol.
Those that are from other counties and those with alcohol, substance abuse or debilitating mental illness are referred to other agencies equipped to help with those issues.
- We can accommodate six families, each in a private room.
- The average stay is six weeks.
- When possible, children attend the schools they were in before housing loss.
- Clients must go out Monday thru Friday, 9AM to 4PM, to work, seek work, apply for assistance, or look for an affordable apartment.
- Each family cooks for itself (food provided by us).
- Each adult completes daily chores to keep the property neat and clean.
- A counselor meets with individuals or families at their request.
- A case manager meets with each family weekly to set goals, measure progress, affirm efforts, provide information about other helpful programs, and talk through obstacles.
- Staff persons offer a listening ear and provide empathy and encouragement.
- Families must observe a 9PM curfew, unless working later.
- 75% of income earned during their stay must be saved toward future housing.
- One-on-one skill building if provided, including:
- Money management
- Resume and job application writing
- Interview skills and employer expectations
- Establishing short and long-term goals
- Parenting and child care
- Serving nutritious food on a budget
To learn more about homelessness, please follow the links below.
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National Low-Income Housing Coalition
Their "Out of Reach" Report (see Research and Publications), gives facts and figures, state by state, county by county. |
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Includes a study of the cost of homelessness to all taxpayers.
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Beyond Shelter
An early and leading advocate of the "housing first" model, which attempts to shorten shelter stays, or eliminate the need for shelter by offering homeless families housing assistance quickly. |
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| National Coalition for the Homeless |
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
Features a comprehensive national plan called "Opening Doors". |
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