Homelessness Prevention

The primary goal of Homelessness Prevention services is, as the program name implies, to prevent Lakewood residents from becoming homeless through a combination of case management, referrals to mainstream benefits and service providers, and cash assistance for rent and/or utilities.

Housing Stability Case Management Services are provided to all clients. Housing stability can only be influenced by ongoing individualized services that include counseling, referrals, and links to mainstream services and benefits (including food stamps, Medicare, HEAP, and PIPP), landlord mediation when needed, and the development of an individual case plan with the goal of ensuring permanent, stable housing and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the client’s progress toward meeting the goal of maintaining sustainable housing.

Housing Search and Placement Services are provided by LCSC social workers to all clients who meet the program eligibility guidelines. The services are dependent on each client’s need for support in the search process.  In almost every instance, clients need help negotiating with the landlord, most often to work out terms that allow them to remain in current housing after a court-ordered eviction has been filed. For individuals who want to or are forced to move, the LCSC social workers make arrangements for an inspection to ensure a prospective rental unit meets HUD’s requirements and that landlords make the necessary repairs should the unit fail inspection.  Most moving clients also need assistance – both cash and arrangements with providers – to get utilities either moved to a new apartment or turned on in the case of clients who have a utility shut off. Financial Assistance in the form of security deposits, rent in arrears, and utility deposits and payments may be available to qualified applicants.