Table of ContentsGrant Project OverviewNeed StatementBrief NarrativeConstituency DescriptionProgram Objectives, Measurable Objectives, and Associated ActivitiesCalendarOther OrganizationsEvaluation PlanDissemination of ResultsBudgetGrant Project Overview Angels Above is an agency based in downtown Miami focused on meeting the needs of the homeless population of Miami, Florida. The homeless population continues to grow in Miami, but has declined somewhat across the United States (Hanks, 2016). This indicates more than ever the need to alleviate the growth of the homeless population, and that need must be addressed immediately. A program is needed not only to reduce the growing homeless population, but also to meet their diverse needs. Some of these needs include clothing, meals, hygiene products, career services, and temporary housing. With these services, the homeless population will decrease and assistance will continue to be provided to those who need it. It is critical that services such as these are made available to reduce the level of poverty within the city and, in turn, increase the health of the economy and well-being of the Miami population at large. With a budget of $100,000, the primary goals to be achieved are to assist at least two hundred homeless people per year through temporary housing, professional services, meals, clothing and hygiene products. Instead of focusing on helping the greatest number of people at any given time, the focus will be on helping people to the greatest extent with the limited funds available. The money will be divided into the five categories listed. Measurable goals include providing at least fifty individuals with all listed services quarterly. Additionally, Angels Above will also ensure that individuals are held accountable through quality control procedures and measurable goals for all individuals entering the care program. The maximum time each individual can stay in the program will be one month. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Statement of Need Homelessness is an ongoing problem in Miami. Instead of receiving more funding to address this need, programs within Miami received less money. As stated in the Miami Herald, "In an email to board members Tuesday morning, Homeless Trust Director Victoria Mallette wrote that 'nearly all' of the county's transitional programs were not funded by HUD and that the Related services for the homeless have taken a big hit." , too” (Hanks, 2016). As stated previously, according to the U.S. Census report, the homeless population has declined overall in the United States, however it has continued to grow in the downtown Miami area (census.gov). 20% of Miami Dade's population currently lives in poverty (census.gov). There is also an expressed problem with drug and alcohol abuse among the homeless population which continues to contribute to the growing escalation of this problem in Miami. “Those with a substance use problem may find it increasingly difficult to maintain employment and a stable family environment” (Dietz, 2007). Some programs that currently exist in Miami to address this issue are Mother Teresa's Charity Mission, Salvation Army, Community Partnership for the Homeless, Miami Rescue Mission, Chapman Center, Miami Rescue for Women, Camillus House and the Lotus House. These programs are similar to Angels Aboveas they provide various services such as career services and transitional housing. While there are other programs offering similar services, the Angels Above program will be more intensive as no more than fifty individuals will be served quarterly. This will ensure accountability, transparency and value-oriented results. Some programs currently operating are simply doing it beyond their means. Instead of valuing quality and improvement, they are focusing on quantity. “The longtime leader of the county's homeless efforts believes Camillus's mat program is undermining a proven strategy of drawing a clear line between life on the streets and the stability that comes from entering a shelter” (Hanks & Smiley, 2015). Brief narrative Deemed individuals Men and women between the ages of 16 and 65, ready and willing to make the transition from living on the streets to building a better life, will be admitted to the Angels Above program. They will commit to becoming drug, alcohol and crime free both during and after successful completion of the program. The program will consist of living in transitional housing, contributing to daily chores and assigned tasks, attending family meetings with the group to discuss strategies, problems, conflicts, goals and success. Additionally, they will work out of your home and provide comprehensive updates on their work and progress towards moving into your own apartment or house. They will help each other, be thoughtful, and encourage others to set and achieve reasonable goals. Individuals will be interviewed to meet the criteria, consent to regular substance abuse testing for the safety of all residents and staff, and strive for a better life for themselves and those around them. After an individual no longer depends on the program to provide housing, meals, clothing and other living expenses, he or she will find an affordable home and continue to work to support themselves. All individuals involved in the program will turn in all paychecks until a sufficient balance is reached for the down payment, first and last month's rent, and three months' accumulated utilities. At this point, the individual will be considered a graduate of the program and will be provided assistance in making all deposits to move into their home. They will also have a small amount of money saved to purchase minimal furniture and clothing to continue living on their own. During the program, they will learn the skills needed to manage a budget, pay bills, and save money to ensure continued success while on their own. Constituency Description The program's target population consists of individuals who have lost their homes due to redundancy, running away from home, or any other unforeseen or unfortunate circumstance relatively beyond their control. The Angels Above program does not intend to target populations affected by drug or alcohol abuse at this time because it is a new pilot program and does not want to take on more than it can handle. Additionally, the target population wants to work and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but simply can't take a break. They essentially need a hand to simply help them get back on their feet. Often people can't find a job because they don't have clothes or a shower to prepare for an interview. They may not have an address to support their request. They may not even have a phone number that a potential employer can call and offer them a job. Angels Above assists in these minimal aspects. It helps people of working age to help themselves and acquire skillsnecessary to succeed in a rapidly changing environment. These individuals will be assisted in completing job applications, learning to do housework and cooking, learning to pay taxes and, most importantly, learning to become contributing members of society. The best way to recruit people who will be served through the program is to participate in other community outreach programs and discuss with staff what their recommendations will be for the program. Angels Above staff members will visit each homeless program in the downtown Miami area to gather advice from knowledgeable staff. After receiving enough recommendations, individuals will be asked a series of questions to ensure they meet the criteria and want to improve themselves. The strongest tool that will be used to benefit the program is the initiative and willpower of everyone involved. If program candidates want to improve themselves and adopt a better lifestyle, they will be able to make the program successful with the assistance and guidance of the staff. Program Goals, Measurable Objectives, and Associated Activities The primary goal of the program is to alleviate the homeless population within the downtown Miami area. To achieve this goal, the program will recruit fifty people to start. These fifty people will work as a family to learn how to run a household. This will involve household chores, yard work, cooking, budget management, shopping and maintenance of the house and premises. Individuals from various industries will be recruited to volunteer their time in assisting with the training of program participants. Tax preparers, cooks, administrative assistants, social workers and legal assistants will be some of the professionals volunteering their time in educational workshops and answering questions. Of these fifty individuals, at least 75% should be ready to graduate within the quarter, or by March 31, so that the next group of program participants can move in. The relief goal will be measured by interviewing program participants and evaluating how their needs are met and goals achieved. If at least thirty of the fifty program participants live in their own homes and hold steady jobs, this program will be considered a success. Weekly assessments will be completed and recorded. Quality assurance and control methods will always be in place as there will be two full-time employees and a program founder who will oversee all operations and attend regular status update meetings. Any necessary adjustments will be implemented using assessments and status reports. Program graduates will also be monitored quarterly to ensure they are doing well and will provide assistance when needed. This will be done via electronic and written correspondence, as well as courtesy calls. The bonds formed should last long after the program ends. Schedule The program aims to serve two hundred people per year, which breaks down to fifty applicants per quarter. Each quarter will repeat with skills training, workshops and tools provided. The fifty candidates will graduate at different times depending on the time needed to acquire the necessary skills and the economic needs to survive living alone in a house. If the necessary funds are provided, the program should immediately start seeing results within the first few weeks. Recordable data will be provided on a basis.