How Can A Family Join The Shelter?

Who is eligible to participate in Family Matters and live at Genesis Home?

We accept family units (at least one adult and one child) who are homeless. We provide services to single mothers, single fathers, grandparents, couples living together, married couples and their children.

What documentation do you need?

Proof of homelessness can take many forms.

• a signed statement from the client
• an informal eviction letter from a relative or friend who may have temporarily housed the family on floors or couches
• a letter from an emergency shelter, treatment center, jail, etc.
• a letter from a social worker, nurse, teacher or other referring party

How can I refer a family to Genesis Home?

We take referrals from service providers or clients.

• To schedule an interview, call to our Family Services Coordinator at
  (919) 683-5878 ext. 33 or ext. 23.
• To find out whether a client is eligible or might be a successful fit with Genesis Home, call Ann Tropiano at (919) 683-5878 ext. 27 or the Family Services Coordinator at the above extensions.

What are the family's responsibilities in the interview process?

After the referral phone call, an adult in the family must call the Family Services Coordinator to schedule the interview if they have not already done so. (This is one way we measure motivation and need from the very beginning.) If there are two adults in the family, both must attend the interview. Interviews usually last an hour or an hour and a half.

We have a waiting list for interviews and we hold them even when there are no current openings at Genesis Home. While we are good at estimating future openings for new families, it is difficult to project the exact dates of an opening.

What happens after the interview?

At the end of the first interview, if the parent is still interested in the program, s/he is given a list of steps that need to be completed prior to moving in. All of these steps have to be done in less than a week and should cost no more than $5. (As a service provider, feel free to call or email us with any questions about this process.)

Does Genesis Home house teenagers?

If there are teenagers in the family, they need to come in with their parent prior to move in to meet some of the staff, hear about the guidelines and ask any questions they might have. Because there are 12 families living at Genesis Home, teenagers do not have as much freedom as they might in their own homes. Parents are required to supervise their children, regardless of the child's age.

When there's an opening, how do you decide who gets it?

Suites are offered to families on a "first come, first served" basis. The first family on the waiting list to complete the intake process will be offered the suite first. When a family interviews is less important than the initiative they show in completing the intake process. We do not hold suites for potential participants.

Once they're residents, what are some of the expectations for the family?

All parents participating in Family Matters must be enrolled in or attending school/job training and looking for work or already working. Families must be actively working or enrolled in education programs within 30 days of entering the program. *Pregnant women who are "high risk," very close to their due date, or who have given birth are exempt per doctors orders.

Do you house people in recovery?

Yes, we accept people in recovery. They must have 30 days clean time prior to their family entering Family Matters. We conduct periodic drug screenings.

Supportive services such as mental health and substance abuse counseling/treatment are provided by community agencies. Family Services Coordinators work closely with these agencies to make sure we give the best possible support to program participants.

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