Housing
BETTER WAY OF MIAMI, INC. IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE PERMANENT HOUSING PROGRAMS’ “WAIT LISTS”
Better Way of Miami, Inc. Housing Programs provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons with disabilities (primary diagnosis of chronic substance use disorders) who may have co-occurring disorders which may include acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or related diseases. Housing is reserved for individuals and/or their families who are living in places not intended for human habitation (e.g., streets) or in emergency shelters or transitional housing (with prior homelessness). The programs allow for a variety of housing choices and a range of supportive services funded by Better Way and other sources in response to the needs of the hard-to-reach homeless population with disabilities.
Assistance in the Housing Programs is provided to help homeless persons meet three overall goals:
• achieve residential stability,
• increase their skill levels and/or incomes, and
• obtain greater self-determination (i.e., more influence over decisions that affect their lives).
SRO (Single Room Occupancy)
The SRO Program is a single-room occupancy rental assistance program that provides housing and supportive services for tenants interested in enhancing their recovery in a communal living environment.
Next Step - Program
Project Name: Better Way NEXT STEP Program
Project Address: 13390 NE 6TH Avenue, NMB, FL 33161
Program Description: As the initial phases of Better Way’s ‘Continuum of Care’, this six month Supportive Housing Program provides a solid foundation for the dual diagnosed to begin their recovery journey. During Intensive Residential (2 mos.) a complete range of assessments (medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, nutritional, vocational, etc.) evaluate areas to be addressed in treatment. Full day (7AM-5PM) programs and evening meetings begin to educate, support, break down denial and adapt to a recovery lifestyle. In Intensive OP (Day/Night- 4 mos.), clients continue to live in BW housing and attend 20 hours of programming/ week when not working or going to school. Lectures, skills training, individual and group therapy help clients to learn, gain significant insight and make lasting and meaningful change in all areas.
Goals and Objectives: GOAL: To return clean, sober, productive and responsible individuals to the larger community through the most effective, caring and cost efficient use of Better Way and other community resources. The program will assist persons exiting to permanent housing. To help individuals with maintaining or increasing their total income and/or obtaining employment as of program exit. To support persons who achieved greater self-determination by maintaining mental stability and reduced episodes of hospitalization measured at program exit. Persons will achieve greater self-determination by active participation in individualized service plan measured at program exit.
Program Eligibility Requirements: Must be 18 years of age with a primary DSM of substance abuse and mental diagnosis; able and willing, physically and mentally, to participate in the program; fully detoxified from alcohol/drugs.
Number of Clients and Population Served: Better Way will serve a static capacity of 16 persons. A percentage of the individuals in the program will meet the criteria as “chronically homeless”. The population to be served includes single males & females who are homeless, indigent, addicted/dually diagnosed.
Hours of Operation: The NEXT STEP Program operates 24 hours/day, seven days/week. Information on the program can be obtained at the main facility. Better Way of Miami, Inc. is located at 800 NW 28th Street, Miami, Florida 33127. The phone number is 305 634-3409.
SRA (Sponsor-based Rental Assistance)
The SRA Program is a sponsor-based rental assistance program that provides housing and supportive services to disabled individuals. Better Way Apartments is an independent living facility comprised of 55 units owned by Better Way of Miami, inc.
Access
The Access Program is a program funded by Lutheran Services of Florida. The access program was established as a move-in assistance program for those disabled single individuals and families who are working but cannot afford the cost of moving into an apartment, efficiency or other residential environment.