SSI Homeless Outreach Project: Jesse

Working in tandem, social worker Anne Leto from Health & Disability Advocates and Eric Swiecki from Thresholds assess the needs of "Jesse," off the winter streets of Chicago for the first time in twenty years. HDA is one of the only agencies entitled to provide "presumptive benefits" to candidates in serious trouble, enabling them to begin immediate assistance while paperwork is completed. Homeless people are often unable to provide the documentation they need for any kind of service. In a process that began more than a year ago, Thresholds staff were able to finally determine "Jesse's" identity. One of their mental health teams will now monitor his gradual re-entry into society, while HDA, which unites legal and health experts, will ensure his benefits are administered.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• law
• legal
• nonprofit
• human
• community
• health
• disability
• benefits
• government
• homeless
• homelessness