Cool Collaborations: Famicos-Beech Brook

Famicos-Beech Brook Preventing Homelessness
“Relationship is the key towards success.”  ~ Ron Robinson, LSW, Beech Brook

Through a common goal, two very different United Way funded agencies came together to meet the critical needs of residents facing homelessness in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. The result: The Family Homelessness Prevention Project.

The collaboration, which began in 2008 between the Famicos Foundation and Beech Brook, was a result of a funding initiative started by the Sisters of Charity Foundation to help citizens facing homelessness, in particular residents at the Park Village Community and Historic Newton Avenue Apartments.

Famicos (which owns both Section 8 apartment complexes) conducted a needs assessment among its residents and discovered a social service component was needed to decrease evictions, develop better relations between residents and property management, and improve quality of life for residents through housing stability.  Famicos approached Beech Brook for essential resources and social services.

Through their community work, Beech Brook has found that housing difficulties exacerbate family problems, which in turn often contribute to housing instability.  By improving their housing situations, Beech Brook contributes to the emotional well-being of the families they serve.

Famicos found help in Ron Robinson, a licensed social worker at Beech Brook.  With additional funding from a government grant (Homeless Prevention Rapid Re-housing), Ron became a full-time Family Liaison (FL) on-site at Historic Newton Apartments, with an open door and hands-on policy for residents and property management alike.

One of the first things Ron did was to reach out to the residents, rather than wait for them to come to him.  However, the biggest challenge was gaining their trust.  So, Ron conducted interviews with residents, and with perseverance, has been able to establish trust and assist them with their needs and concerns.  Sometimes it’s as simple as linking them with financial resources.  Other times, it’s more complex – like a child entering a new school system who is having trouble adjusting.  Ron then works directly with the family, the school system and with whatever social services that family needs.  In cases of violations and possible evictions, he acts as a mediator between residents and management.

The outcomes of the Famicos-Beech Brook collaboration are fewer evictions and violations and increased housing stability. Plus residents feel safer and perhaps the best outcome of all…people who are looking for homes are finding them.