What is the Vision House model and process for families and why is it working? 

When a family in King County experiences homelessness, and reaches out to Vision House, we begin our process with an initial phone call.  

Point of Entry and Diversion

Getting to know families and their needs is the first step. One of our staff members, skilled in problem solving, works with that family to see beyond their current crisis, and identify realistic housing options based on their own resources. Our model uses a light touch, and includes the family, encouraging members to identify solutions to their housing crisis. For some families, tapping into their own connections represents the best possibility for them to quickly become housed.

Active Diversion

Active diversion happens in our Diversion Centers in Renton, Burien, and Shoreline.  Our Diversion Centers are places of resource and support. They have computers, WiFi and printers available for housing and job searches. They are staffed by our team, which provides one-on-one, in-person assistance by appointment. Diversion Centers offer direction and help in searching for housing and employment, provide shelter referrals, and guidance in navigating community resources.  The Diversion Centers are also equipped with showers and laundry facilities, microwaves and hot drinks, which can be especially helpful in the cold seasons. Support at the Diversion Centers also includes tangible items such as clothing, bus tickets, grocery gift cards, and the like. The Diversion Center model allows for dignity and pride of self-reliance, offering tools and partnership.

Active Participation List and Family Program

If families join our Active Participation List, they are likely waiting for transitional housing, and are connected to resources to prepare for potential program entry.  Active families are resourced with:

• Counseling Resources
• Housing Resources
• Recovery Support
• Employment Services

Not all families need all of the resources, but all families are given the opportunity.  The transitional housing program in Shoreline and Renton (learn more about our transitional housing) intends to help families experiencing homelessness to move from crisis to stability and permanent housing.

Why the Vision House model works

In short – the Vision House model combines respectful care and proactive planning to empower families and equip them with tools to bring themselves back into permanent housing. Our holistic and comprehensive case management system addresses the issues that might have contributed to a family’s crisis of homelessness.

Rent structure, employment resources and job training

In Vision House’s transitional housing program, families pay rent, which supports dignity and models real-life budgeting.  This rent structure provides and creates a rental history with Vision House as the landlord, helping to build/rebuild credit for when families are ready to move to permanent housing.

Job counseling and employment resources help clients find employment that works both with their talents and within their needs, leading to better outcomes for long-term job placement. Many clients are able to use the time housed in our transitional housing to work on their education or gain marketable skills.

Children’s Village Child Care Center

How does employment or education work if you have small children who are not yet school-age? Children’s Village allows parents to focus on needs other than caring for their small children, and children thrive in a kid-centered, structured and communal environment. Our childcare centers serve children both in the Vision House program and throughout the community.  Join us in Renton or Shoreline to see our beautiful centers in person, or read more about them here!

The Bible says in Matthew 25:37-40:  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Our survival needs (food, water, shelter, sleep and safety) must be met before our minds and hearts can be available for other efforts.  That is why the Vision House model is so important, because the physical needs are first met and then clients are given time and tools to get back on their feet.

“When hope is not enough to help a lost soul rise above their circumstances, it takes a program like Vision House to serve as the bridge to a new life.” Lynn Bohart, When Hope Is Not Enough

To learn more about the Vision House story, click here.