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Unto the least of these homeless ministry: ending homelessness within the co-occurring population
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Unto the least of these homeless ministry: ending homelessness within the co-occurring population
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Running head: UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 1
Capstone Project Paper
Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry:
Ending Homelessness within the Co-Occurring Population
Kessha Johnson, ASW, CATC IV, DSW Candidate
December 2019
SOWK 722
University of Southern California
Instructor Ron Manderscheid, PhD
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 1
Area 1. Executive Summary
Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry plans to provide a integrated comprehensive
intensive service package to the homeless people in Los Angeles. It will collaborate with social
service providers to offer temporary housing, food, clothing, counseling, medical services,
mental health, substance abuse treatment and personal care, including haircuts and manicures in
one place. Additionally, the firm will buy buildings and apartments. The clients will be in the
program for 18 months, after which they will graduate and stay in the firm's apartments for up to
5 years. They will pay a rent of $500, out of which the company will save $300 for the graduates
to allow them to buy a house of their own at the end of five years. The number of homeless in the
city has been rising despite the increasing numbers of welfare-based temporary shelter programs,
signifying the failure of such initiatives to solve the issue. This project attempts to help the
homeless out of homelessness by empowering them economically. Nonetheless, it needs funds to
complete this novel and nobble course, and it depends on government funding and
philanthropies, such as fundraising, donations, and gifts. It is expected to enable individuals to
advance their education, 70% get permanent employment, and 70% get permanent houses. If
well supported, this project can help keep the homeless out of the streets by equipping them with
life skills and improving their employability; hence, the better housing.
Introduction
Homelessness in Los Angeles (LA) has reached a crisis level, and that concerned agencies are
determined to resolve this problem is commonplace. While writing for the Guardian on June 4,
2019, Lavin laments that severe economic inequality caused the homeless crisis plaguing
California to rise by 16% last year. The city of LA is now a home for 36,000 homeless people.
This increase has had a ripple effect on the public health crisis in LA, a city with some of the
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 2
wealthiest neighborhoods and individuals in the United States (U.S.). About 44,000 people are
unsheltered, more than 16,000 individuals live in cars, and 11,000 others stay in tents and
makeshift shelters. The LA government through the Los Angeles Services Authority (Lahsa)
spent $619 million on provision of temporary homes to the homeless, those who have not
benefitted from such programs need at least 79 hours of work a week to afford a one-bedroom
apartment and the county needs 500,000 new units to meet the needs of low-income renters
(Levin, 2019). Therefore, Unto the Least of These Ministry needs to be supported in its pursuit to
provide homeless services under one roof, as it will endeavor to provide food, clothing, mental,
dental, and vision medical services, counseling, substance-abuse sensitization, and housing.
Since the number of homelessness people has recently been increasing, Unto the Least of These
Homeless Ministry has expanded its operations by initiating this program. The ministry started
operating in 2015, believing that people are compassionate and that they want to help. Then, it
only provided food and clothing to about 100 people on a daily. This time, the organization
intends to advance all the services above to approximately 200 enrollees per day. It will hire
dentists, opticians, physicians, psychiatrists, career educators, lawyers, cooks, and operators.
Additionally, the firm will buy buildings and apartments. The clients will be in the program for
18 months, after which they will graduate and stay in the apartment for up to 5 years. They will
pay a rent of $500, out of which $300 will be saved for the program graduates to allow them to
buy a house of their own at the end of five years. These requirements reflect the facility’s need
for additional funding, given that government funding faces regular budget cuts, and
philanthropy sources are diminishing over time. Funding this noble course is a compassionate
step made toward keeping the homeless out of homelessness (Gumbel, 2019). Consequently, the
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 3
ability of this program to help the homeless out of the streets depends on the support it will
receive in the form of government grants, individual donors, foundations, and corporate giving.
Name and the Objective of the Program
The registered name for the program is Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry. This
implies that the organization has the mandate to offer humanitarian services.
Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry is a non-profit entity that has its main objective on
providing effective harmonized intervention to the challenge of homelessness in the city. The
program is designed to build capacity in a collaborative team of social workers, substance abuse
counselors, doctors, ophthalmologist, nurses, psychiatrist and other individuals in the community
to attend to the needs of those who are chronically homeless and suffering with co-occurring
disorders. For this to be achieved, the program is scheduled to offer an 18-month program to our
client’s by providing economic empowerment through nutrition education, anger management,
banking, cooking, substance abuse/mental health treatment, dental, vision, medical, housing, and
employment training. Staff will be provided with continued, healthcare training and other
interventions in effort to aid the population we serve. In this approach, staff will have the ability
to take an active role in identifying and addressing the problems and other challenges that affect
the entire population.
Mission and Purpose
Mission. Our mission is to provide a package of integrated intensive comprehensive supportive
services and working solutions to the underserved and unrepresented co-occurring chronic
homeless community in Los Angeles.
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 4
Purpose. To provide the homeless with food, clothing, shelter, healthcare services, family
counseling, mental health and substance abuse treatment in an integrated intensive
comprehensive supportive service package and, in the process, empower the enrollees
economically to allow them transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
Program Design
This program’s philosophy is that offering the homeless the services they need under-one-roof
enables them to regain confidence by improving psychological states. The clients will be in the
program for 18 months, after which they will graduate and stay in the apartment for up to 5
years. They will pay a rent of $500, out of which $300 will be saved for them to allow them to
buy a house of their own at the end of five years. If this program gets the required funding to
sustain its operations, it will successfully help the enrollees out of homelessness. The
organization will buy the properties to which these enrollees are intended to graduate and access
the services they require under one roof. This design may make life easy for the deserving
enrollees.
Program Activities
This program aims at solving the homeless crisis in Los Angeles by empowering the affected
people. This move reflects a shift from the norm of most welfare-based programs in the U.S. that
tend to provide only foods and temporary shelters to the homeless. Unto the Least of These
Homeless Ministry’s idea derives from the failure of welfare-based programs to eliminate
chronic homelessness in LA and elsewhere in the U.S. The program will do the following
activities:
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 5
Provide counseling services to the homeless. The homeless face many challenges that make them
vulnerable to stress, anxiety, loneliness, and fear (Jervis, 2014). Therefore, counseling services
are needed to restore their hope in life and renew their spirit for learning.
Provide training on employment and help create elaborate curricula vitae for the homeless. It
will also ensure that the trainees have the knowledge to present themselves in the interviews,
write resumes, manages finances, and interact well with other people. The program enrollees will
be taught carpentry, plumbing, customer service, construction, and housekeeping.
During the 18-months of training, the program will teach the attendees about routine chores that
people perform in every functional home: personal hygiene, cooking, and shopping. The trainers
will allocate the enrollees temporary residences to facilitate the practice of these activities.
Afterward, enrollees will move to their permanent homes when fully equipped with life-skills,
increasing their potential to secure proper housing.
• Enrollees will be recruited from Street to Home and other institutions where co-occurring
individuals frequent
• A Client-Centered Approach will be applied to reveal the main problems and challenges
faced by an individual. Every person is unique, which means that he/she has a certain
cause for being homeless.
PHASE 1
(Week 1-2)
PHASE 2
(Week 3-52)
PHASE 3
(Week 52-78)
PHASE 4
(18 months-5-years)
ASAM Assessment Group/Individual
Counseling
Resume Building/ Job
Readiness
Employment/Education
PHQ 9/Medication
Evaluation
Case Management
Money Management
Anger Management
Sober Support Meetings
(AA/CA/NA)
Sober
Living/Transitional
Housing/ Apartment
Treatment Plan Family Counseling GED Classes Savings Account
Physical Exam/TB
Test
Health/Nutrition Post Test Sponsorship
Dental Exam Etiquette/Coping Skills Sober Living Sober Support Meetings
(AA/CA/NA)
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 6
2 Well Rest Weeks Grocery Shopping/Meal
Planning/Prep/Cooking
Customer Service Self-Efficiency
Pre-Test Hygiene/Housekeeping Leadership/Outpatient Continued Independent
Skills
Table 1. Phase /Activities Chart
Program Operation
Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry will operate this program through its ten-member
Board of Directors with the help of the professionals named above and volunteers. This team will
help the organization to provide the required services to the people in the program location. To
realize its objective of providing quality counseling services, vocational training, assistance in
securing employment, and temporary homes, the Board will perform the following tasks:
Create, update, and follow procedures and policies that guide the agency’s operations, including
specifying the requirements for to-beneficiaries of the company’s services. These criteria help
the social workers to determine, recruit, and assist only the people who deserve the services
Stipulate, solicit, and seek funding from donors, the state government, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and philanthropies.
Consults with recipients of the State of California funds for housing and consistently follows the
standards of the state funding committees.
Establish primary performance targets, coordinate the entire system of workers and the homeless,
and monitor and evaluate the performance of the program.
Acting against or for projects depending on the performance
Coordinate, through outreach, engagement, and assessment, the implementation of temporary
housing, counseling, and employment urgency services in the affected regions throughout LA
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 7
As implied in the preceding sections of this proposal, the beneficiaries of this program shall be
drawn from the LA community. In this regard, the company will register and run the program in
Los Angeles.
Area 2. Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem
As demonstrated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the
challenge of chronic homelessness has been on the rise in the country. Specifically, most of the
people assumed to experience chronic homelessness have been with the social challenge for over
one year. The same finding has been noted through federal government research (Corinth, n.d).
Importantly, there is a positive relationship between homelessness and other issues of health,
such as mental illnesses, physical disability and a history of drugs and substance abuse.
Unmanaged situations result in a continued social problem of homelessness for decades. The
repeated cycle of homelessness is viewed as the main reason for the challenges and difficulties in
establishing solutions (Semuels, 2016). Due to the reoccurring nature of homelessness in Los
Angeles, the implementation of “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” will be useful in
setting up both short and long-term solutions.
Homelessness has become a critical social issue in the United States. The challenge has
been defined by more than 3 million persons living in unhealthy structures that do not meet the
basic standards for a home setting. Interestingly, more than 500,000 people experience
homelessness per year due to issues such as mental health, physical disabilities, and drug abuse.
The demonstrated rise in the number of homeless people has justified the need for reforms and
structures that can mitigate the social problem (DeCandia, 2015). With the three categories of
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 8
homelessness- episodic, chronic, and transitional, effective strategies and programs, such as the
“Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” are required. Mostly, the chronic form of
homelessness is persistent, as it entails temporary structures over time. The chart below
demonstrates the deteriorating issue of homelessness.
Importantly, research demonstrates that the leading cause of homelessness is the lack of
empowerment and financial independence. Worse still, most institutions in the society are
marred by income inequality and slow adoption of diverse working environments (Preston,
2016). Consequently, many people are unable to secure safe and convenient housing. Secondly,
increasing dependence on alcohol and drug abuse adds to financial dependency. Integration of
the health, financial and drugs challenge compound to the homelessness and need for immediate
interventions. The need has led to the suggestion of the “Unto the Least of These Homeless
Ministry” program to solve the social problem. To increase the efforts and possibility for
achievement of the set objectives, stakeholders such as mental health experts, law enforcers,
skills and social work developers as well as on-job trainers.
The statement of the problem is summarized by the observation of the challenges
experienced in some parts of the society and the determination of most feasible solution. In this
case, homelessness has been identified as a social issue (Beth, 2014). The leading causes,
identified as mental health, drug abuse, and physical disability, can be mitigated by bringing
together experts and well-wishers as the most active stakeholder in the “Unto the Least of These
Homeless Ministry” program. Notably, the statement of the problem is depicted as a series of
inquiries. For instance, it entails the question of whether the combination of efforts from the law
enforcement, experts and mental health agencies could be useful in solving homelessness and
setting up a community entrance initiative.
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 9
Literature and Practice Review of Problem and Innovation
The challenge of homelessness can only be solved through a deeper understanding of its
causes. Further, the “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” program will focus on settling
homeless people, creating psychological stability, triggering economic empowerment as a
preparation to own their own homes. As a welfare-based program, the initiative will provide the
basic needs of the participants in terms of food and temporary housing. The main goal of the
provisions will be to set a positive environment through which the homeless people could reform
and own homes. Importantly, components in the program, such as the housing first, will also
support government initiatives such as the affordable housing strategies. Innovative practices in
the program will be designed to overcome the challenges and limitations of the current program.
Moreover, the description of the innovative practices will entail the specific programs
that would empower the participants in the program. For instance, the clients referred and
recruited from mental health institutions will be enrolled in psychological training to maintain
their health and wellness (Sprenger, 2015). Secondly, the clients involved and recruited from law
enforcement agencies would be monitored and analyzed in line with behavior change (Peterkin,
2018). The clients obtained from drug addiction would be rehabilitated in the program.
Additionally, the second innovative phase will entail training and employment opportunities for
the clients. In this way, interview skills and resume development strategies are integrated into the
program (Pleace, 2018). Such skills are focused on improving the ability of the clients to source
for employment and gain financial autonomy.
Besides, the social problem will be solved through other hands-on skills, innovations and
specified solutions to the problems. For instance, the clients are set to learn carpentry, housework
and advanced capabilities such as plumbing and management of personal finances. The program
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 10
is estimated to take eight weeks, after which the clients should be able to provide for and manage
their homes. In this case, they would be allocated to permanent housing programs. The
confidence in the innovative program is derived from the speculation that the trainees will
acquire critical life skills and health therapy to help them gain stable sources of finance and
social support. The review of the program is based on the consolidation of all the stakeholders
and its ability to implement the laid structures and activities.
Importantly, it is observed that most of the homeless persons have challenges related to
mental health and drugs and substance abuse. As a result, the program will create therapy and
rehabilitation sessions for such individuals. Notably, such clients will have their mental wellness
treated and assigned monitoring programs to ensure full recovery before leaving the program.
The maturation of the program for the mentally ill clients will be determined by their recovery
process. Additionally, they will be incorporated in the skills acquisition program to learn
budgeting, health, hospitality and job training. The consistency in training will prevent such
clients from relapsing. The program will integrate the literature findings and the innovative
structures to actualize the reformist strategies. To make sure of the feasibility of the plan,
monthly follow-ups will be implemented as a supportive program among the clients.
Social Significance
The program will be significant to the society through the initiatives and activities the
clients will be enrolled to. Firstly, the program will go a long way in alleviating homelessness in
society. In the unique value proposition, the program is justified by its ability to integrate two
initiatives at the same time. Firstly, the recruitment of the clients from socially deteriorating
situations to readying them to own permanent homes improves the living standards and attaches
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 11
them to a social class. Notably, providing houses and food needs would not be effective due to
instances of a possible relapse. As a result, the program offers training as a source of
independence. The people that will go through the program will establish financial stability and
reduce social dependence. As a result, the program is significant to society through its ability to
recruit, train and change the standards of living of homeless people.
Secondly, the program will provide counselling and management of social issues.
Additionally, it will be critical for clients to attain employable skills and personal development.
By so doing, the clients that go through the program will be assets to the society. The
participants could be used in the future to facilitate similar programs from the experience point
of view. Notably, the use of participants that successfully go through the program will be
essential as they will be more contextual. Similarly, the participants will be a case example of the
challenges encountered in the process of sourcing for employment. The contextual placing of the
clients that have gone through the program will be vital in securing alternative training
approaches and working opportunities for homeless people. Consequently, the program would
reduce the cost of homelessness in society.
Moreover, the program will be significant by implementing the objectives set in the
“Giving you a Life of Promises” initiative. In this initiative, social and citizen needs will be
addressed, and related solutions implemented. In the setting of solution strategies for
homelessness, the program will be solving other underlying challenges such as poverty,
unemployment, and social injustices. In this way, the entire society will benefit through the
identification of stressors and causality factors that result in unfavorable conditions (National
Law Centre, 2015). For example, the incorporation of life-skills in the program will solve the
issue of unemployment (Aviles & Helfrich, 2004). As a result, solving unemployment has a
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 12
multiplier effect of solving crime and poverty in society (Ramesh, 2010). The strategic
contributions to the society, in alleviation of poverty, increasing employment opportunities, and
crime mitigation, make the program significantly in the communities of participation.
The “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” will be significant through the creation
of a robust social support program. Through social support, it will be easier to provide and
receive social amenities in the community. For example, the training in the program will be
useful in the development of talents and unutilized potential among the recruited clients. With
the development of talents, the individuals could start parallel social initiatives in support of the
program. The support initiatives include team advocacy against social bias, drug abuse and
inequality that results in homelessness (Somerville, 2013). Other significances will consist of
attraction of government support programs and concentration on social issues. The success of the
program will pave the way for similar initiatives and advocacy programs that can solve other
social problems such as crime, unemployment, and social injustices.
Conceptual Framework with Logic Model Showing Theory of Change
The combination of the logic model and the theory of change demonstrated the ways in
which the program should succeed and the approaches that should be taken to ensure it succeeds.
The theory of change shows the changes before and after the implementation of the program.
The logic model illustrates the stepwise workability of the initiative. Firstly, the logic model
adopted for the “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” is an integration of the planned
activities and the ensuing results. In the logistic project model, the program will be comprised of
a series of phases, where each step will have action and expected outcomes. The achievement of
the expected outcomes will result in a positive checking of the initiatives’ milestones. The
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 13
consistency in the logic model will determine the compatibility of the set timeline and allocated
budget.
The first step in the logic model is the identification of resources. Essential resources are
checked out in terms of availability and affordability before the program is initiated. The specific
resources will be training schedules, the collection of volunteers as clients to the program and the
creation of a safe learning environment (Identifying the Components of a Logic Model,” n.d).
The immediate consequence of the provision of resources is the effective implementation of the
training activities. For instance, the program is designed to create linkage services between the
collected clients and society. Other consequent activities entail facilitation of employment
opportunities and housing provisions. As observed, the initial strategies in the program promote
implementation effectiveness by achieving the initial milestones in temporary housing. The full
accomplishment of the first milestones in the logic model allows the implementation of the third
phase.
The mid-level expected outputs in the model include indications of life-skill training. The
clients in the program will be expected to demonstrate life-skills practice by becoming more
responsible with the assigned social tasks. Importantly, the life-skills will also entail inclusion of
strategic responsibilities while still in temporary housing (Pestalozzi, 2009). Additionally, the
outputs will involve link to education. The clients will be expected to demonstrate ability to
apply the skills learned in the program in either other learning incentives or employment
opportunities. The logic model will measure its effectiveness through the achieved outcomes. For
instance, it will allow clients to enroll in advanced education programs. Moreover, it will be
useful in preparing homeless people for permanent housing. Lastly, the logic model will be
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 14
characterized by the impact it will have on the collected clients. Specifically, the participants are
expected to develop economic independence.
The demonstration of the theory of change is indicated by the developments in the logic
model. Specifically, the model describes a pathway to change. In this way, the homeless people
are the subjects to the change from an unpleasant social setting to training, where the expected
outcomes are aspects such as financial independence, permanent homes, and mental health
(“Why Some Homeless Choose the Streets Over Shelters,” 2012). The change process is
characterized by the identification of the causality factors and shaping the program to mitigate
the limitations. Importantly, the change theory is critical in the identification of the challenges
and constraints that may hinder achievement of the program objectives. Further, the change
theory illustrates the applicability of the program in different settings. As a derivative of
research, the model links the theory of change to the real-world issue (Picardi & Masick,2013).
The change theory complements the logic model in ensuring that the set milestones in the
program are achieved. The integration of the two develops the conceptual model and a solution
to the problems of practice and innovation.
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 15
Figure 1. Logic Model
The Theory of Change
Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry provides the enrollees with the basic needs to
help them overcome the harmful effect of poverty. Once these people have access food and
nutrition, clothing, and housing, they can focus on the next stages of their way out of
homelessness. They clients also have access to health, safety, and wellbeing, transportation, and
basic financial resources. These services will be accompanied with mitigation of legal problems,
social connections, education, and job training. The result is a resilient, employable, and resource
adequate group of people who are ready to exit poverty. If this program becomes successful,
70% of enrollees will advance their education and transition from temporary shelters to
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 16
permanent houses. Most the beneficiaries will secure stable employment. The programs will
witness increased referrals, recommendations, and commendations from users and observers.
Figure 2. Theory of Change
Area 3. Problems of Practice and Innovative Solutions
Proposed Innovation and Its Effect on the Grand Challenge
The workability of the “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” will be dependent on
the ability to use innovations to solve problems of practice. The innovative strategies and
interventions adopted in the program will have extensive benefits such as cost savings and
effective project time management (Mott, Moore & Rothwell, 2012). Specifically, the proposed
innovation in the program will entail incorporation of training and education programs. Notably,
the program will provide life-skills and treatment plans for mentally ill clients. Allowing the
participants to gain skills that they would use to create self-employment lessens the
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 17
responsibility of the program in the monitoring stage. Indeed, monitoring social integration and
economic stabilization of self-employed persons from the program would be timesaving, cost-
minimizing and effective. The proposed innovation will be useful in the transition period
between the temporary housing initiative to the permanent housing objective.
Additionally, the proposed innovation will encompass the use of experts in the program.
In this case, experts will entail persons that have expertise in different and related departments.
For instance, experts in mental health will be part of the innovative strategy in helping clients
with mental health issues (Jervis, 2014). Besides, the project will use incentives and expertise
from government regulators and urban development experts in designing both temporary and
permanent housing. Innovative approaches will also include tools and techniques to help clients
with addiction issues fit in the program. In this way, medical innovations to manage and treat
withdrawal effects will be included in the implementation plan. As observed, the proposed
innovative plan will be a collection of expertise and human resources in the implementation of
the logical model and the theory of change.
There are different anticipated impacts of the proposed innovation on the grand
challenge. Firstly, the sourcing of assistance from various departments will bring along financial
support. Importantly, inclusion of experts will be a basis of justification from varying
government and regulatory bodies (Commission to end homelessness, n.d). The associated
impact is the creation of a moral suasion to support the incentive. Secondly, the inclusion of
different stakeholders as proposed will pool expertise and ability to brainstorm the grand
challenge. By so doing, the program will be able to pass through the emerging challenges. The
innovations have a positive impact on the program in terms of the efficiency and timeliness of
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 18
setting short-term and long-term milestones. The program will also have a large pool of
consultative resources from the available experts.
The effects on the grand challenge can also be explained from a logistical point of view.
Mostly, the innovations will entail the accumulation of experts to deliver the planned services to
clients. Firstly, the innovation will allow the achievement of the set budgetary allocations.
Predetermined expertise will lessen the planning burden and make the oversight process more
effective. The effectiveness will be derived from the fact that activities will be planned before
their implementation time, and all stakeholders will have clarity of their responsibilities.
Notably, the grad challenge will overcome the stage-wise challenges and anticipated limitations
(Smith, 2018). As observed, the impacts of the proposed innovation are positive influences on
the logistical model and the theory of change. Aggregately, innovations will hasten the
implementation process and provide accuracy to the accomplishment of phase objectives.
Views of Key Stakeholders
Key Stakeholders.
Table 2
Key stakeholders
Key stakeholder Role
Social workers The social workers will develop a vibrant network of associates and
partners. The primary roles of the partners will entail contribution
to public welfare with their products and services. Besides, social
workers will ensure cooperation with rental facilities.
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 19
Social leaders and
managers
The primary roles of the social leaders and managers will be the
facilitation of the fundraising stage. Importantly, they will harness
support from society and utilize the available network of contacts.
Additionally, they will recruit qualified labor to run the project
logistical activities.
Chronically homeless
people in Los Angeles
The homeless people in Los Angeles will; be the primary target for
the program. In this way, they will provide the information required
for the implementation stage. Importantly, they will be critical in
presenting the case needs.
Housing agencies,
Banking entities,
developers and real estate
agencies
The other agencies will provide logistical support. For instance,
housing agencies will legalize the procedure and make target
housing projects (Pleace, 2018). The other parties will facilitate the
implementation stage of the program.
Involved Departments, Ways in Which They Participate, Their Contributions, and
Time Taken.
Table 3
Involved departments
Involved department Participation Contribution Time taken
Police and other law
enforcement departments
Police departments will
be sourced to help pool
and collect clients for
The main
contribution entails
keeping order and
8 weeks
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 20
the program (Peterkin,
2018). They will also
help ensure law and
order within the
program.
enforcement of the
program rules.
Housing and real estate
departments
The housing department
will participate by
establishing the present
housing need and
creating room for the
implementation process.
The real estate
department will
contribute by
availing the required
resources for the
project.
3 weeks
Social welfare department The social welfare
department will help
identify clients in the
program.
The department will
make suggestions
on the ways that the
clients could be
treated to fit and
benefit from the
program.
1 week
Challenges and Problems Encountered During Project Implementation and Ways in
Which the Team Can Resolve.
Table 4
Challenges and problems
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 21
Challenges Solution
Payment (fundraising) and absence of
resources
The program is likely to encounter payment
challenges and a lack of resources. As a
solution, the team will prepare for the
fundraiser and inform all the participants and
stakeholders in time (Semuels, 2016). Besides,
other resources will be sourced in terms of
grants, government contributions, and
investments from private developers.
The lack of recruits in the area The problem of lack of recruits could challenge
the problem. However, the facilitators and
other partnering teams will solve it though
prior target assessment. The preparation of the
society before the implementation of the
project will increase their anticipation for its
benefits. Additionally, the engagement of the
different stakeholders and departments will
source for support, growing recruits in the area.
Lack of motivation and efficiency Social programs are, at times challenged by the
lack of motivation and moral suasion. In this
case, the program developers and facilitators
will use local leaders to source for support. In
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the same way, the extensive engagement of the
society will provide the necessary support for
the implementation. Further, motivation will be
sourced from the projection of the benefits that
the project will provide for the community. By
so doing, society members will make estimates
of the positive change and support the
initiative.
Evidence and Current Context for Proposed Innovation
The program will be in line with the evidence-based problem-solving model. Using the
approach, the program will be contextual and in line with the evaluation of behavioral and
natural sciences. Importantly, the evidence for proposed innovation will be demonstrated in the
sourcing of equipment. For instance, the innovation will source for equipment and personnel, and
the “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” will utilize emergency houses. The
actualization of the housing project will also entail utensils, stationery, and furniture. Other
aspects of the evidence for proposed innovation involve the real commitment of the stakeholders
and departments. In this way, the two parties will commit to unique roles in the implementation
strategy. As a result, the implementation plan will be directed to the gathering of information and
allocation of funds. Different contexts will be used to describe the proposed innovation.
Firstly, the inner context will entail the evaluation of an 18-months program of housing
opportunities and the projection of behavior co-occurring. In this context, the participants in the
program will enroll in a life-skills course. The course will be within the objectives of the
program. The life-skills program will include health therapies for the mentally challenged
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participants and the drug addicts in the program (Sprenger, 2015). Besides, it will consist of
treatment for drug and substance use among the clients. Further, the inner context will entail a
learning platform that will enable them to make positive changes in preparation for the labor
market. Such skills will be categorized under occupational life skills. Once the participants are
allocated apartments, they will be required to pay a small amount of saving money. The money
will train them on savings, and they will be allowed to use it in the future.
The outer context will entail the participation of social workers and other stakeholders. In
this case, they will be tasked with the responsibility of creating a robust network of partners. The
network participants will be motivated to contribute to public welfare. Additionally, the
stakeholders will establish ways in which integration with rental facilities as well as the real
estate companies. Moreover, partnership will be extended to the healthcare providers, councilors,
volunteers and program educators to facilitate empowerment (Beth, 2014). The outer context of
the program innovation will describe the external factors that will influence the program. The
integration of the inner and outer contexts informs on the constructs of the evidence for the
program. In the same way, the two facilitate the construction, assessment, and implementation of
different sections of the initiative.
The receptive context will describe the interaction of the program with the homeless
people. In this way, the main objective of the program, creating a favorable mood and
environment for the homeless in Los Angeles, will be achieved. The involvement of the needs,
opinions, and approaches by the homeless people will be essential in projecting ways in which
they could attain career skills and abilities (Somerville, 2013). Similarly, the receptive context
will determine the level of training and treatment at which a client can be released to have their
apartment. The integration of the social leaders will be useful in making a critical follow-up for
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the participants that have graduated to own their homes. A combination of the different contexts
will be essential in making the program consistent and feasible for implementation. The
contextual placing of the program will harness the support and participation of the stakeholders
and departments.
Comparative Assessment of Other Opportunities for Innovation
The comparative assessment is based on the potential challenges that might prompt the
need for other opportunities. The main problems that would result in additional opportunities for
innovation. Firstly, the participants can be put in a treatment program before they are allowed
into the program. The initiative would be an adequate opportunity to determine the homeless
people that can be viable for the program. In the treatment program, the participants collected
from drugs and substance abuse would be rehabilitated before they are assigned to housing
projects (Pleace, 2018). The opportunity will improve the preparedness among participants as
there would be a higher level of surety that they are compatible. Importantly, the prior treatment
as an incentive before the recruitment into the program will reduce the resources needs in the
initiative.
Secondly, the reliance on grants and government contributions might disappoint the
implementation timeline. For instance, the use of in-kind donations as a component of the
primary sources of finances could delay the implementation of different stages in the program.
Donors provide their convenient timelines for their participation. As a result, their schedules
might be incompatible with the schedules set for the program. As an alternative opportunity, the
program could source for stable source of funds before the program is initiated. The move will
be useful in ensuring that the program cannot be delayed once it starts. For instance, the program
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could request for initial financing from the government agencies as part of a social program. By
so doing, the financing would be integrated into the program resources before it is initiated.
Thirdly, the politics and misalignment of interests in the program could be detrimental in
its actualization. In this way, alternative opportunities could be exploited as a way of ensuring
that the project goals and objectives are actualized. For instance, the involvement of all
stakeholders could be held until the project is thoroughly planned for implementation. In this
way, the non-involvement of selected stakeholders will be essential to mitigate unwanted
influence. In the same way, the selective inclusion in the initial stages will prevent overcrowding
of the project, which could scare away potential investors. The strategic holding of some
stakeholder positions before certain stages are planned or actualized will increase the confidence
of the investors. Consequently, they would be confident of adding unexpected reimbursements
and support that had not been planned for but emerges after the program has been initiated.
Other opportunities for innovation will be based on the possibility of failure by the
participants. Importantly, the participants, such as those that were addicted to drugs and
substance abuse, could relapse after the program has started and fall back to their initial behavior
(Ramesh, 2010). As a result, the program will entail a historical and background check-up of the
participants. The background examination will be used to assess the possibilities for relapsing
and using the findings to customize the treatment and training options. With full understanding,
the treatment options will be based on the presented needs and challenges among participants.
Further, the program would adopt an internal follow-up structure and process that would monitor
the withdrawal progress from substances and drug abuse. The follow-up would complement the
rehabilitative approach taken by the initiative. Integrating the different opportunities will be the
most strategic strength in the program.
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How Innovation Links to Proposed Logic Model and Theory of Change
The innovation links to the proposed model and theory of change in various ways. Firstly,
the innovation strategies in the program describe the logistical process through which change
will be observed among participants. For instance, the program will entail a treatment and
rehabilitative program for the homeless people that had been absorbed in drugs and substance
abuse. For example, the participants struggling with drugs and substance abuse will be enrolled
in a treatment program to make a behavioral change. Notably, the treatment program will entail
experts in mental health and psychological wellness. As innovative expatriates, they connect the
innovation program to the theory of change through the redirection of the behavioral
characteristics from addiction to independence (Ramesh, 2010). The fact that change can be
observed in the participants through withdrawal from substance abuse, the innovation connects
and complements the theory of change.
Secondly, the link between the innovations to the logistical model is described by the
series of activities proposed for implementation. Notably, the logic model provides a conceptual
framework through which the activities in the program will be implemented. For instance, it
provides an input and output structure on the elements of empowerment among the selected
participants (Beth, 2014). The innovative strategies are considered the input, while the expected
outcomes are the output. For example, the input entails the creation of training modules and
treatment programs. The two will then be implemented on the subjects in the program and
outcomes measured as the parameter for success. Additionally, the logic model illustrates the
components that the program will need in its actualization. For example, the crucial stakeholders
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such as government agencies, the real estate departments and social welfare facilitators are
outlined.
Moreover, the innovation links to the theory of change through the demonstration of the
ways in which the components could be manipulated to make differentiated outcomes. For
instance, the model of change insinuates that all the stakeholders have different roles. The
changing or restructuring roles of the stakeholders could be used to pre-determine the outcomes.
Rehabilitation treatments could be implemented before the program to make the participants
ready and understanding of the goals and objectives in the project as a way of empowering them
(Beth, 2014). Further, the changes in the sources of funding would determine the timing structure
of the program. It would also determine the extent to which the objectives are attained, the
number of participants as well as the needed regulations.
Innovations link to the proposed logic model and the theory of change through the
identification of the risk factors that could distort the implementation and outcome speculations.
Homelessness is a critical social challenge that cuts across different dimensions. As a result, the
proposed innovation will involve all stakeholders. The innovation will assess the risks of the
various stages in which stakeholders will be engaged, as well as the models of interventions that
could enhance the actualization process. Linkages through risk mitigation are essential as they
will prevent project failure. The other innovations, such as sourcing alternative sources of funds,
will link the logic model to the theory of change through the proposed changes. Changing the
funding structure would alter the expected outcomes, hence influencing the result.
The Core Concepts of the Logic Model
The logic model is a basic conceptual framework that demonstrated the different
components of the program. As a result, understanding the core concepts informs of the most
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strategic approaches to attaining the least of deviations from expected outcomes (Identifying the
Components of a Logic Model,” n.d). The first core concept is the program resources. In a
program, resources are the financial and non-financial tools and techniques that would support
the implementation of a plan. In this case, the program will use three resource categories-
training, volunteers and safe environment. Training resources will include experts in
psychological and mental health agencies (Jervis, 2014). The resources in volunteering will
consist of a pool of participants. A safe environment will be vital as it defines the learning
environment as well as the treatment platform in the program. The three components describe the
initial core concept of the logic model.
The second core concept is program activities. There are different activities that will
describe the proposed program. Importantly, the activities will entail linkage services,
employment, and housing. Importantly, the linkage services are a series of connections between
the observed skills and abilities, and the working opportunities that would match the same. In the
same line, employment activities will entail training on the creation of resume, answering
interview questions and relation of the learned skills to the inquiries in possible job positions.
The housing component in the core concept means the provision of temporal holdings as a way
of training the participants before they can own their independent houses (Pleace, 2018). The
core concept is used to describe the main objectives and expectations of the program.
Moreover, program output is a core concept in the logic model. Notably, the output
entails two vital sections- life-skills training and link to further education. Participants in the
program have an opportunity to gain life-skills (Pestalozzi, 2009). In this way, the gaining of life
skills will be crucial for their preparation for independent homeownership. Other life-skills
include the different ways in which they could source for employment. The clients to the
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program will be trained to develop critical initiatives in the society, as a form of self-employment
and opportunities for other members of the society. Opportunities for further education will be
attained through the preparations and treatment done in the program. The outputs concept is
essential as it creates a pace for the program expectations.
Further, outcomes and impact are core concepts in the program. The outcomes describe
the expected objectives (Identifying the Components of a Logic Model,” n.d). For instance, the
program will focus on creating abilities that can allow clients to enroll in advanced education
programs. For example, some of the participants would have been enrolled since they dropped
out of learning institutions. In such cases, the program would apply the treatment approaches and
rehabilitative aspects to prepare them for further education. Other outcomes include the
improvement of the abilities among participants to secure employment. Importantly, the
outcomes will be directed towards the assistance of the participants to own permanent homes
after demonstrating that they are fully competent. Impact, as a core concept, is a measurement of
the influence that the logic model has on the participants. Additionally, it measures the change
observed in terms of behavior and capabilities (Ramesh, 2010). Expectations include the
development of skills that would make the program clients financially independent after
completion. The core concepts in the logic model are the primary constructs of the program’s
conceptual framework. As a result, they form a vital section of the project structure and
methodology.
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Figure 1. Logic Model
Figure 2. Theory of Change Model
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Area 4. Project Structure and Methodology
Description of Capstone Deliverable/Artifact
The program has a target audience of chronically homeless individuals who suffer with
co-occurring issues which subject them to inequality. Through the Unto the Least of These
Ministry, the program will provide a package of intensive comprehensive supportive services
that will afford this community to become economically empowered. The facility will have
certified and skilled professionals who will be assigned the task of working with the chronically
homeless co-occurring community. This will also teach them how to write their CVs and present
themselves during interviews. They will also be trained on hard skills that will enable them to
empower themselves, such as customer service, construction carpentry and mechanical and other
forms of employment training to assist them economically. Further, the facility will provide
substance abuse mental, medical, dental and visual treatment to the enrollees. These activities
will help to steer them away from drug and substance abuse which bring about mental health
instability.
The justifications for the programs are the 500,000-individual living in temporary shelters
and the other 170,000 who reside in compounds that are unsheltered. The sources for funds
include donations and fundraising. The additional funding will arise from the government since
the organization qualifies for financing. The application process for these funds is easy and can
be conducted online at the government’s website. Creation of social media pages will be used to
influence well-wishers and other groups to support the project. Cash donations and other
resources will be encouraged. More revenue can be raised from sales of extra food, storage
facilities and transportation vehicles (Schupman & Eldridge, 2017). Events will also be
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organized to raise additional funds whenever necessary and to encourage community members to
embrace the homeless people. $6,354,000 is the estimated amount of capital that will be acquired
from these revenue sources.
Metrics for measuring the success of the program will be introduced. This will ensure
that the progress is communicated to the stakeholders. All stakeholders have the choice to quit or
support the program. For instance, 70% of individuals learning the facility is likely to have been
employed. If this fails to happen, then it shows an existing gap in the program (Schupman &
Eldridge, 2017). This shows the indicators of the progress in the program will include the
enrollment levels of advancement in education, the number of people who have converted their
temporary shelters into permanent homes, homeless people who have acquired jobs and whether
there is increased recommendations and referrals. Metrics will help in identifying gaps within the
program that need to be filled for future sustainability.
A program website where stakeholders can access the necessary information about the
program will be created. This will be in addition to social media networking sites. These sites
will also be used in advertising to attract more individuals and groups willing to invest in the
program. Posters will also be created and hanged on boards and walls to call out for more
donations and support. The primary goal of the program is not only to continue helping the
homeless but also to create new connections with community members. Hence, collecting data
from the community members will help in understanding their say, opinions, and how they can
help. These deliverables will help in achieving the desired goals while monitoring the impact of
the implementation of the invested resources.
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The “Unto the Least of These Homeless ministry” will have a specific budget in its
implementation. Firstly, the revenue streams will be identified and donations in Kind. Secondly,
the proposal will entail a classification of costs. Costs classification will be crucial as it will
enhance the process of matching the program needs with the specific sources of finances.
Additionally, a budget comparing costs and revenues will be used to estimate the efficiency of
the delivery of services. The budget allocations will be in line with the logic model and will be
used to justify the finance chart. The finance table below informs on the structure of its
corresponding chart.
Figure 3. Number of Staff Members the Facility Requires
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Figure 4. Monthly Income Streams
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Figure 5. Annual Funding Received by the Facility
Figure 6. Hourly Salaries of the Various Staff Members
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Figure 7. Annual Staff Salaries
Figure 8. Total Annual Cost of Labor
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Moreover, the artefact will entail a relationship between the revenue streams and the
program expenses. Giving the management team a chance to compare projected costs and
benefits is essential in allowing for any amendments. Importantly, the finance chart will be
necessary for making estimates and ensuring that the estimates made in the program are feasible
and practical. Importantly, the staff remuneration plan will ensure that all the parties involved in
the implementation of the program are motivated. Importantly, medical doctors, psychiatrists,
case managers and social workers will receive the most extensive sections of the compensation
plan.
Comparative Market Analysis
The market for the program will target people that have been termed homeless due to
various reasons such as drug and substance abuse, inequality and mental illnesses. As a
marketing strategy, the program will be in line with the government’s agenda for the homeless in
society. Firstly, the market coverage will entail a coverage of the social environment. The
program will be implemented in Los Angeles due to the extensive population of homeless
persons. The market indicator resulting in the selection of Los Angeles in the long queues of
people waiting for free food. Other market justifications for the program include the estimated
400000 people that live in temporary shelters and nearly 170000 living in unsheltered
compounds.
Moreover, the competitive market strategy for the program is described by the ability to
implement the innovations and provide a solution to the underlying problem. Notably, the
program is one of the most engaging initiatives involving more than three categories of
stakeholders. Further, the comparative market analysis entails the contrast the program possesses
the other opportunities. In terms of costs, the program demonstrates the most economical and
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feasible initiative. The program can absorb market costs through the preparation of contingency
approaches as well as a broad base of stakeholders.
Budget Summary
Figure 8 Model budgeting process
As approximated, the facility would incur $3,059,962.56 on staff salaries annually. As
such, a three-year budget plan to cater to the entire staff team would cost the facility
$9,179,887.68. Aside from staff salaries, the facility will incur the costs of food, transport, rent,
and storage facilities for the homeless as well as some of their staff members. Thus, the facility
ought to have an additional annual cost of $102,000 (cumulative cost of $306,000 for three
years).
The facility may obtain financial assistance from in-kinds, grants and fundraisings. This
may amount to an annual cost of $6,840,000 (cumulative cost of $20,520,000 for three years).
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 39
However, the facility’s operation fully relies on the financial assistance received from different
bodies and well-wishers.
Since the approximated initial funds supersede the budget of the facility, its operation
during the first three years will be a success. Nonetheless, the management must ensure that they
consider the annual budget to ensure that it either coincides with the stated budget or lower. A
higher budget would imply that the facility would not operate effectively up to the third year, lest
they receive more financial aid in form of grants and fundraisings. Since the budget drafted must
take the facility through three years, management ought to do a revision of the budget after three
years. The revision of the budget will depend on the operation of the first three years.
Project Implementation Methods
The implementation phase will be the most critical and sensitive in the program. The first
implementation method involved financial considerations. As an implementation method, the
accumulation and connection of all the sources of funds are vital in ensuring that the group
selected in the program is sufficiently served. Secondly, implementation will be based on the
goodwill and contributions of the donors. Specifically, the non-profit nature of the program
affiliated it to the interests of its sponsors. As a result, the implementation will follow a
predetermined and collectively agreed plan by all the sponsors and stakeholders.
Further, the implementation of the program will entail success metrics and benchmarks.
In this way, the success metrics will set short-term goals and milestones that should be achieved
to implement the next phase. The set goals provide a performance evaluation through the pre-
tests set by the quality managers. In this way, the managers will assess the direction and
effectiveness of the speed that the program will be taking. Consequently, they will provide
recommendations on the following steps. Occasionally, the implementation plan will involve
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trainers of the trainers in the program. The involvement will ensure that all milestones are
completed according to the set standards and scope.
Results and Key Findings of the Project
The program has specific expectations in terms of results and findings. Importantly, the
program managers will conduct a post-test assessment to provide a detailed report on the specific
achievements, behavior changes and abilities that the participants will have attained. Firstly, it
will be expected that the rehabilitation program will have assisted the participants with addiction
issues in developing independence from the drugs and substances they were previously abusing.
Further, the homeless people that were collected from non-shelter compounds due to mental
illnesses will have received treatment (Sprenger, 2015). It is expected that all the participants
going through psychological and mental treatment will have developed independence and
sobriety.
Other expectations include the levels of cognitive and self-reliant abilities. By the end of
the program, the post-assessment test should demonstrate a higher level of skills among the
participants. The recorded skills after the program will be compared with the skills or lack of it
that were assessed before the program commencement. A positive change will be recorded as an
achievement of the program objectives. Other expected results include the ability of the
participants to source for employment opportunities. Other clients are also expected to create
self-employment and financial independence following the skills gained in the process (Beth,
2014). The expected results from the implementation of the program will comprise of the
projected findings and implementation justifications.
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Ways in Which the Organization Can Use This Information
The organization is the primary beneficiary of the information gathered from the
program. Firstly, the information demonstrates the section of the society that is challenged by
homelessness. The organization would then utilize the information in corporate social
responsibility initiatives. As a result, such use of information would facilitate a positive public
image between the company and its customers. Secondly, the organization can use the
information to create a social and corporate network. For instance, the donors, investors and
sponsors of the program could form a robust base for associates and partners. Other uses of the
information include the formation of related policies and organizational activities.
The information obtained from the program forms a critical basis for policy formation.
Importantly, the organization could use it to sponsor research on the different ways in which a
social problem can be solved. In this case, the program was used to solve homelessness in Los
Angeles. The organization could use the information to solve a corporate problem such as
customer behaviors that affect its productivity. Other uses include the application of the logic
model in restructuring organizational behavior. Precisely, the information collected throughout
the implementation process can be used to facilitate other projects. The information is essential
both in corporate and social responsibility objectives for the organization. Ways in Which the
Magic Resolve the Central Problem and Whether the Project Really Offers a Solution
The main objective of the project was to offer a solution for chronic homelessness in Los
Angeles. Notably, the program provided an effective solution to the program. Firstly, the
program illustrated a plan that could be implemented in different timings. Notably, other
government agencies, policymakers and advisories could use the program or support
implementation to cover a broader scope. In the case of the collected participants, the program
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will train them and treat them to be more socially and financially independent. Secondly, the
program offered a solution to homelessness by creating a chance for behavior change.
As observed, most of the people considered homeless find themselves in the position
after drug and substance abuse. In this case, the program will focus on rehabilitating them before
offering them homes. In the instance that the drug addicts are provided homes before a
rehabilitation and treatment program, they would relapse back to their addiction behavior
(Ramesh, 2010). The initial treatment and rehabilitation were essential in preparing the
participants for homeownership. Mas a result, the program achieved its objective in solving the
program. Additionally, the employment training initiative within the program was vital in
solving the problem. For instance, homeless people could establish skills and abilities that could
make them financially independent.
Recommendations
Ways in Which the Findings and Results Will Be Translated into Actual Policy.
Importantly, the findings and results from the program will be translated into actual policy. For
instance, the training program in the initiative will be adopted by the tertiary institutions as a way
of ensuring that a more significant percentage of the population attain education. The initiative
will be converted to policy through the legislative platforms and the gathered social persuasion
(Peterkin, 2018). Besides, the training program will attract government support and registration
as a social incentive. By so doing, the institutionalization of training for homeless and less
privileged persons in society becomes a policy.
The results will be translated into actual policy by making the aspects offered rights. For
instance, the legislative intervention in the program would legalize and attach an affirmative
action requiring consideration of the homeless people. By so doing, the program would be
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implemented in two phases every year. Moreover, the increase in the implementation frequency
would ensure that more homeless people are enrolled and benefit from the aspects of the
program. The attachment of the program structure and legislative aspects would make the
program actual policy.
Whether There Will Be Changes as A Consequence of the Creation of a New Policy.
There will be changes because of the creation of actual policies. For instance, the number of
participants will be changed after the program is converted into a government policy.
Government agencies, such as the ministry of health and social welfare, has extensive resources.
As a result, the program would enroll more participants. Additionally, translating the findings
into policies would engage more stakeholders. Engagement of more stakeholders would be
appropriate as a way of increasing accountability and responsibility. A broader enrollment scope
and more stakeholders would allow the nationalization of the policy. By so doing, it would serve
more people beyond state boundaries.
Other changes entail the restructuring of the education plan. In the program, the
education and training aspects were only focused on helping the participants realize their skills
and apply them in searching for employment. With the translation of the program into a policy,
the training would incorporate education programs that add new skills and expertise among the
clients. For instance, hands-on and innovative education would be added to extend the
knowledge among applicants. As a result, the applicants would not only find employment after
the program but also create opportunities. The conversion of the program results and findings
into a policy would bring along needs for changes in scope, logistics and implementation
methods.
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Ways in Which They Would Impact the Organization. The translation of the program
findings has specific implications for the organization. Firstly, it has an expansionary impact as
more participants will be enrolled and education programs expanded. The expansion will require
changes in the budgetary allocations, executive remuneration and estimated outcomes. The
budgetary changes will be characterized by a need for expansion, like the executive
remuneration. However, the organization will use the increased number of stakeholders to cover
the additional costs of expansion. The logistical operations in the program will experience
changes in the legislative structure (Peterkin, 2018). The changes will also involve increased
government supervision and interference in the implementation process.
The other impacts on the organization are the significant increase in government
interference. The translation of the findings into policies will attract affirmative actions by the
government agencies. Such actions will include the involvement of the legislature in making the
privilege a right. Moreover, the process will require the organization to agree to adherence to
specific levels of commitment, standards of ethical considerations and quality assurance. In some
instances, the organization may have to employ more experts to oversee the implementation of
the translation process. The change of the findings and results in actual policies will require a
complete restructuring of the implementation of the logic model.
The Resources Needed.
Table 1
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Resources needed
Resources needed Explanation
Experts in policy matters
and legislative guidelines
The translation of the program findings into policies will require
experts in the legislative capacities (Peterkin, 2018). The experts
will describe and oversee the process of change. For instance,
attaching rights to homeless people will require an understanding of
the related cost implications.
Managerial panels Managerial panels will be essential in interpreting the findings. The
interpretation will guide the process of policy formation through the
consideration of the participation of all stakeholders. Management
expertise will also be required to estimate the future implications of
the formulated policy.
Financial resources Financial resources will be needed in all the processes, starting from
the interpretation of findings to the translation to policies. The
financial resources that will be required include organizational
participation, government contribution, investors share and
facilitation of the sponsors’ funds. Financial resources form the most
vital part of the future use of the program findings.
Logistical resources Logistic resources entail classrooms, mental therapy session halls,
clinics, real estates, temporal houses and permanent homes.
Importantly, these are the essential resources that will be required in
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the implementation of the policy. Integration of the resources
describes the main components required to make use of the program
results and findings.
Questions for Readiness Scale. Whether the Program Meets the Questions.
Is It Clinically Feasible?
The program meets the question of clinical feasibility. Firstly, the program will involve
mental health experts and rehabilitation health professionals (Jervis, 2014). Depending on the
number of participants, the program will allocate health professionals to every participant.
Firstly, participants with drugs addiction problems will be assigned to experts in the field. By so
doing, they will be enrolled in a treatment program depending on the extent of their challenge. In
the instances that a participant does not rehabilitate by the end of the program schedule an
additional approach is taken, and a different treatment method is adopted.
Secondly, the program is clinically feasible as the participants with mental illnesses will
be treated. Among the first steps in the program will be a physical examination. In this stage, the
participants will be classified in categories of the mental health statuses. Further, each of the
categories is assigned a mental health professional (Sprenger, 2015). The treatment plans are
implemented as the needs of the participants are presented. At the end of the scheduled time, the
participants are processes for other forms of training. In the instances that the participants are not
ready or free from mental disabilities, alternative approaches will be considered. The
effectiveness of the treatment plans demonstrates that the program will be clinically feasible.
Is It Financially Feasible- Grants and Funding?
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The program is financially feasible. The financial feasibility for the program is measured
using the effectiveness of the grants and funding approaches. For instance, the three months’
phase will be characterized by $520,307.91 budgetary allocation in terms of executive
remuneration. The amount is feasible as it justifies the actions and tasks assigned to the executive
team. Importantly, the executive team will be engaged from the planning, the implementation
and follow-up stage. Secondly, the finances are justified by the problem that the program intends
to solve. For example, the problem of homelessness and unemployment costs the state more than
$52,000,000. In this regard, incurring the executive remuneration is financially feasible.
Secondly, the program is financially feasible as the total personnel cost of $42,400 is
below the estimated period income of $61,589. A comparison of incomes and personnel cost
demonstrates the comparative feasibility of a project. As a result, the positive net between the
personnel costs and the estimated income from the program inform of its financial viability.
Further, the program is feasible as the total project expense plus in-kind of $61,589 will be
covered by the planned financing options. Integration of the availability of financing options and
a positive economic result justify the financial feasibility of the program.
Is It Operationally Feasible- Study and Comparative Analysis?
The program is operationally feasible in terms of study and comparative analysis. Firstly,
the integration of different stakeholders will ensure that the program has the required expertise
for implementation. Operational feasibility, therefore, will be justified by the presence of a
professional to solve every question aspect. For instance, homeless people with mental
disabilities will be assigned to psychiatric and mental illnesses experts in the program.
Participants with a history of drug addiction will be enrolled in a rehabilitation program. By so
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 48
doing, all the needs presented by the participants had a ready solution, translating in the
description of the program as logistically feasible.
The program was operationally feasible as it has pooled all the resources that will be
required. For instance, the sources of financial resources have already been confirmed. In this
way, the commencement of the program will not be limited to finances. Secondly, the physical
resources such as learning and training facilities have already been secured, professional
assistants engaged, and tools and equipment procured. Consolidation of the finances, assets and
professional assistants justify the operational feasibility of the program. Financial, clinical and
operational viability of the project adds to its justifications and importance to the society.
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 49
References
“Identifying the Components of a Logic Model” (n.d). Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/std/program/pupestd/components%20of%20a%20logic%20model.p
df.
“Why Some Homeless Choose the Streets Over Shelters”. (2012). National Public Radio, Inc.
Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2012/12/06/166666265/why-some-homeless-choose-
the-streets-over-shelters.
Aviles, A. & Helfrich, C. (2004). Life skill service needs: Perspectives of homeless youth,”
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 33(4), 331-338.
Beth, W. (2014). Homelessness, empowerment and self-reliant in Scotland and Ireland: The
impact of legal rights to housing for homeless people. Journal of Social Policy, 1-17.
Doi: 10.1017/S0047279414000282.
Commission to end homelessness. (n.d). OC Housing & Community Development. Retrieved
from http://occommunityservices.org/hcd/homeless/commission
Corinth, K. C. (n.d). Improving our federal response to homelessness. American Enterprise
Institute. Retrieved from http://www.aei.org/spotlight/improving-our-federal-response-to-
homelessness/.
DeCandia, C. (2015). Assessment of families experiencing homelessness: A guide for
practitioners and policymakers. Boston, MA: Homes for Families.
Jervis, R. (2014). Mental disorders keep thousands of homeless on streets. USA Today. Retrieved
from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/27/mental-health-homeless-
series/14255283/
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 50
Mott, S., Moore, M., & Rothwell, D. (2012). Addressing homelessness in Canada: implications
for intervention strategies and program design-a review of the literature. Montreal,
Quebec: Centre for Research on Children and Families.
National Law Centre (2015). Homelessness in America: Overview of data and causes. Retrieved
from https://www.nlchp.org/documents/Homeless_Stats_Fact_Sheet.
Pestalozzi, T. (2009). Life skills 101: A practical guide to leaving home and living on your own.
USA: Stone wood publications.
Peterkin, O. (2018). Lawmakers have an idea for keeping homeless in shelters: Pay them to stay.
Hawaii News Now. Retrieved from
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37472644/lawmakers-have-an-idea-for-keeping-
homeless-in-shelters-pay-them-to-stay/
Picardi, C. A. & Masick, K. D. (2013). Research methods: Designing and conducting research
with a real-world focus. London, UK: SAGE Publications.
Pleace, N. (2018). Using housing first in integrated homelessness strategies: A review of the
evidence. Mungos Housing. Retrieved from
https://www.mungos.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/02/ST_Mungos_HousingFirst_Report
_2018.pdf1-19.
Preston, A. (2016). Homelessness is a product of economic inequality. Real Change. Retrieved
from https://www.realchangenews.org/2016/02/03/homelessness-product-economic-
inequalityand-white-supremacy.
Ramesh, R. (2010). A fifth of all homeless people has committed a crime to get off the streets.
The Guardian. Retrieved from
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 51
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/dec/23/homeless-committing-crimes-for-
shelter
Schupman, W., & Eldridge, M. (2017, October 19). When does a social program need an impact
evaluation? Urban Wire.
Semuels, A. (2016). How can the U.S end homelessness? The Atlantic. Retrieved from
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/end-homelessness-us/479115/.
Smith, N. (2018). Homelessness is a tragedy the U.S. can afford to fix. Bloomberg. Retrieved
from https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-05-21/ending-homelessness-is-a-
job-for-the-federal-government
Somerville, P. (2013). Understanding homelessness. Housing, Theory and Society, 30(4), 384-
415. Doi: 10.1080/14036096.2012.756096.
Sprenger, K. (2015). Housing homeless who are diagnosed with mental illness: Social service
professionals’ perspectives. Retrieved from
https://sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1528&context=msw_papers
UNTO THE LEAST OF THESE HOMELESS MINISTRY 52
Abstract (if available)
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to offer a solution for chronic homelessness in Los Angeles through the “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” program. Some of the main issues include drug abuse, mental health, and disability. The leading causes, identified as mental health, drug abuse, and physical disability. The study utilized the combination of the logic model and the theory of change in establishing a conceptual framework for solving homelessness. The “Unto the Least of These Homeless Ministry” incorporated training and education programs as innovative. The key stakeholders include the Social workers, Social leaders and managers, chronic homeless people in Los Angeles, and agencies for construction and financing. The departments involved include the police, housing, and real estate, and social welfare. In assessing opportunities for innovation, the study considered prior education programs, the impact of politics, and reliance on grants. In linking the two theoretical models and innovation, the study will find innovation links. The core concepts of the logical model include program resources, activities, output, and outcomes, and impact. On budgetary allocations, staff salaries for three years will be $9,179,887.68, while operations will cost $306,000 for the same period. The facility needs financial assistance of about $20,520,000 for three years. Based on the funds and management costs, the project’s operations during the first three years will be a success. The project implementation methods include financial considerations, goodwill, and donor contributions. The significant project findings and expectations include the rehabilitation program helping participants in overcoming addiction, receive mental treatments, and improvement in cognitive and self-reliant abilities. The study will be significant in identifying the program participants for the project. The program was successful, providing a strategic plan for various stakeholders. The study recommends the implementation of the results into actual policy. The creation of the real system will result in the reorganization of the project to include extra participants. Thus, the project is clinically feasible by involving mental health experts and rehabilitation health professionals. The program is financially viable since it will undertake funds from grants into effective management of the programs.
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Asset Metadata
Creator
Johnson, Kessha M.
(author)
Core Title
Unto the least of these homeless ministry: ending homelessness within the co-occurring population
School
Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Degree
Doctor of Social Work
Degree Program
Social Work
Publication Date
12/09/2019
Defense Date
11/21/2019
Publisher
University of Southern California
(original),
University of Southern California. Libraries
(digital)
Tag
co-occurring population,ending homelessness,OAI-PMH Harvest
Language
English
Contributor
Electronically uploaded by the author
(provenance)
Advisor
Katz, Irvin (
committee member
), Manderscheid, Ron (
committee member
), Rank, Michael (
committee member
)
Creator Email
johnsonkessha67@gmail.com,kesshape@usc.edu
Permanent Link (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-c89-250113
Unique identifier
UC11674257
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etd-JohnsonKes-8033.pdf (filename),usctheses-c89-250113 (legacy record id)
Legacy Identifier
etd-JohnsonKes-8033.pdf
Dmrecord
250113
Document Type
Capstone project
Rights
Johnson, Kessha M.
Type
texts
Source
University of Southern California
(contributing entity),
University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses
(collection)
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The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the a...
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Tags
co-occurring population
ending homelessness