Carlisle               C.A.R.E.S.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What Does C.A.R.E.S. stand for?

C.A.R.E.S. is an acronym for Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter. C.A.R.E.S. stands for the partnership we have with the community to provide the best possible support for the residents of our organization. 

 

2. Do you have a paid staff?

Yes, we employ a full-staff of full-time and part-time employees. Although we have a full staff we rely on volunteers to help keep the overnight shelter and resource center running. We have a different need for volunteers than other organizations since we provide services 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.

 

3.What is a Supportive Services Coordinator?

A Supportive Services Coordinator (SSC) is essentially a case manager.  All individuals who utilize the Resource Center (in addition to the overnight shelter) are assigned an SSC who will meet with them on a weekly basis.  SSCs primary role is to help identify the needs of each individual (example: Finding permanent housing; Finding stable employment, etc.) and address those needs by connecting individuals to resources within the community. 

 

4. Why don't you have your own overnight facility?

We utilize the generosity of the local church community to shelter our residents overnight. We are hoping to do our part in diminishing the amount of homeless needing our agency, and not spend the money on a building that could ultimately be a financial burden.

 

5. Do you accept families?

Yes- When space is available we accept families with children of all ages.

 

6. Do you have a time limit for residents?

Yes – the time limit for residents is 9 months.   Nine months allows ample time for residents to address all of their needs and secure stable housing. 

 

7. Do you take residents from other counties?

Yes – as a last resort we will take individuals from any county/state if the space is available. We will first make an effort to find them shelter in their county.

 

8. Do you allow individuals with disabilities?

Yes – we do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Our only guideline is that all individuals residing at our shelter must be able to function independently (including self-care), as we are not able to provide assistance in instruction of daily living skills etc..   If it is an individual that requires a great deal of care, this setting would not be appropriate. 

 

9. What is expected from the residents at the Resource Center?

The Resource Center is not a hangout spot. There must be a purpose for the residents to be in the center. We also expect the residents to keep up with weekly chores to ensure the facility stays clean.

 

10. Where do residents keep their belongings?

Unfortunately, we do not have enough space for all residents to bring all of their belongings. When available, we provide a locker for each residents to keep clothing or other personal items. We also have pantry and refrigerator space available for the resident to store their food.

 

11. What services are provided to veterans?

We are very fortunate to have several local agencies that specialize in working with veterans experiencing homelessness.  When a guest is identified to be a veteran, his/her SSC will make referrals to these agencies – including the Lebanon V.A., YWCA Homeless Veterans Program, and Volunteers of America (Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families).  All of these agencies work to house homeless veterans and provide other beneficial services (including medical, case management, transportation assistance, etc.).

 

12. Do you help people find housing?

As SSCs, helping our residents find housing is our number one priority.  We work very closely with Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (CCHRA), as there are many housing programs available that most of our residents are eligible for.  If independent housing is not the best option for a resident, we try to place them in a more appropriate setting (Ex. Community Residential Rehabilitation; Personal Care Homes; Group Homes, etc.)