Criteria for Admission
In addition to being fully committed to ending their homelessness all applicants must be:
- Mentally and psychiatrically stable
- Capable of, and committed to, living in a structured, cooperative group setting
- Connected with the resources necessary to achieve their
- Committed to living substance free
- Willing to submit to random urine toxicology screens and breath analysis
- Able and willing to follow prescribed treatment plans including compliance with taking prescription medications.
Who does CMA serve?
The shelter serves a diverse Bay Area populace. Many of the residents at CMA are direct referrals from the VA. Others come from area hospitals, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, other shelters or transitional housing. Some come directly from the streets of our community.
CMA is one of only a few local agencies that target under-served populations, such as the physically disabled, medically frail, the elderly and those with psychiatric and substance abuse problems. In general, priority is given to:
- Medically frail and elderly individuals
- First-time homless individuals and families
- People undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation and sobriety maintenance
- Physical and mental health patients
- People involved in vocation rehabilitation or employment
- Those transitioning from treatment to employment and stable housing
What are Service Plans?
Each resident in the Clara-Mateo shelter participates in the development of a plan to overcome his or her homelessness. This plan, or Service Plan, is prepared at the time of intake and assessment, collaboratively, by the shelter applicant, and his or her case manager. A discharge plan is clearly identified as part of the agreement. Thus, the Service Plan is a clear, concrete, viable plan. Each Service Plan includes the following elements:
- Discharge housing
- Employment or daytime activity
- Income and money management (employment or disability income)
- Recovery, if applicable
- Mental Health, if applicable
- Service Coordination
All residents are capable of independent living; however, the shelter serves a diverse group of the homeless, including the seriously mentally ill, chronic substance abusers, dually-diagnosed individuals (those with substance abuse and mental illness), people with physical disabilities, people with disabling HIV/AIDS, and people who are transitioning to appropriate, affordable housing. Each Service Plan is appropriate to the needs of the individual.
Getting out of homelessness is a process of problem solving, rebuilding, self-care and hard work. A realistic plan, achievable goals, and productive activities help ensure lasting change.
