InnVision... The Way Home

Women and children are the most vulnerable and susceptible population to the ravages of homelessness. 30% of the homeless are children who through no fault of their own roam the streets of the South Bay with their family looking for food and a safe place to sleep. Our goal at InnVision is to ensure that these children do not end up in a homeless shelter as adults. By providing comprehensive services to their family we strive to end the cycle of homelessness one generation at a time.

This program would not be possible without the following major contributors, partnerships and collaborators: Santa Clara County Drug and Alcohol Department, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CDBG of San Jose and Campbell, City of San Jose, Santa Clara County Social Services, Santa Clara County Child Abuse Prevention, Children’s Trust Fund, Lucille Packard Children’s Foundation, City of San Jose Mayor’s Fund, Junior League, American Association of University Women, Gardner Family Healthcare for the Homeless, Dr. Hammons, Kaiser Permanente, St. Christopher’s Church, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, WATCH and the YWCA.

Georgia Travis Center

Georgia Travis Center is a daytime drop-in center for homeless women and children. Basic needs are met with meals, showers, laundry facilities, transportation assistance, mailing address, telephone access and an emergency clothing closet. Case managers work with the women to assess their family’s needs and connect them with community resources. Daily workshops on topics such as money management, conflict resolution and domestic violence are available to help women increase their self-sufficiency and coping skills. A computer lab is available to work on resumes, learn computer skills and begin a housing search. Children’s activities are provided to give both the mother and child respite and recreation. On-site medical assistance is also available weekly.

Transitional/Supportive Housing

The InnVision Villa and Casa Camino provide transitional housing for single women, women with children and families. A community kitchen, common rooms, plays area and computer lab is available for all the residents. Individual units provide a room wired for telephone and cable. The “Learning Zone Homework Club runs twice a week for the school aged children. Case management is part of the program design, with weekly house meetings and educational workshops. Residents must be employed and pay 30% of their income for rent. Residents may stay for up to two years.

Family Place

The Family Place Project offers a child development center for 0-5 year old children. A structured education and support program is provided at the same time for the mothers including ESL, health education and parenting classes. The adult education program is targeted toward at-risk Latina women currently in housing in the community. The child development center is open to all children using the Georgia Travis Center. All services are free.

HomeSafe, Santa Clara

InnVision worked closely with Charities Housing and the Domestic Violence Collaborative to develop a transitional housing program designed specifically for survivors of domestic violence. This transitional housing program houses women and children. InnVision manages the property and WATCH provides the on-site support services and counseling for the women and children. The community center has a computer lab and a childcare center.

Commercial Street Inn

This emergency shelter houses women and children. The women and children can stay up to 90 days. There are 12 family rooms and 12 cubicles for single women. Because of the facilities design, boys over the age of 11 are not permitted to stay in the shelter. Women pay a small program after the first 30 days. While in the shelter, the women work closely with a case manager to secure transitional or permanent housing, daycare, employment and counseling to break the cycle of homelessness. Meals are provided and all the residents help with daily chores. A computer lab is available on site and a “Learning Zone Homework Club” runs after school Monday through Friday for school aged children.