Temporary Shelter
When possible, we always prefer to work with families to keep them in their homes. However, sometimes situations do not allow for that and a tough decision might have to be made. FPAC can work with families to provide them with temporary shelter while they are searching for a new place to live.
What to Expect
Initial Contact
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Our resources can be found all over Laramie, but the best way to get in contact with us is via phone or email.
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Reach out to find out if you are a good fit for our services or if we can refer you to somewhere that is a better fit.
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If you are afraid your family is going to lose your housing or are struggling to keep it, reach out and we will see what we can help with.
Application
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After the initial contact and a basic screening, families are directed to fill out our shelter application if temporary shelter seems like it would be a good fit.
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The application asks specific questions about the family and the situation and there are digital and physical copies available.
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Specific documents are required to be provided before being considered for services including (but not limited to) proof of income and identity. The case manager will help to determine what documentation is needed.
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After the application is received back, background checks for all adults will be completed.
Follow Up
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The final decision of shelter being offered is made once the background checks come back and they are evaluated by the case manager, sometimes with consultation from the director.
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The family is informed of the decision and next steps are determined.
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Next steps normally look like finding a motel to take the family and paying weekly for a room, or referrals are made to other services depending on what is deemed as appropriate for the family and situation.
Qualification
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Families that qualify for shelter have dependents under the age of 18, live in Albany County, and are currently getting evicted or must suddenly move for another reason.
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Currently, Family Promise of Albany County is only able to offer temporary shelter to families that already reside in Albany County. We unfortunately are not able to assist with families passing through, however referrals can always be made.
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All adults in the family that would be receiving shelter from us must pass a background check. For that reason, our shelter process is not emergent and it normally takes 1-2 weeks to receive the background checks back.
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Each background check is evaluated by our case manager and is assessed on a case by case basis. The main things that would eliminate a person from receiving shelter are violent offenses or sexual offenses, but these can always vary. If you have a question regarding a previous offense that is on your record, do not hesitate to consult with the case manager.
First Meeting
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Once the application is submitted along with all other documents, our case manager will reach out to the family and set up an initial consultation.
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This meeting will be a time for the case manager to get to know the family and share more about their situation so we can determine the best way to help and if temporary shelter is the best option.
Expectations
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If accepted into our shelter program, families are asked to sign and expected to adhere to an agreement regarding their behavior while staying under Family Promise of Albany County.
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A basic overview of this includes: being respectful of the motel staff and tenants, not participating in any illegal activity, actively working to find new housing for the family, and consistent (weekly or more) check ins with the case manager. Failure to adhere to this can result in termination from the program.
Consumer Notice
HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM NETWORK
This Agency participates in the Wyoming Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which collects basic information about clients receiving services from this agency. This helps us get a more accurate count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and to identify the need for different services. Some agencies receive funding to provide services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness that require use of HMIS. Other agencies choose to use this database outside of funding requirements.
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We only collect information that we consider to be appropriate. The collection and use of all personal information is guided by strict standards of confidentiality. A copy of our Privacy Notice describing our privacy practice is available to all consumers upon request. Agencies participating in HMIS share information with other agencies partnered in HMIS unless they serve a protected population, in compliance with applicable federal and state law. The list of HMIS Partner Agencies is available to clients at intake and also posted at: https://icalliances.org/wy-hmis-participating-agencies . Sharing information among agencies allows those agencies to work in a cooperative manner to provide you with better services.
You can share your personal information with other area agencies that participate in the network by completing a “Release of Information” form. This will allow those agencies to work in a cooperative manner to provide you with efficient and effective services.
Public Notice (Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 146) / Effective August 30, 2004
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If you have any concerns about this policy, please contact Family Promise of Albany County's grievance officer: Celeste Quinton 307-742-6480.
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