LAFAYETTE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING CENTER INC

Since its beginnings in 1989, Lafayette Transitional Housing Center, D/B/A LTHC Homeless Services, has offered housing and supportive services for individuals, families and Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. From supportive housing to supportive services, LTHC Homeless Services is improving the lives of people in our community who are homeless or in a housing crisis by ending their homelessness and providing support so they may live independently.

Coordinated Entry
When someone finds themselves in a housing crisis, LTHC is the central point of entry into the homeless system for Region 4, which is Tippecanoe and the surrounding counties. LTHC has Coordinated Entry Intake Case Workers who do an assessment with every person to determine their immediate and long- term housing needs. This assessment is done in the Homeless Management Information System, an online software program called Client Track. The purpose of Coordinated Entry is to gather not only demographic data, but also other information through the Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assessment Tool (VI-SPDAT). The VI gathers information needed in order to prioritize the type of assistance a person or family could be eligible for. This system is for the entire state of Indiana, not just LTHC. Nationally, it is the belief that all resources for housing intervention should be prioritized for those who are the most vulnerable (meaning, those who have the most barriers).

During the initial assessment, it is the goal to prevent and/or divert someone from entering the homeless system. At this stage, there is a discussion about referrals for rental assistance, utility assistance, connecting with SNAP (food stamps), mediation with family/friends to stay housed. We want to keep people where they are if at all possible.

Family Permanent Supportive Housing Program ~ established September 1, 2016
The Family PSH program provides housing and case management for 11 families in one of the five LTHC-owned properties. Families who have substantial barriers to their housing stability, including: length of homelessness, mental health, physical health, income and more. The Lafayette Housing Authority provides Housing Choice Vouchers to subsidize the rent, which is based on income. The goal for this program is to maintain housing stability.

Homeless Services Program ~ established in 1997 ~ expanded 2020 to the Engagement Center Facility
The Homeless Services Program offers a variety of services to anyone in our community who is experiencing homelessness. All guests go through a coordinated assessment with a case manager to determine the appropriate housing solution. Each guest develops a housing stability plan which focuses on housing, income and healthcare. LTHC offers a variety of supportive services on-site, including phone/mail services, shower and laundry facilities, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), limited financial assistance, gas vouchers and bus tokens, and other needed services.

In January 2020, this program expanded to also include emergency housing for individuals. We offer 17 Interim Housing Pods, for people who will be housed within 45 days; 4 Medical Respite pods, for anyone who is being discharged from a healthcare facility; 10 emergency crisis beds, for those who are not eligible to sleep at the emergency shelter. We will also offer a place for people to be safe, when the shelters are at capacity. For families, we refer to the local emergency shelter. When they are at capacity, we pay for emergency hotel stays. This location also has a Safe Parking lot which allows those with cars to sleep in the parking lot.

We have partners on-site at the Engagement Center, including: Tippecanoe County Health Department, Veteran's Administration, Aspire, Homestead CS, Clinton County Family Partners, Valley Oaks Health Compass, PATH, Entitlement Specialist and Therapist, Purdue University Nursing Students, and more to come!

Eighth Street Commons Permanent Supportive Housing Program ~ established March 1, 2015
The Eighth Street Commons Program offers permanent supportive housing to 24 men and women, ensuring that those with disabilities or substantial barriers have housing. The on-site Case Manager assist each tenant with short and long-term goals. Permanent Supportive Housing combines affordable housing with case management services helping people live more stable, productive lives.

Lincoln Center Permanent Supportive Housing Program ~ established in 2011
The Lincoln Center offers permanent supportive housing to 24 men and women, ensuring that those with disabilities or other substantial barriers still have a place to live. The on-site case manager assists each tenant with short and long-term goals. Permanent Supportive Housing combines affordable housing with case management services helping people live more stable, productive lives. LTHC is providing a long-term solution for people in our community who are continuously challenged by these difficulties. Studies show that these combined services create a synergy helping the homeless take steps toward independence.

Emergency Solutions Grant Rapid Re-Housing Program ~ established in January 2013
The ESG RR program works with people who are living on the streets or in one of the emergency shelters (Family Promise, Lafayette Urban Ministry, or the Women’s Shelter). This program provides case management and temporary financial assistance to quickly move families and/or individuals out of emergency shelter, and into their own housing. The Case Manager works with area landlords on providing permanent housing, and with the tenants on maintaining the housing.

HUD Continuum of Care Rapid Re-Housing Program ~ established September 2015
The HUD RRH program is very similar to the ESG RRH program. This program provides case management and short-term financial assistance to help homeless families with children in their own apartment. The Case Manager works with the family on maintaining the housing.

Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families ~ established in October 2013
This SSVF program works with homeless Veterans who need assistance with housing and services. The Case Manager works with the family and/or individual on connecting Veteran’s to the appropriate service not only through the VA, but also with area service providers. The program works with local landlords to secure permanent housing, and with other services for the Veteran to maintain the housing. In 2020, LTHC was awarded additional funding from the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs. The first time Indiana has given any money towards ending homelessness!

Union Place Apartments ~ established November 2019
The Union Place Apartments offers permanent supportive housing to 40 men and women, ensuring that those with disabilities or other substantial barriers still have a place to live. The on-site case manager assists each tenant with short and long-term goals. Permanent Supportive Housing combines affordable housing with case management services helping people live more stable, productive lives. LTHC is providing a long-term solution for people in our community who are continuously challenged by these difficulties. Studies show that these combined services create a synergy helping the homeless take steps toward independence.