Vickers House Request for Assistance: Homeward Bound Program
Aug 26, 2011 - Vickers House
Dear Friends, We need your help once again!
As you know, many poor people in our community are still losing their homes and we have been confronted with more families and individuals than ever before who have become Homeless, (Folks who don’t have a drug or alcohol problem) — Just people down on their luck who are living on our streets in our community.
Therefore, the only solution I can offer is our Homeward Bound Program! Since we began this program we have sent 803 people back home to family (109 have been children), at an average Bus Ticket Cost of $124.99 a ticket. As you know we operate this program strictly with donations from the community and the entire donation goes to the purchase of a non-refundable/non-transferable bus ticket home- there’s no overhead- no administrative fees- your dollars go strictly to the purchase of the ticket!
To update you, when a person or family come to us who are Homeless and wish to return home, we contact their family to ask if the Homeless family member would be welcomed and supported until they can get their life in order. If the family agrees to these responsibilities, then we conduct a warrant check. Once all of these conditions are satisfied then we arrange for the non-transferable/non-refundable Greyhound bus ticket home. We also provide donated snacks for the trip home, and Staff escort the Homeless person or family to the Bus Station, seeing them off on their long journey home. Note: Additions to this requirement are when underage children are involved, then additional documents are required such as birth certificate, school ID, proof of custody, etc. to ensure that the adult making application for Homeward Bound does have legal guardianship of the children to travel.
Of course there are no guarantees what their future may bring, but at least we have given them hope and a second chance for happiness! We need your donations immediately to keep this program going—-times are only getting worse for low-income people living in our community and on our streets—they just can not make it here any longer and just want to go home! Please Help us reunite them with their family!
Please, If you can help, make your checks payable to our fiscal agent (Friends of the Needy, Inc. is a 501-C-3 organization). All donations are tax deductible and each donor will receive an acknowledgment of their donation.
Please designate the check for the Homeward Bound Program! Mail to:
Friends of the Needy, Inc.
Post Office Box 6506
West Palm Beach, Fl 33405
Sincerely,
Lela Jordan
Vickers House, Youth & Family Services
City of West Palm Beach FL
(561) 804-4975 ljordan@wpb.org
Free job training including living allowance/housing/meals/health care
Jun 28, 2011 - Vickers House
The City of West Palm Beach is partnering with the Job Corps to provide free job training as well as free health care, housing, meals, a living/clothing allowance and even daycare in some locations while in training.
The program will lead to employment for economically disadvantaged youth from 16-24, Veterans 20-24, honorably discharged disabled individuals, and others.
Both Vickers house locations are now accepting applications for 3 hour orientations.
Friday, July 8
Vickers House South
3801 Georgia Avenue
West Palm Beach FL 33405
(561) 804-4975
To be eligible:
Be ready, willing, and able to participate fully!
You must be a Citizen or Resident Alien, Social Security cards are required
Must speak /understand English (ESOL courses will be provided to improve your skills)
Academic training includes High School Diploma, GED preparation & College preparatory. College & Advanced Training is also available.
In order to stay in the program, students must not violate the “Zero Tolerance” policy against violence, drugs and sexual harassment. You will not be turned away for a Criminal background – Court documents are required for enrollment.
The program takes anywhere from 11 months to 2 years to complete, (3 years for college or advanced training!)
While you are in training Job Corps offers residential housing, food service, driver’s education, basic health and dental care, a bi-weekly basic living allowance and clothing allowance. Some centers offer childcare programs for single parents as well.
Free Help Reducing Energy Costs For Qualified Residents
May 03, 2011 - Mayor's Office, Vickers House
The City of West Palm Beach Vickers House is pleased to assist Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, Inc. in it’s efforts to distribute applications for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) which is provided through the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs. The program’s mission is to reduce heating and cooling costs by improving the energy efficiency of the home. This enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills.
By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 31% and overall energy bills by $274 per year.
This program is funded annually by the Department of Energy and receives supplemental funding from the Department of Human Services.
To qualify:
Participants must own and occupy the home to be repaired.
Funding Priority:
Preference is given to single-family detached homes, elderly (60 years-plus) or physically disabled residents, families with children under 12 and households with a high energy burden (repeatedly high utility bills).
Priority list of possible weatherization activities and/or repairs:
1. Air Sealing and General Heat/Cooling Waste – seal openings to prevent waste. Addresses air infiltration: weather stripping, caulking, thresholds. Including other required measures such as Water Heater Tank Wrap, Water Pipe Insulation, Faucet Aerators, Low Flow Shower Heads, HVAC Filters.
2. Attic Insulation – installation of insulation (to improve to minimum R-30)
3. Dense-Pack Sidewall insulation – installation of insulation
4. Solar Window Screens – installation of solar window screen
5. Installation of Smart Thermostat for central heating and cooling systems
6. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) – replace incandescent bulbs with CFL’s
7. Seal and Insulate Ducts – seal central heating and cooling system duct work
8. Refrigerator – replace inefficient refrigerators
9. Addressing heating and cooling systems – repair, upgrade and or replace inefficient systems
Participants can pick up the applications at either Vickers House locations, if you are Homebound and need special assistance in filling out this application please call:
Vickers House South: 3801 Georgia Avenue, (561) 804-4975
Vickers House North: 811 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., (561) 804-4970
Participants must have the following documents with your application for you to be eligible:
Application for Housing Assistance – completed and signed (attached)
Authorization to Release Information – signature only (attached)
Homeowner Questionnaire (attached)
Consent to Inspection (attached)
Copy of Driver’s License or other photo ID – all adults in household
Copy of Social Security card for all household members
Proof of current income :
Past 3 months of pay stubs for all working adults (18 & older)
Benefit Statements for Social Security, AFDC, Retirement, etc. – This is the statement received from the provider outlining your current monthly benefit, we cannot use the form sent to file your taxes the previous year.
If self employed, most recent tax return
Child Support – Copy of Divorce Decree or Child Support Order
Bank statements for past 3 months
Proof of homeownership – Copy of Deed or Homestead Exemption certificate, from property appraiser’s office
For mobile homes – copy of title and copy of deed or lease on land
Copy of Energy Bills for most recent month
Copy of Disability Documentation if seeking a priority advantage on the applicant waiting list. (i.e. copy of your disability award letter, letter from Doctor)
Once received, Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, Inc. will contact applicant for further processing.
FREE Developmental Testing at Vickers House South
Apr 29, 2011 - Vickers House
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SCREENING
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities of Florida Atlantic University will be conducting FREE evaluations for children with developmental concerns.
Wednesday, May 25 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 3801 Georgia Avenue – West Palm Beach – FL – 33405
This service is critical for children and families experiencing developmental concerns because early screening leads to early diagnosis and early intervention!
Please call the Vickers House South (561) 804-4975 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
*Parents must be present at the time of screening to provide consent and receive screening results.*
CLÍNICA PARA PRUEBAS DE DESARROLLO
El Centro para Autismo y Discapacidades de Florida Atlantic University hará pruebas de desarrollo para niños con problemas de desarrollo.
Miércoles, 25 de Mayo de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. en 3801 Georgia Avenue – West Palm Beach – FL – 33405
¡Este servicio es crítico para niños y familias que tengan preguntas sobre el desarrollo de sus hijos porque mientras mas temprano se hagan estas pruebas, mejor oportunidad habrá para un diagnóstico y tratamiento a tiempo!
Por favor llame a Vickers House South (561) 804-4975 para más información o para hacer una cita.
*Padres tienen que estar presente con su hijo para proveer consentimiento y recibir los resultados.*
Taxes Done Free
Jan 13, 2011 - Vickers House
At both Vickers House Locations!
Free VITA tax preparation service is only available if you earned less than $49,000 in 2010. You may be able to get Earned Income Tax Credit up to $5,666.
Free Tax Preparation for those that earned under $49,000 in 2010. Beginning January 18 thru April 18th, 2011. Please call to make an appointment. (Spanish Translation Assistance at both Vickers House locations.)
Schedule for Both Vickers House Locations:
Vickers House South
3801 Georgia Avenue West Palm Beach, 33405
Tel. (561) 804-4975
Monday through Thursday
From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday
From 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Vickers House North
811 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. West Palm Beach, 33401
Tel. (561) 804-4970
Monday and Tuesday
From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Please Bring:
• Photo ID’s (you and your spouse if filing jointly - Joint returns require both filers to be present to sign return),
• W2’s and all form 1099’s for 2010,
• Social Security Cards for All family members,
• Correct Birth dates for all family members,
• Voided check or savings account number for direct deposit of your refund (optional but gets your cash to you the fastest).