1. What is CASS and how/why was it started?

 

  Answer: Since 1984, our shelters and programs have been serving the community’s most vulnerable, who often face nearly insurmountable barriers in ending their homelessness. Our programs empower our clients to not only end their homelessness but to rebuild their lives. The agency currently operates three shelter locations: Downtown Single Adult Shelter Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter Men’s Outreach Shelter In addition to shelter, CASS also offers comprehensive services in the following areas: Veteran Support Services, Employment Services, Dental Health and Hygiene, Case Management, Child Development and Family Services, as well as Housing Services

 

2. What is the continued goal of the organization?

 

  Answer: To provide a safe place for clients to stay while they quickly access services (benefits, employment, identification, medical, etc.) that will allow them to end their homelessness. To make housing a priority for all clients.

 

3. What are some of the most common ways that individuals can get involved?

 

  Answer: Monetary donations, volunteering and/or hosting in-kind donation drives or 3rd party fundraisers (examples of these are located on our website: www.cassaz.org)

 

4. What are the most successful programs that you host?

 

  Answer: Veterans Programs – Because of the rich resources available to Veterans at the current time, our Veteran’s team has been able to partner with many agencies to assist our clients overcome their homelessness (housing through Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), medical and mental health services through the Veterans Administration and through the on-site Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC), outreach to Veterans in the community who are homeless, employment and the many supportive services offered in our Grant Per Diem Program as well as dental through our CASS Dental Program. Housing and Supportive Services – The answer to homelessness is housing. CASS is working with the community and our clients to find solutions to each person’s housing crisis in the shortest time possible. Our case managers assess each person’s needs and focus on helping clients secure income through benefits and/or employment that will enable them to secure affordable housing. Rapid Re-Housing funding that became available to us this year has further assisted many clients to stabilize quickly and move into their own homes.

 

5. How do the donations work as far as where/who they go to?

 

  Answer: All monetary donations go toward general funding unless otherwise earmarked. All in-kind donations go directly to our homeless clients or toward our programs/services.

 

 

... For more information you can visit the CASS website: http://www.cassaz.org/