Program Description - The only day drop-in Center in the urban core which provides shelter and employment referrals, substance abuse and mental health support, recreational activities, snacks, hygiene kits and safety for chronically homeless adults and families. The Center serves approximately 175 people each day and is open during hours most shelter facilities are closed (between 6:30am and 3:30pm).

Program Category - Services for the Homeless - Human Services

Target Population Served - Homeless Adults, Substance Abusers (Drug/Alcohol Abusers)

Program long-term success defined - Chronically Homeless Individuals will: 1) Obtain and remain in permanent housing 2) Increase skills and/or income 3) Achieve Greater Self-Determination

Program short-term success defined - The short term outcome is simple but critical: To provide harm reduction to the chronically homeless population in the urban core of Kansas City, MO. For many of these individuals in need, this will be death reduction as well as the statistics for homicide and violent crime increase in the urban core in 2005.

Program success monitored by - Outcomes at reStart are tabulated and reported via three vehicles: 1) internal Program Progress Reports, 2) external reporting annually to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and bi-annually to Health and Human Services, and 3) MAACLink Homeless Management System Database of the Mid America Assistance Coalition.

Examples or evidence of program success - A recent success—”Tammy” first came to reStart through the Homeless Services Center. In just 8 months, she was able to access shelter and vocation referral, mental health services and treatment and is now living at reStart’s new permanent housing complex, A New Start, in her own apartment and enjoying her independence. "Gabby" came into our program from the Homeless Services Center. He moved through transitional housing, achieved sobriety and now lives in permanent housing at A New Start. Gabby has reconnected with 2 siblings after an absence of over 30 years, one who lives very close by and was able to spend time together in person for the first time since they were very young.