Frequently Asked Questions
Please select a category for the Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Heading
Short Paragraph
What is chronic homelessness?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines chronic homelessness as follows:
-
Living Situation: An individual or head of household must reside in:
- A place not meant for human habitation (e.g., streets, vehicles).
- A safe haven.
- An emergency shelter.
-
Duration: The individual must have been homeless and living in the above conditions:
- Continuously for at least 12 months.
- On at least four separate occasions in the last three years, provided the combined length of these occasions is at least 12 months. Each break in homelessness must include at least seven consecutive nights of living in a situation other than those listed above.
-
Disability: The individual must have a diagnosable condition, such as:
- Substance use disorder.
- Serious mental illness.
- Developmental disability.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Cognitive impairments resulting from brain injury.
- Chronic physical illness or disability.
Additionally, if an individual has been residing in an institutional care facility (e.g., jail, substance abuse or mental health treatment facility, hospital) for fewer than 90 days, they can still be considered chronically homeless if they met all the criteria above before entering the facility.
It’s important to note that couch surfing—temporarily staying with friends or family—does not count toward the homeless history for chronic homelessness determination.
Who we Eligible to live in our Village?
To be eligible for housing through the Viviscent Wellness Foundation, applicants must meet the following criteria:
-
Chronic Homelessness: Applicants should have experienced homelessness for at least one year or have had four episodes of homelessness within the past three years.
-
Disability: Applicants must have a documented disability, which can include physical, mental, or developmental conditions.
-
Residency: Applicants should have resided within the designated service area for a specified period, demonstrating a connection to the community.
-
Income Verification: Applicants must provide proof of income, which can include employment wages, disability benefits, or other assistance programs.
-
Background Check: All potential residents are required to undergo a criminal background check to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
-
Participation in Support Programs: Residents are encouraged to engage in available support services, such as counseling, job training, or wellness programs, to promote self-sufficiency and community integration.
Does a potential resident need to be free of drug and alcohol addictions in order to qualify to live in Community?
At the Viviscent Wellness Foundation, we embrace a Housing First philosophy, recognizing that stable housing is a critical foundation for individuals to effectively engage in recovery and wellness services. We do not require potential residents to be free from drug or alcohol addictions prior to admission. Instead, we believe that by providing safe and supportive housing, individuals are better positioned to pursue substance use treatment and other vital services.
Our community is built upon the principles of dignity, respect, and acceptance. We are committed to offering more than just housing; we provide a nurturing environment that addresses both the physical and relational needs of our residents. This includes access to mental wellness and recovery resources, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting spaces, ensuring comprehensive support for all residents.
While we uphold a compassionate and inclusive approach, we also expect all residents to adhere to local laws and community guidelines. The possession, distribution, or use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited within our facilities. We encourage residents to engage in available support services to address substance use challenges and to foster a healthy, thriving community.
By focusing on holistic well-being and community integration, the Viviscent Wellness Foundation aims to empower individuals on their journey toward recovery, stability, and a brighter future.
