Providing stability to households in need

As a community, we have all been left feeling the effects of the pandemic and 2020 derecho storm. Whether you were impacted by the isolation, price increases, decreased income, property damages, physical or mental health issues, or any of the other challenges that came along with these unprecedented times, one thing has stood out for the community as a whole: the struggle with financial security. So many in our community work tirelessly to make ends meet and scrape by each month. When the pandemic and the derecho hit our community, it was impossible for many to keep up that pace. Families had to quarantine, employees were laid off, businesses shut down, schools shut down, and people were faced with a “new normal” for the past two and a half years.

Unfortunately, for a lot of households, this “new normal” meant decreased income, increased prices for basic necessities and gas, and rising rental rates.

All of these factors led to a sharp increase in community need for financial support, especially for housing assistance. A large number of these households were reaching out for community assistance for the first time and had no idea where to begin. Waypoint stepped up to specifically support households experiencing all forms of housing crises by expanding its Coordinated Entry model. Previously, Coordinated Entry only served community members experiencing literal homelessness. Through the expanded model, households facing eviction, struggling to pay rent, and unable to make necessary repairs to homes after the derecho could now also be strategically connected with community resources to quickly address their needs. Coordinated Entry is designed to take the stress of navigating community services off of the household in crisis, reduce the risk of duplication of services, and increase efficient use of available community funding.

Due to the program’s expansion, the number of individuals served through Coordinated Entry has risen from 3,000 to over 13,000 individuals served annually. Within the past two and a half years, Waypoint has helped 563 households complete applications for the PATCH program for derecho-related home repairs; helped households complete applications for more than $7,000,000 worth of rental assistance; and connected more than 1,000 individuals to local emergency shelters.

As the leader of Coordinated Entry, Waypoint relies heavily on collaborations and community support to ensure the system works as intended for households in need so that they gain stability and are inspired to move forward.

J'nae Peterman is director of housing services for Waypoint.