Chronic Homelessness Initiative – 5

Catholic Charities Chronic Homelessness – 5 (CHI-5) is a Permanent Supportive Housing Program that offers housing and supportive services to unhoused individuals in the District of Columbia. CHI-5 staff and clients, in collaboration with the landlords, work together to secure housing. Once housing is identified, Chi-5 staff facilitates, with the Community Partnership for Prevention of Homelessness (TCP), the coordination of payment for first month’s rent, security deposit, and then an ongoing monthly rental subsidy. CHI-5’s ongoing rental subsidy is paired with in- home case-management supportive services. The program’s goal is to help individuals transition out of homelessness and stabilize their long -term housing. Eligibility is determined by the District of Columbia Coordinated Assistance Housing Placement (CAHP) for single individuals in the District of Columbia.

Services

CHI-5 assists with housing search, first month’s rent, security deposit, and ongoing rental assistance through a Community Partnership for Prevention of Homelessness arrangement, paired with community and in-home case management supportive services. Our staff works one-on-one with program participants to help them find and keep housing, then increase self-sufficiency through attention to well-being, tenancy, budgeting, and education. Staff meet regularly with participants to assess their needs and goals and coordinate wraparound services with specialized providers. Support for a participant is ongoing and long-term.

Enrollment and Eligibility

• Referrals to Catholic Charities CHI-5 are made through District of Columbia Coordinated Assistance Housing Placement (CAHP) for single individuals.
• 1+ years of documented chronic homelessness (1 consecutive year or experienced 4 episodes of homelessness within the last 3 years that accumulate to at least 1+ year) and a chronic disabling condition
• Limited income-earning potential
• Need for housing case management services

Ask your outreach or shelter staff to enter you in the District of Columbia Coordinated Assistance Housing Placement (CAHP) for single individuals.