Monday, April 12, 2004

First Step
"Designed to assist case managers, outreach workers, and others working with people who are homeless, FirstStep provides an easy-to-use window into each of the Federal mainstream benefits programs that can be used to help prevent and end homelessness. FirstStep provides information and tips on accessing Federal mainstream benefit programs in five basic assistance categories: Food, Income, Health Care, Housing, and Employment. For each program, basic contact information, information on the application process, specific benefits clients can receive, eligibility requirements, and additional information for immigrants is provided. The tools and resources section includes additional fact sheets and Q&A materials on each of the programs. Also available are links to the main websites of the different mainstream programs and other helpful organizations."