Building Bridges, Not Barriers: A Stronger Future for Housing and Homelessness Services in Our Community

For years, OneEighty has been a pillar of support for individuals facing housing instability and homelessness. Now, in a strategic move designed to strengthen services and improve access for those in need, OneEighty is transitioning its housing and homelessness services to Community Action Wayne/Medina (CAWM). This change is not just about shifting responsibilities – it’s about creating a more streamlined, effective support system for the communities we serve.

OneEighty Executive Director Bobbi Douglas emphasized that while multiple organizations provide housing assistance in and around Wayne County, individuals often struggle to navigate various agencies to get the help they need. By consolidating supportive housing services under CAWM, clients will have a simpler, more efficient pathway to stable, supportive housing.

“Individuals often have to navigate multiple agencies to get their needs met. Consolidating services under Community Action was seen as a way to simplify client access and create a more cohesive support system,” Bobbi shared.

Essentially, we’re building bridges, not barriers. We’re streamlining the process, making it easier for those we serve to access the vital resources they need.

What Does This Mean for OneEighty?

This transition allows OneEighty to refocus on our core mission: providing critical  substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and domestic violence/sexual assault support. While we will no longer directly manage housing services, our commitment to our clients remains unwavering. We will continue to:

• Provide seamless referrals to Community Action.
• Maintain a close physical proximity to Community Action for easy client access.
• Continue to offer our emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing crucial safety and support.
• Offer our expert behavioral health and substance abuse services, which are often essential for those experiencing housing instability.

Community Action’s Vision: A Continuum of Care

Choosing the right partner was paramount. Community Action’s reputation for community-focused, compassionate service made them the ideal choice. As Bobbi stated, “This transition would not have happened with just any organization – Community Action was chosen specifically for its ability to maintain and enhance these services.”

James Fox, CEO of Community Action Wayne/Medina, shares our vision. “This transition will bridge a gap in services,” he says. “Integrating OneEighty’s services will allow Community Action to create a continuum of care – from homelessness and transitional housing to long-term stability and market-rate sustainable living.”

Community Action plans to implement improvements by:

• Creating a seamless, integrated approach to housing and homelessness services.
• Leveraging their existing resources to expand and enhance support.
• Ensuring continuity of care by retaining the same dedicated staff from OneEighty.
• Strengthening their strategic plan to align with the community needs assessments, which identified affordable housing as a top priority.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

We understand that change can be concerning. Both OneEighty and Community Action are committed to ensuring a smooth transition.

• Familiar Faces: Clients will continue to work with the same trusted staff members.
• Clear Communication: We are committed to clear and consistent communication about the transition.
• Shared Values: Both organizations share a “housing first” philosophy, prioritizing stable housing as a foundation for well-being.
• Community Family: As Fox emphasized, “The organizations see their clients as part of a greater community family.”

Fox acknowledges the challenges, ensuring clients know where to go and feel comfortable. He stresses the advantage of the continued employment of OneEighty staff, which will provide stability.

Shared Goals, Lasting Impact

Our shared goal is to create a more efficient and effective system that simplifies access to housing solutions. We aim to reduce the burden on individuals facing multiple barriers, including transportation and navigating complex service systems.

“The goal is to streamline services and make it easier for individuals to access long-term housing solutions,” Fox explains. Bobbi adds, “Simplifying the process so individuals don’t have to spend all day navigating different agencies to get the help they need.”

This transition is a testament to the strong collaborative spirit within our community. It’s staying a step ahead, not reacting to a crisis, and it reflects our shared commitment to providing the best possible care.

Moving Forward Together

The official transfer of services is set for April, and both organizations are committed to ensuring a smooth transition. As Bobbi put it, “This is a proactive move, not a reactive one. We’re doing this because we believe it’s the best way to serve our clients and the community.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with housing instability, behavioral health challenges, substance use, or domestic violence, OneEighty is still here to help. Reach out today to learn more about the services available and how we can connect you to the right resources.