Your browser (Internet Explorer 7 or lower) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all features of this and other websites. Learn how to update your browser.

X

We transform the lives of our clients through our services and programs

Intake & Referral Center • Tutoring Centers • Transition Housing • Home to Stay •  SHORE at the WAV
Food Pantry •  Homeless to Home • Tender Life Maternity Home

The following outlines the current programs at Project Understanding.   We have included as much information as possible in order to make the client’s experience as simple as possible.  If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact the Program Manager.

 ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Intake & Referral Center

Case Manager:                  Alicia Ayala

Phone No.:                         805-652-1326, ext 821

Email Address:                AAyala@projectunderstanding.org

Intake Hours:                   M-W-F 9am-11:30am, T-Th 8am-noon

Program Details:  Point of entry for all services.

Program Requirements (Intake Portion):

  • Proof of Identity (ID)
  • Proof of Income – last two check stubs, SSI/SSA/Disability award letter or bank statement if direct deposit, food stamps, unemployment stubs.
  • Proof of Address – rental agreement; if renting a room, letter from landlord
  • Proof of Dependents/custody – rental agreement (if listed on it), legal paperwork and awarding custody.
  • If Homeless, ID and mailing address

Current Stats (April 2013):  This information is only from those clients that came in for intake and were referred to the following programs.

Transition House: 1

Rental Assistance: 1

Pantry: 1

Cal/Fresh: 1

HEAP: 2

DMV voucher: 2

Kids & Families Together: 1

Tutoring Centers

Program Manager:         Maria Gonzalez

Phone No.:                          805-652-1326, ext 834

Email Address:                 MGonzalez@projectunderstanding.org

Program Details:  Extra classroom instruction for students grades K-5th with volunteer tutors in a one-to-one interaction.  Students are recommended by their instructor.

Current Stats (April 2013):  287 students, 257 tutors and 9 tutoring sites.

Food Pantry

Program Manager:          Janine Dykstra

Phone No.:                          805-652-1326, ext 833

Email Address:                  JDykstra@projectunderstanding.org

Hours:                                   M-W-F 9am to 11:30am

Program Details:  Provides groceries once a month to families whose budget cannot support the purchase of their own.   Donations may include in-kind, non-perishables, fresh vegetables and fruits and $$’s designated for food.  Most food contained on the shelves is purchased from Food Share.

Program Requirements (Intake Portion):

  • Proof of Identity (ID)
  • Proof of Income – last two check stubs, SSI/SSA/Disability award letter or bank statement if direct deposit, food stamps, unemployment stubs.
  • Proof of Address – rental agreement; if renting a room, letter from landlord
  • Proof of Dependents/custody – rental agreement (if listed on it), legal paperwork and awarding custody.
  • If Homeless, ID and mailing address

Current Stats (April 2013):  1048 people served  including 420 families or (305) families of 1 to 3 family members; (98) families of 4 to 6 family members; (14) families of over 7 family members. 

SHORE at the WAV

(Supportive Housing Opportunities In A Residential Environment)

Program Manager:          Nikkie Ciriza

Phone No.:                          805-628-3332

Email Address:                 Nciriza@projectunderstanding.org

Goal:     The goal of this program is to assist those who desire to end their homelessness.

Program Details:  Case Management of previously homeless families and individuals in permanent, supportive housing apartments subsidized by Section 8 funds.

Current Stats (April 2013):  14 out of 15 of the units filled. We have 7 individuals, and 7 families currently residing here, with a total of 33 individuals.  We are in the process of filling a 3 bedroom and should hopefully have it filled by the end of the month. 

Transition House

Program Manager:          Ericka Bigger

Phone No.:                           805-652-1326, ext 823

Email Address:                  EBigger@projectunderstanding.org

Program Details:  Case management for previously homeless families housed in a (5) unit apartment complex.

  • Homeless with children
  • No Felonies or violate Misdemeanors
  • No Current Domestic Violence within 30 days
  • Six month of Sobriety and have completed or are enrolled in a treatment program
  • Be willing to be employed within 90 days of entering the program. Must work 30 hours per week

Current Stats (April 2013): 5 Adults, 7 Children (Total of 4 Families); 1 Vacancy.

Homeless to Home (H2H)

Program Manager:          Fariborz Koozehkanani (Hank)

Phone No.:                           805-652-1326, ext 832

Email Address:                  FKoozehkanani@projectunderstanding.org

Program Details:  Field case management services to homeless individuals who desire to change their life situation for the better.

Current Stats (April 2013): New Intake (5); Showers (89); Laundry (41); Refer to Salvation Army (1); Section 8 (VASH) (2); Housed (4); Re Housed (1)

Tender Life Maternity Home

Program Manager:          Karen Johnson

Phone No.:                           805-653-7474

Email Address:                  KJohnson@projectunderstanding.org

Office Hours:                     By Arrangement

Program Details:  Provides homeless pregnant women with safe housing and support services that promote self-sufficiency.

Program Requirements:

  • Phone interview
  • In person interview
  • Homeless and pregnant
  • Pregnant only, no other children
  • At least 30 days of sobriety, proof if available
  • Present proof of income, or Cal Works
  • No felonies preferred; staff will decide on case by case basis
  • Cannot house severe mental health clients
  • Domestic violence: you must have completed a 30 day Domestic violence shelter before you will be considered for the maternity home.
  • Proof of legal status

Current Stats (April 2013): (1) mom, (1) baby; (5) openings.

Find out more at the Tender Life Maternity Website…

Home to Stay (H2S)

Case Manager:                  Ericka Bigger

Phone No.:                         805-652-1326, ext 823

Email Address:                 EBigger@projectunderstanding.org

Program Director:            Lynn Bullock (Lutheran Social Services)

Program Details:  In partnership with Lutheran Social Services, Home-To-Stay provides mentoring teams from the faith-based community working with a family to become more financially stable by guiding them on healthy, successful path.

  • Will be graduating  a Transitional  Housing Program within the next 30 days
  • Referral to be made by Transitional Housing Program Manager and or Case Manager
  • Be willing to meet with Mentor team once a week
  • Be willing to meet with Case Manager twice a month
  • Have income
  • 12 month program

Current Stats (April 2013):  3 Families working with 3 mentor teams; 2 Families pending.

Contact us if you need assistance or want to find out more about the programs.