Can Emma Norton Services Help Me?
(am I eligible?)

Click here for an introductory overview for potential Emma Norton residents

Emma Norton Residence is a transitional housing program that offers a structured, supportive mutually respectful environment for women over 18 who are alone and facing homelessness due to domestic violence, unemployment, mental health issues, chemical dependency or other reasons. Residents set short- and long-term goals towards independence and self-sufficiency. They agree to spend time in school, at work, or in some other self-improvement program and may stay at the Emma Norton Residence for up to two years while working toward their goals.

For any of our programs, the basic requirements include:

• Women 18 years and older
  (who may have children but the children are not currently with them)
• Women who are homeless or near homelessness
• Must have an income (we work with women who are on General Assistance)

Emma Norton Residence is made up of the Emma Norton Residence Transitional Housing Program and the Dual Disorder Program. We have two case managers on site working with our residents.

We offer a Dual Disorder Program (contact Rhonda Bell for more information) for up to ten homeless women struggling with chemical dependency relapse and mental health issues. Requirements for this program include:

• A four- to six-month commitment
• Daily self-help / educational group
• At least five verified AA / NA / CA meetings per week
• Attend the YMCA once per week
• Meet with the in-house case manager weekly
• Fill out and turn in weekly goal sheets
• Attend mandatory House meetings
• Attend mandatory bi-monthly workshops
• Sign a no-use contract
• Curfew of 11:00PM

Residents completing the Dual Disorder Program can apply to be part of the Emma Norton Residence Transitional Housing Program for the remainder of their two-year stay.

We have two case managers that share the remainder of clients in the Emma Norton Residence Transitional Housing Program. Each of our case managers has a case load of about fifteen women.

Our Senior Case Manager (contact Kari Fonstad for more information) focuses on working with women who have not experienced chemical dependency or who have at least five years of sobriety. Our Chemical Dependency Case Manager (contact Kari Fonstad for more information) works with women dealing with chemical dependency who have 90 days of sobriety.

EMMA’S PLACE

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a single parent with three or more children who are age 18 years or younger

• Be homeless - as defined by HUD which means living in an emergency shelter 30 days or less, in transitional housing for homeless persons or living on the street

• Currently on MFIP or have been on MFIP within the past two years

• Have a member of the household with a diagnosed and documented chemical, physical or mental disability.  In the case of a chemical disability, the applicant must have at least 90 days of sobriety or completion of a recovery program, with recommendations if applicable

• Have positive landlord references

• Have a clean criminal history for the past 3 years (no convictions)

• Be responsible and capable of living on their own

• Be willing to work or attend school at least 20 hours a week or develop an alternative plan with their Family Support Coach in the event of severe disability

• Be willing and able to parent children    

In the initial telephone call, applicants will be asked about eligibility requirements.  If applicants meet these requirements, they will move on to a more indepth telephone intake interview.

Application Process

Step 1: Phone Intake Interview

In the phone intake interview, applicants will be asked more in depth questions regarding their homeless status, MFIP status, household size, Section 8 eligibility, medications, chemical dependency, rental history, including UDs and evictions and credit and criminal background.  (Poor rental histories will not necessarily disqualify the applicant).  Persons with a history of violent behavior against other persons, severe property damage, sex offenses including level III, arson and drug related felonies, or who have been evicted from the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA), will not pass Section 8 tenant screening.  All felony criminal convictions must be three or more years old.

Step 2: Face to Face Intake Interview

Applicants will meet with a Family Support Coach to complete the program application process which includes release of information forms, rental history, verification of homelessness and disability, referral letter, intake interview, and a family needs list. Applicants will need to bring verification of identity for themselves and their children along with social security numbers and birth certificates.

Step 3: Reference Checks, File Review, and Decision

The Family Support Coach will check all information provided along with a list of references.  The Family Support Coach will submit the applicant’s file to the Program Director for review to determine if Emma’s Place can meet the potential needs of the applicant.  Because the application process depends on other external sources to supply information, it may take as long as three weeks for approval. Before an applicant enters Emma’s Place they must complete a criminal/rental/credit history background check and a UA.  The applicant will be notified of their acceptance or denial.

To inquire about our eligibility and application process, please call 651-747-8766, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am and 2:00 pm

If you would like additional information about the programs of Emma Norton Residence, please contact Rhonda Bell.