A Peer Case Management Institute program, led by D.C.’s Department of Human Services in partnership with Howard University, recently graduated 35 formerly homeless students. These students will now work as case managers, bringing their lived experiences to help others experiencing homelessness. The initiative aimed to address the shortage of qualified caseworkers in D.C., which has made it challenging to scale up housing programs and provide assistance to those in need. The program was developed in collaboration with Pathways to Housing and the Community Partnership. It consisted of seven weeks of coursework and four weeks of field training.
Many of the graduates shared that their own experiences with homelessness or unhelpful social workers motivated them to pursue careers in the field. The program focused on skills like motivational interviewing and de-escalating conflict, emphasizing the importance of using lived experience to connect with clients on a personal level. Graduates expressed their desire to help others navigate the challenges of homelessness and provide the support they wish they had received.
One of the graduates, Charlynn Green, shared her personal journey out of homelessness, reflecting on how the program gave her hope and a sense of purpose. Green now works as a part-time caseworker and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to her community. The success of this program highlights the importance of training individuals with lived experiences to address the growing issue of homelessness in D.C. and provide valuable support to those in need.
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