The Self-Managed Housing Program provides housing for single individuals, young adults, and families who are homeless. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

All applicants to the Self-Managed Housing Program must verify that they are over 18, currently homeless, have income at or below 30% of the median income, and agree to comply with the following program requirements:

Participation in Self-Management

Residents contribute to the management of their housing by participating in regular house meetings, serving on program committees, screening new applicants into the program, enforcing program rules, and contributing weekly “sweat equity” hours.

Contribution of "Sweat Equity" Hours

Residents spend a number of weekly “sweat equity” hours towards the wellbeing of the house or program.  Tasks include completing house chores, performing light maintenance duties, working on committee tasks, researching new housing opportunities, writing or speaking on behalf of the program, creating and staffing special events, attending skill development workshops, and working with program staff members.  

On-time Payment of Monthly Rent

Residents pay 30% of their income to rent a month.  Those enrolled in a job training program are not required to pay rent during their job training and placement.

Commitment to Clean & Sober Living Environment

Alcohol and illegal drugs are absolutely forbidden on the premises. Drug use or possession at any time during a resident’s stay is grounds for immediate removal.

Work Toward Self-sufficiency

Each resident completes an Individual Service Plan upon move-in to identify immediate, short-term, and long-term goals.  Staff members provide assistance and referrals in areas of medical, dental, food, clothing, mental health counseling & case management, credit counseling, job training, financial & legal assistance, drug and alcohol treatment, and permanent housing.

Resident Feedback

“….I benefited a great deal because the Self-Managed Housing Program gave me a place to live and helped me a great deal. Without your help, I am sure life would be difficult….Thank you again for your assistance and kindness. I promise that I will pass this act of kindness to others who are in need ….”
- Girmai

“…. I have been homeless for about 5 years now. While I have never experienced the harsh reality of sleeping in a bush, I have never known the safety of having a home of one’s own. I have lived in some pretty depressing places. I put up with it because my only other choice was to sleep on the streets, which in reality isn’t really a choice at all. I was living in a less than ideal situation when I decided to apply to the Self-Managed Housing Program. Fortunately I was accepted into the program. Out of all the places I have lived, I would have to say that the SMHP house where I live is one of the best. The independence is exhilarating. I have always been mature and other housing programs where I lived couldn’t handle this. SMHP can not only accommodate my maturity, they demand it. For the first time I feel like I have something close to a home…”
- Jackie

“…The Program was truly a blessing for me and many others. Without it I may still have been homeless. Now, though, I have a wonderful job, studio apartment and self- esteem. Plus it lifted a lot of worries off me and my family members…”
- Angela