Crossroads Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

“Crossroads” is a benchmark housing program in Washoe County, Nevada, that accomplishes two things: • Helps homeless residents who have substance abuse issues re-enter the workforce • Saves the County and taxpayers money Crossroads partners with Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. Currently, 130 men and women are housed at Crossroads. More than 600 clients have been served since the program started in January, 2011. Free housing is given to those who qualify; it's $250 per month for those with financial resources. We provide on-site substance abuse treatment, counseling, a supportive live-in community, ongoing care and social services. The program costs about $1.4 million per year. It saves Washoe County about $7 million per year by reducing costs associated with jail intake, hospital admissions and other emergency services. Instead of using money counter substance abuse of our homeless citizens, we are proactively addressing the issue by helping the people who need it most for the betterment of the community. “The community sees that Crossroads has created a paradigm shift in how we operate homeless services,” Washoe County Social Services Director Amber Howell said. “The success of the program has created a momentum to find ways to expand.”