Another Chance House

Residents who take advantage of the full array of services offered by Another Chance House and complete the program successfully can provide food, clothing, and shelter for themselves. While working their individual progression plan, residents gain life skills and confidence in themselves and their ability to face life challenges without returning to old habits.

Our residents learn that mastering the circumstances that created their homelessness is possible. The men who complete our program are better able to follow societal rules and form healthy relationships. They make wiser decisions, take steps to restore familial ties, tend to legal obligations that they may have previously avoided, and find deep satisfaction in working and providing for themselves. Another Chance House offers a way out of homelessness that benefits the men we serve and our community at-large.
Many of our residents are veterans who deal with PTSD or other debilitating issues. Residents commonly face some type of mental or physical issue that has hindered their ability to care for themselves. While residing at ACH, these problems are addressed through partnerships with health and wellness providers and/or the Veterans Administration. The effect of securing assistance for these problems is a reduction in chronic homelessness.

Some residents need time to apply for benefits including disability from the VA or the Social Security Administration. Our case managers assist with these certifications and applications. For these residents, self-sufficiency includes benefits that allow them to live independently.
Overcoming the long-term challenges of addiction, chronic homelessness, and unhealthy choices is not easy. While not common, it is possible that a resident will return to ACH after a period of living independently. This scenario is addressed in our name – we are willing to offer another chance to these men – they begin the program again and work to hone their skills and coping mechanisms from the security of our program.

Our main objective is to provide access to tools that residents can take advantage of to begin rebuilding their lives. These tools include recovery programs, life skills training, workforce development, access to mental and physical health providers, case management and referrals to treatment programs. Our residents are expected to meet minimum requirements while living at Another Chance House:
• Be abstinent from alcohol and or illegal drugs for 72 hours before entering ACH
• May not be a registered sex offender or have pending legal charges that may result in having to register as a sex offender
• Remain abstinent from alcohol and or illegal drugs while residing at ACH
• Attend a minimum four recovery meetings each week (AA/NA)
• Involvement in ACH Community Events (outings, open houses, etc.)
• Engage in volunteer activities and job searches (number of hours and applications based upon employment; exceptions made due to disability / level of income / individual goals)
• Weekly meeting with case manager
• Demonstrate steady progression toward goals set out in progression plan
• Obtain / sustain income to meet minimum requirements for rent in corresponding tier of care. (Gross income equal to three times the rate of rent.)
Progression plans take a resident through the three program tiers offered by Another Chance House:
• Initial entry into Shelter Program or VA Program
• Shelter Program to Shelter Private Room or VA Program House
• Shelter Private Room to Transitional Living or VA Program to Victory Duplex
A resident’s progression is not bound by time unless they enter ACH through the VA Program which is limited to 6 months per our contracted agreement. Veterans are then able to apply to continue living at ACH if they meet criteria for Long-term Housing.
Change is difficult, and we are sensitive to how moving from one program to the next may throw a resident off track. For this reason, we increase case management and counseling as needed prior to the move. ACH provides a place for residents to try out their newly acquired tools and coping skills while enjoying the safety net that our unique community provides.
Our successful residents take full advantage of the programs that are offered at ACH:
• Recovery from addiction (outpatient treatment programs and 12-step program meetings).
• Mental health recovery referrals to Texas Panhandle Centers, Family Support Services and internal case management.
• Progression plan creation and monitoring by ACH case managers.
• Regular staffing meetings to address individual progress, challenges, and victories.
• Peer recovery (in process). Nine staff members completed initial training for state certification program. Monitored by staff LCDC.
• Workforce Development includes employment readiness assessment; temporary employment by ACH; access to GED program; job readiness training with Christian Men’s Job Corps; internal or external job training; tools, equipment, clothing, safety gear provided by A

Another Chance House goes beyond meeting physiological needs for our residents. Our programs teach, encourage, and enhance a resident’s climb up their hierarchy of need until they are self-sufficient and prepared to face life in society without the safety net offered by ACH. ACH collaborates with many local agencies to help residents address physical and mental health issues that may hinder their success (see page 6, Community Outreach / Partners). Our workforce development program and life skills offerings also impact residents’ success,

Our structured, home-like atmosphere follows common familial rules that instill responsibility and accountability. Residents have daily and weekly chores, provide community service for other non-profit agencies, and are expected to find employment that will support their self-sufficiency as well as their recovery. Our staff includes current and former residents who impart knowledge and wisdom to their fellow residents. Residents encourage one another daily – they celebrate victories together and encourage one another through challenges they face.
Program delivery is not bound by a timeline – only by a man’s willingness to participate and his individual progress as evaluated by his case manager. Our Executive Director states it this way, “As long as someone is breathing, they deserve a chance.”

Our thirty plus years of experience have taught us that moving a resident too quickly through our program tiers may set them up for setbacks. Intensive case management is necessary for residents to make lasting change.

In 2020, 93 men were served through our program; 53 of these men were U.S. Veterans. 50% of these residents obtained permanent employment and housing. Every ACH resident is someone’s son; many are brothers, fathers, and husbands. The circumstances, consequences, and paths to recovery for each resident are as unique the man. Our program provides supportive services that encourage a man to overcome mental, physical, and emotional challenges; repay outstanding legal or social obligations; find sustained employment; learn to live successfully with others; and reunite with family whenever possible.

Renovation of Veterans Shelter: Funding has been secured for our next big project is adding almost 1,000 square feet to our Veterans Shelter which will improve the quality of life for these residents by enclosing an exterior staircase, adding central air, adding an office for their case manager, and 4 more beds. This project will also open 3 beds in our Main House shelter, reducing our waitlist which ranges from 6-10 weeks.