Somerset Co. Health Dept. Behavioral Health Services

TRI-COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR THE HOMELESS
(443) 523-1810

A supportive permanent housing program serving the disabled and homeless residents of Somerset,  Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.

What is TCAH?
The Tri-County Alliance for the Homeless (TCAH) is a group of individuals from Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties that was formed around the common concern of homelessness.  Members include representatives from local housing programs, county Homeless Boards, area shelters, service organizations, state and county agencies, faith community, and local providers, business community, and local citizens.  In an attempt to increase affordable housing alternatives for the disabled and homeless population, TCAH applied to the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in early 2002 to access funding to allow for the development of a supportive, permanent housing program in the tri-county region.

As a result, the TCAH Housing Program was born.  This HUD funded permanent supportive housing program is operated by the Somerset County Health Department for the tri-county region.  Services are provided to disabled homeless individuals and families through a case management system.  Case managers work directly with the homeless to identify the specific challenges they may be facing and refer them to supportive services.  Services may include security deposit, ongoing monthly rental assistance, limited start up funds, case management services, information and referral and service planning.

Eligibility
All applicants must meet this basic set of criteria to be initially considered for placement through the program.

1.  The individual or family must be homeless.  Homelessness is defined as persons who are sleeping in the following places:

• In place not meant for human habitation (e.g. cars, tunnels, parks, under bridges, streets, abandoned buildings, etc.)
• In emergency shelters (including hotels, motels) used for shelter for homeless persons.
• In transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons

2.  The individual or family head of household must be disabled.  For the purposes of this program, the definition of disabled includes persons who:

• Have a disability as defined in Section 223 of the Social Security Act.
• Have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that:
    a.  Is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration.
    b.  Substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently, and
    c.  Is of such a nature that ability to live independently could be improved by more suitable housing conditions.

3.  The individual or family head of household must be at least 18 years of age.

4.  The individual or family must receive less than the median income and lack adequate resources to obtain housing.

5.  No household member may have been convicted of a crime of violence as defined by Article 27, subsection 634B of the State of Maryland Criminal Procedure Article.

Individuals convicted of a felony that is not considered a crime of violence will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

6.  The individual or family head of household must be able to execute a lease and obtain utilities in their name.

7.  The individual or family head of household must complete and comply with a service plan identifying all appropriate supportive services training/placement programs, life skills training, and planned meaningful activities, prior to entering housing.

8.  TCAH will provide housing to eligible candidates only as a last resort when no other suitable housing is available.  All other housing resources must be considered before being accepted into the TCAH Program.

How to Apply

• If you are currently involved with a case manager from a county or state agency such as the Department of Social Services or the Health Department, your case manager can assist you in the referral process.
• If you are currently receiving addictions or mental health treatment, your treatment provider can assist you in the referral process.
• If you are currently residing in a homeless shelter, staff there can assist you in the referral process.

Applications & Forms