RAIN Communities, Inc. / County Partnership
RAIN Communities, Inc. (RCI) and the Human Service Agency of the County of Ventura have enjoyed a strong partnership since 2002. RAIN Transitional Living Center is a transformative, nurturing environment for individuals and families that are homeless and struggling with barriers that interfere with daily living. Residents at RAIN are provided with intensive case management services and resources to increase self-sufficiency and independence. RAIN staff and counselors address the complex needs of the adult residents while simultaneously focusing on programs that will address the educational and emotional needs of the children. This multi-prong approach strengthens the bond between parents and their children and helps break the generational cycle of homelessness.
To meet these goals, the County of Ventura provides the physical shelter, case management, intensive program oversight and staff to manage a 24/7 facility. RAIN Communities provides programs that enrich and assist in family bonding, healing and child development. This partnership has resulted in measurable, long-term success stories.
RAIN Communities provides funding for these important programs:
- BEYOND THE BACK YARD – This program is designed to strengthen parenting skills and family relationships, creating new, happy memories, free of the traumas of homelessness. Many homeless children have never had the opportunity to experience activities that most children take for granted. They often lack mentors and stable, trusting relationships. Beyond The Backyard activities promote social and emotional well-being by providing both on-site and off-site opportunities for mentoring, art, music, sports, cultural, educational and social activities. By providing engaging activities and special event outings, the families can create new memories that will become part of their family history.
- MOVING FORWARD – Adults and children entering RAIN have experienced separation, loss, violence, mental health issues, addictions and more. To help move the individual and the family forward, RCI provides a team of therapists, specifically trained in trauma. These dedicated professionals work with residents with mental health and behavioral issues and facilitate in family bonding. The therapists offer group counseling sessions, such as parenting and relapse prevention as well as individual, family, couples and child therapy.
- BRIGHT FUTURES – This program provides activities for the children while their parents attend counseling sessions. The activities focus on the child’s educational, physical and emotional development. Bright Futures cultivates and inspires each child to move beyond the past constraints of homelessness. It opens their minds to a better and brighter future.
History
RAIN (River Dwellers’ Aid Intercity Network) Transitional Living Center began in 1997 in anticipation of the heavy rain forecast by the El Nino. The mission was to establish a transitional living center for county residents who would be displaced from the river bottom due to flooding. It would also serve as the county’s Winter Warming Shelter during the winter of 1997-98. The shelter was initially located at the former Camarillo State Hospital site and provided 36 beds daily. The project was moved to a smaller facility at the Camarillo Airport in 1998 where housing could be provided for 70 individuals, operating 7 days/week, 24 hours/day.
In December 2003, RAIN found a permanent “home”! The shelter was relocated to a larger and newly renovated facility in Camarillo. The current facility provides transitional living for up to 75 individuals, depending on family composition. Services include meals, transportation assistance, access to public and mental health services, parenting and self-sufficiency classes, mandatory savings program, job search assistance, housing search assistance and recovery support.
RAIN Transitional Living Center has been, and continues to be, funded by a combination of public and private sources. RAIN Communities, Inc. (RCI) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that partners with the County of Ventura to provide funds for program services for the homeless residents of RAIN Transitional Living Center.
Services
Individuals and families across Ventura County who are forging the path to independence can find help at the RAIN Transitional Living Center. Home to more than 135 people each year, RAIN features 16 rooms for families, 6 single rooms and several beds/room for residents with special circumstances. The average length of stay at RAIN is 8 – 12 months. However, the length of stay is dictated and adjusted to meet the needs of the individual resident or family.
RAIN services are individually designed to assist the residents in successfully adapting to their world, their lives, their future.
- RAIN provides a clean and caring living environment, with nutritious meals, laundry facilities and transportation for job searches and employment.
- Intensive case management and counseling services assist residents, both adults and children, in meeting their goal of emotional and economic stability.
- Life skills classes, such as parenting, budgeting and housing search skills help prepare residents for success as they move into rental housing.
- RAIN provides a host of activities for children to ensure they have the same learning, cultural, academic and artistic experiences as their peers. They participate in on-site programs such as art, outdoor recreational activities, music, performing arts and sports, all within the safety of their backyard.
- Sponsored activities and family outings introduce the children to experiences they have never known, and help strengthen the bonds and relationships that can be negatively impacted by homelessness.