Secure Housing

What our Secure Housing Programs Offer

Our principal offering is overnight, Cold Weather Shelter since 2004. This program operates from November-April to provide a warm, safe place to sleep during the coldest nights.

PACEM’s Secure Programs are housing navigation and stabilization programs for shelter guests transitioning to permanent, stable housing. These programs offer housing navigation including funding for application fees, security deposit, and first month’s rent. After move-in, individualized case management services continue for a year to ensure housing stability. Case managers work with participants on financial management, relationship building, and local resource navigation. Additionally, financial incentives are offered to help clients achieve independent living goals.

The Impact

To meet our community mission to prevent and end homelessness, PACEM expanded its programming in 2019 to include a year-round housing program. Crafted to serve one of our largest populations, men aged 50 and older, our Secure Housing program began with a grant from Twice Is Nice. For over 40 years Twice Is Nice has operated a donation-based resale boutique with proceeds benefiting organizations that support quality of life for community seniors. Our initial 9 participants has since grown to 47!

In 2024, with the generous support of Women United in Philanthropy, our Secure Housing program expanded to serve guests who stayed in our Women’s Shelter. Spearheaded by our case manager Heather Kellams, 17 women have been housed through our program.

“Housing is life-changing. I’ve seen participants grow, stabilize and take their life back,” Kellams emphasizes. 

PACEM was pleased to enroll another 8 participants during the 2024-25 shelter season! And through a major grant from a local congregation, the Secure Housing program will add Transitional Housing to its programing. The Transitional House will offer 4 rooms for up to 12 months to women in our Secure Housing. Participants will continue to work on their permanent housing goals while building good rental history. PACEM anticipates opening the Transitional House in early September. 

How You or Your Organization Can Support Our Programs

1. Sublet a room or connect us with an open-minded landlord: PACEM is seeking creative housing solutions! Do you have an extra bedroom that you would be willing to lease for to a Secure Housing participant for a year? Do you know someone with available housing who wants to end homelessness? We’d love to talk! Please contact case manager Heather Kellams to learn how we could partner.

Learn more

Check out this guide on the connection between substance use disorders and homelessness (Bicycle Health).