It Begins with a Key
From the moment a client first steps into a Praxis facility, they are on the road to a better and stable life. We start by meeting their basic needs: clothing, food, and emergency medical care. Then clients are assigned a clean, safe room. A room with a key. Each room has a bed, a built-in closet, a bureau to secure personal items, a refrigerator, and a window fan. Most rooms have a chair, some have a table. Each client gets a "bedroom package" that includes a new mattress pad, a set of sheets, pillow, towel, blanket, and wastebasket. They also get a "housecleaning kit" that contains a laundry bag, cleaning bucket, and cleaning supplies. Where communal kitchens are located, clients get basic cooking supplies such as pots and pans. A new path unfolds.

And on the Second Day
We assess individual needs and responsibilities. Health and stability are top priority. Clients receive TB testing; mental health assessments; and primary medical care. Case managers are assigned at a ratio that ensures clients get one-on-one case management. Clients and case managers work together to develop action plans, including treatment adherence programs, which are reviewed on a weekly basis.

Transformation Takes Work
Once clients' health is cared for and they have found stability in their "homes" they begin to participate in our many programs and daily workshops, e.g., treatment adherence, harm reduction, HIV support, chemical dependency, and housing readiness. More structured workshops teach basic skills such as taking public transportation, personal hygiene, making appointments, and cooking.

Our new, successful Workforce Development Program helps residents with more sophisticated skills - handling bank accounts, computer and technical training, job hunting, resume building, and interviewing for jobs and apartments. Many clients have gone on to full-time employment through this program.

Sustaining Transformation is Even Harder
We provide ways for residents to test their new-found living or working skills as part of the overall housing readiness program. These skills may seem rudimentary to most people, but they are essential to breaking the cycle of homelessness.

On the Right Path, Off the Streets
Praxis serves as a virtual family for many clients even after they "graduate". They join us on our trips and outings. They join Praxis as permanent staff, fulfilling our "second chance" philosophy.

Most of our residents are now living independently and are contributing to society through employment and activism.