The “Short-Stay” program offers up to 15 days and provides the basic services of a warm, clean bed, breakfast and an evening meal, a hot shower and other toiletry needs including towels and linens, use of common areas including television room, library and computers. One meeting with COMEA’s case manager is required within the first three days of checking in. This meeting is designed to offer resi
dents one-on-one attention to encourage the development of an individual case plan, making a change toward self-sufficiency seem possible. The “Journey” program offers up to forty-five days and provides all the basic services but also includes mandatory participation in weekly intensive case-management, attendance at the weekly journey class, community service participation, considerable effort to find gainful employment or disability benefits (where applicable), and a minimum of fifteen hours toward the COMEA Works, Employment Training Program. The “Journey II” program offers Journey participants who are working or have a steady income, the opportunity to extend their stay by an additional 45 days in an effort to save money or continue working on difficult issues. This program is available under a “pay-to-stay” policy
Other Supportive Services include the provision of the evening meal to anyone who is hungry, food boxes of canned goods and fresh items (when available), showers, transportation assistance (gas and bus funds) and clothing to individuals and families not staying at the shelter. The facility serves as a host site for the Crossroads Clinic, the Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) program. The clinic is operated by Community Action of Laramie County (CALC) and employs an on-site nurse practitioner, a nurse, outreach worker, PATH case-worker, and Program Manager. The clinic provides convenient and quality healthcare along with immediate and often necessary referrals to Cheyenne Regional Health/Behavioral Health or other medical facilities. COMEA hosts a weekly case-managers meeting attended by various service providers in an effort to share information, offer support and coordinate efforts to best meet the needs of joint clients and truly fulfilling the goals of the Continuum of Care. COMEA also has a Transitional Living Program (TLP) complex that provides twelve transitional housing efficiency units including private living space, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and a shared common living space and laundry facility. Case management is also required for TLP participants along with community service hours and self-improvement classes identified jointly by the client and case-manager.
