Living Independently
The goal of CHA Low -Income Services (CHALIS) Living Independently Program is "to create partnerships to provide collaborative supportive services to assist Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) residents who are elderly and/or have disabilities to live independently as long as possible and to prevent premature and unnecessary institutionalization" (nursing home or assisted living).
CHALIS Living Independently Program Coordinator position was created in January 2007 to develop and enhance the effectiveness of links among supportive services-deemed necessary for independent living - and elderly CHA residents, as well as those with disabilities. The Service Coordinator arranges a broad spectrum of services, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Educating residents and housing management staff on elderly and disabled service coordination
- Providing formal case management
- Assessing individual service needs
- Helping determine eligibility for public services
- Linking residents with needed supportive services in the general community
- Monitoring the provision of services
- Acting as an advocate for CHA’s residents in dealing with community service providers
CHALIS conducts this personal care coordination and support program to meet when needs of CHA's elderly and disabled residents meet with the Living Independently Program Coordinator to explore options, find sources to meet needs, and obtain the needed services. The Coordinator helps residents navigate the application/verication process.
The Living Independently Program receives funding from the City of Columbia, Missouri (Social Services funds).
At present, in cooperation with Boone Hospital Center, CHALIS is able to provide a subsidized personal emergency response service - Lifeline - to its Public Housing and Section 8 residents who are elderly and/or have a disability. This partnership allows them to live more independently and safely.
CHALIS Lifeline Program was funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health Grant in 2006-2007.
For more inforamtion, contact Claire Bitter-Slama at (573)443-2556, ext. 1272/1281 or cslama@columbiaha.com
