History
Founded in 2009 by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, Knowledge and Education for Your Success (KEYS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, private-public partnership, dedicated to enhancing access to supportive services for low-income residents in San Bernardino County.
Knowledge
KEYS programs and services offer rapid re-housing intervention to economically disadvantaged individuals and families using a Housing First Approach – a proven method in which people experiencing homelessness can achieve stability regardless of their challenges. KEYS has applied the Housing First method in combination with the underlying principles of the Housing Stability Planning and the Family Strengthening model supported by the California Network of Family Strengthening Networks.
Family Strengthening Principles
Under the Family Strengthening principles, caseworkers meet with participants in their home or other venues on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to identify strengths, barriers, and community resources. Additionally, the caseworker and participant work together to set immediate and achievable goals for housing stabilization, family/household strengthening and empowerment.
This combined Housing First and Family Strengthening Approach has been applied the following four KEYS rapid re-housing programs:
KEYS operates four rapid re-housing programs in the County of San Bernardino, which include:
- Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program, provides rapid re-housing and supportive services to homeless veterans.
- Housing Support Program, provides rapid re-housing assistance to CalWORKs eligible homeless families with children. Eligible program participants are referred by the County’s Transitional Assistance Department.
- Keys for Life and Success Programs, are two very similar rapid re-housing programs through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care aimed at serving homeless individuals and families with children that need housing assistance and intensive case management up to 24 months. Possible program participants are referred by United Way’s 2-1-1.
Mission
KEYS empowers individuals and families impacted by poverty to unlock their potential for success.
Vision
KEYS is committed to a community in which individuals and families lead meaningful and empowered lives and pass that legacy to future generations.