Woman grateful for Bluffs program

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Had it not been for the help of a transitional housing program, Marilyn might be back on the streets abusing drugs and alcohol.

“Had it not been for Transitions, that's probably what I would have done,” she said.

Marilyn, who asked not to have her real name used, participates in the transitional housing program sponsored by Heartland Family Service for those who need help from a support group to get them back on the productive side of life.

“You're basically fine by yourself but need a little more assistance,” said Tasha Jones, a case manager.

“I like having my own space but still have that support,” Marilyn said.

Case managers such as Jones work with clients to identify their needs and set goals to achieve independent living.

“A lot are referred to us from shelters or other case workers from the Department of Human Services or from our Drug Court, though most come from shelters,” Jones said. “To qualify, you have to be homeless.”

This could be someone living on the street, in a shelter or other transitional program; someone facing eviction; or someone fleeing domestic abuse. The program is offered to individuals, couples and families.

The facility, built in 1999, is at 208 S. 25th St. Its seven apartments range from one- to three-bedroom units.

“They're fully furnished with beds, furniture and appliances,” Jones said.

The facility also features a laundry room, a conference/commons area and playground. The entrance doors are locked, and guests are screened. Visitors have to leave by 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and by 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Residents may typically stay up to two years, although exceptions may be made to stay longer, according to Jones. For many, the program teaches some basics, such as managing a budget and staying debt-free, cooking, cleaning an apartment and seeking employment.

“It teaches them accountability,” Jones said. “They can leave whenever they feel that they've gained the skills and feel independent. We do ask for a minimum 30-day notice.”

The staff will ask questions if they don't think a client is ready to go, but the final decision comes from the client, Jones said.

Six months prior to their release, the clients will begin learning how to deal with living on their own on the outside, she said. “We start focusing more on their discharge so that they're prepared.”

That discharge is coming up for Marilyn.

“It will be two years in August,” she said.

Marilyn, 21, began abusing drugs and alcohol during her high school days while living in a small community and eventually was arrested.

“I was arrested selling meth,” she said.

As part of her treatment, Marilyn completed the Pottawattamie County Drug Court program and was referred to Transitions.

Now sober for several years, Marilyn is in college studying to be a nurse practitioner. She works in a restaurant to help pay the cost of her housing.

“I was fortunate,” Marilyn said of Transitions. “It saved me from a life of bad choices.”

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