What is the Shelter Plus Care (S+C) program?
The S+C program is a rental assistance program specifically designed to help homeless disabled individuals receive adequate housing. It is for individuals who are living in the Missoula area and working with case management. Once in the program, you rent from a private landlord in Missoula, you pay 30 percent of your monthly adjusted income towards rent, and MHA pays the rest of the rent.
MHA currently has 107 S+C vouchers but is able to serve over 130 households with this grant.
Who is eligible for S+C?
To be eligible, you must be homeless, disabled, and low-income. MHA also targets the following disabilities: severe mental illness, recovery from chronic substance abuse, dual diagnosis, and HIV/AIDS.
You must meet HUD’s definition of homeless in order to be eligible for S+C. This means that currently you have no home and you inhabit:
- places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings;
- an emergency shelter; or
- transitional housing for homeless persons and who originally came from the streets or an emergency shelter.
Can S+C serve persons at risk of becoming homeless?
No. The program is only for those who are currently homeless.
How do I apply for the S+C program?
If you believe you are eligible for the S+C program, you can ask your case manager to fill out a paper application on your behalf. Paper applications are available at MHA upon request.