Sam Adam, formerly homeless, was S.H.E.D’s first resident. Photo: Alina Simone			Self Sufficiency Thru Housing and Economic Development
						When I came to SHED I came with nothing, just the outfit I had on. I wasn't working at the time and since I couldn’t get in without any income they gave me a job in the kitchen as a cook. It was the opportunity of a lifetime; I got a job and a place to stay. It’s done wonders for me. Now I’ve got my life back. I’ve got my self-esteem back. I’ve got responsibility, and I’m learning. That’s what this program is all about, learning to help yourself.”
					A Permanent Home for the Homeless
		The scarcity of housing for the very low-income is a barrier to homeless people, making it hard to get a job or access social services. Recognizing that shelters and transitional housing cannot serve the needs of all homeless people, S.H.E.D, a Houston based community development corporation, purchased and renovated a run down Howard Johnson’s to create Northline (SRO) Apartments, the only permanent housing complex for the homeless in Texas. Northline is a 120 unit facility which provides furnished rooms, an on-site cafeteria, medication monitoring, crisis intervention and counseling. Partnerships with social service agencies link residents to employment and educational opportunities. This unique program gives residents the support services they need as they move toward independent living.