Burlingame-based announced Tuesday its consolidation with Santa Clara County’s InnVision the Way Home. The unification of the two organizations serving the homeless aims to provide better service to homeless clients in the Peninsula and Silicon Valley.
The joint entity, which became effective July 1, InnVision Shelter Network (IVSN) will support more than 20,000 homeless individuals each year. Shelter Network CEO Karae Lisle will lead the organization.
"I think what people are…really going to benefit from is the increase in the number of people that we can serve with the new entity," she said. "We’re going to standardize in both counties Beyond the Bed, and by doing that, we’ll be able to serve almost 1,000 more people."
The Beyond the Bed method works on making sure program graduates return to permanent housing and maintain self-sufficiency. This method gets homeless people back on their feet quicker, allowing for faster turnover at shelters. Beyond the Bed has a 90 percent success rate at Shelter Network.
"It’s going to make people move through the process more rapidly," Lisle said.
The consolidation allows for more efficient operations and increased capacity, as well as increased financial strength.
All 18 facilities in the two counties will remain open, and between 10 and 20 new case managers will be hired. InnVision brings 39 years of experience to the merger. Shelter Network is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Although Lisle expressed excitement about the consolidation, she said the merger comes with a $2 million price tag. She said she hopes Shelter Network’s supporters continue to support the organization with their time and funding as it moves forward as InnVision Shelter Network.
"We hope that people will stay behind us," Lisle said. "We’re just really, really excited and hope people understand what a big milestone this is for supporting homelessness in Northern California."
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