Johnson Homes, a placement agency in Norfolk, Virginia, is making strides in providing vulnerable individuals, including seniors, with affordable housing solutions tailored to their unique needs. By partnering with local organizations and leveraging community resources, the agency is offering wraparound services, case management, and support to help individuals regain stability and improve their overall well-being.
In the labyrinthine landscape of homelessness, where medical ailments, mental health struggles, and the relentless search for shelter intertwine, finding stability can seem like an insurmountable challenge. But for an estimated one in every 500 Americans experiencing homelessness, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the form of Johnson Homes.
Established in 2022 by investor and house flipper Janice Miles, this placement agency is dedicated to bridging the gap between vulnerable individuals and affordable care facilities that serve as homes. Drawing inspiration from her mother's journey with early onset dementia, Miles sought to alleviate the complexities of navigating the housing system for those in similar situations.
Johnson Homes: A Haven for Homeless Seniors and Individuals with Complex Needs
"Many people don't have the support, the family, to find these things out for them," she shared with Fox News Digital.
While the Fair Housing Act provides guidelines for shelter accessibility, a myriad of resources remain elusive for homeless individuals. To address this need, Johnson Homes collaborates with local organizations, offering wraparound services and case management to the homeless community, individuals with mental health disabilities, and others seeking stability.
Johnson Homes: A Haven for Homeless Seniors and Individuals with Complex Needs
"Insurance only covers so much," said Miles, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support.
In cases where individuals can return to their own or a family member's home, Johnson Homes provides assistance through case management and resources to facilitate a successful transition.
Johnson Homes: A Haven for Homeless Seniors and Individuals with Complex Needs
"Sometimes our strength is not within ourselves, but the partnerships we make around us," Miles said.
Since its inception, Johnson Homes has extended support to approximately 60 individuals, with about 25 currently placed in housing. Unlike group homes, Johnson Homes operates as a placement agency, acting as a liaison between homeless individuals, homeowners, and case managers. Additionally, Miles collaborates with home care agencies, telecommunication companies, and attorneys to ensure access to disability claims.
Johnson Homes: A Haven for Homeless Seniors and Individuals with Complex Needs
"We're pulling resources together for those who need it the most," Miles explained, highlighting the ongoing search for funding sources to meet essential needs like food and clothing.
Johnson Homes does not receive state funding and charges residents rent in exchange for room, board, utilities, case management, and an on-site coordinator. As a qualified mental health professional, Miles recognized the urgent need for assistance among vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals facing homelessness after hospital stays.
"That really opened our eyes to a bigger problem," she said. "They really need some help — they really need some support."
Johnson Homes joined forces with Lana Pressley from the Four Rivers Project, a nonprofit organization addressing recidivism and providing assistance to marginalized individuals. Through a memorandum of agreement, the two entities share resources and collaborate to meet community needs.
"We have to recognize that homelessness is a condition just like any other condition we have in our society," Pressley told Fox News Digital. "Who goes over and talks to these people? Who starts a conversation with them?"
For Ms. Kathy, a homeless, retired CNA with health conditions and mobility issues, Johnson Homes offered a lifeline after years of struggle. With the assistance of Good Samaritan Lisa Suhay, Ms. Kathy found solace in a Johnson Home, escaping the indignity of living behind a dumpster.
Suhay witnessed the challenges faced by homeless individuals in navigating the system, particularly those with limited access to technology. She likened the Johnson Homes model to "Stone Soup," where many hands contribute to a positive outcome.
"Many hands make light work, and this could be light work for America," she said, proposing the potential to significantly reduce homelessness.
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander acknowledges the persistent challenges posed by homelessness, particularly its impact on chronic health issues. He is exploring the creation of a multi-agency task force, enhancing the city's emergency shelter system, and providing rental and utility assistance to prevent evictions.
As Johnson Homes continues to expand, Miles envisions a future where its system can be replicated nationwide, addressing the growing issue of homelessness among seniors and vulnerable individuals.
