PATHMall

The PATHMall Handbook

In America today, just about anything that you might want can be found at your local mall: clothing, restaurants, and specialty shops all conveniently crammed together in one inviting complex. Borrowing from the effective “one-stop” model, PATH created the PATHMall, a unique kind of mall designed to offer support for the homeless. At the PATHMall homeless people can literally “shop” for services provided by over 20 on-site social service providers, all under one roof! Some of the services available at the PATHMall include case management, substance abuse counseling, a job center, mental health services, legal advocacy, healthcare, and even a beauty salon.

Nationally recognized as an innovative and effective model for serving the homeless population in our country, last year the PATHMall helped 4,500 individuals access the services they need and break the cycle of homelessness in their lives. The PATHMall truly provides a path out of homelessness, leading towards a stable, independent life off of the streets.

The concept of the mall is simple. We believe that most communities in America have the capacity to develop this service-integrated model. Here are five simple components to the mall:

• “All Under One Roof”–Provide a “one-stop” social service facility to serve homeless people and people living in poverty. This is a place where people are able to address multiple needs in one location.
  
• Bring Together The Experts –Homelessness can only be solved when the whole community works together. One agency should not provide all of the services for a community. Instead, many different service agencies, both public and private, must work together in one facility to provide the support center that homeless individuals need.
  
• Provide User-Friendly Services –The environment of the mall must be up-lifting, positive, bright, and empowering. Our programs serving homeless people are based on empowerment, self-worth, and dignity. The physical environment, as well as the approach of the staff, must also generate a bright and positive outlook.
  
• Integrate Services –Insure that case management, client tracking, and program outcomes are linked among agencies, through a computerized database and regular case management meetings among agencies.
  
• Cost Effective –Agencies share the overhead cost of operating one building.

What others have to say about the PATHMall :

• California's Employment Development Department Workforce Development Spotlight

For information about the services offered within the PATHMall, Click Here.

Go the List of all PATHMall Partners