First Day Project: Post 1

Whittier First Day is an organization that helps the homeless and at-risk individuals transition toward self-sufficiency. Their  Recovery from Homelessness Program provides forty-five individuals with short-term transitional housing, a health clinic, health screenings, mental health services, meals, clothing, transportation, case management, transportation, education, training, and employment assistance.

Individuals that need housing must be evaluated and agree to attend all day-time educational classes and take part in the Job Club. These classes allow individuals to work on the skills they need to be able to get back on their feet and support themselves. Once an individual gets a job they can retain their residency so that they may have time to accumulate funds to acquire a permanent and stable home.

Residents may be seen by a registered nurse or nurse practitioner by appointment or on an emergency basis if necessary. The Health and Wellness Clinic at First Day is an affiliate of the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier and can refer uninsured First Day residents to the hospital and clinics associated with the hospital (such as the hospital Family Practice Clinic) at no charge to the residents or to the First Day program.

The residents of First Day are also provided social services. The Social Services Program evaluates each person's needs and helps to guide them through the path they need to take in order to meet those needs.

First Day works to not only help the homeless become self-sufficient, but also works to make them a part of the community. The organization reaches out to the community to educate people of their mission and to show people that the homeless have the same potential as everyone else.

Homelessness does not define a person. What defines a person is how they deal with the obstacles that come their way. First Day helps people rediscover who they are and the motivational drive they need to escape their homelessness and lead happy/successful lives.