How the Transitional Housing Program Works

Residents move through three phases based on their individual progress. The phases provide structure and direction while allowing each resident’s stability plan to reflect their personal needs and goals.

What do we do?

Vella Haven Village was established to support individuals during the critical transition of homelessness back into the community. We recognize that stability and structure are essential to long-term success. Our program provides safe housing combined with accountability and support to help residents rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Phase 1: Stabilization and Planning — First 30 Days

Residents complete orientation, identify immediate needs, establish personal goals, begin obtaining necessary documents, and create an individualized stability plan. Employment and education needs are also assessed during this phase.

Phase 2: Growth and Development — Months 1–6

Residents focus on employment or education, budgeting, life skills, healthy routines, peer support, communication, accountability, and community participation. GED, college, or career-training connections are provided when appropriate.

Phase 3: Transition and Independent Living — Months 6–12

Residents work toward maintaining stable income, building savings, strengthening independent-living skills, and securing permanent housing. Each resident develops a transition plan with continued community-resource connections and support.

1. Transitional Housing Program

Our 6–12 month Transitional Housing Program provides eligible adults with structured shared housing while they work toward long-term stability and independent living.

Housing is combined with an individualized program that includes goal planning, weekly accountability, peer support, employment preparation, life-skills development, budgeting assistance, education connections, community-resource referrals, and transition planning.

Residents are expected to actively participate in the program, follow community guidelines, and work toward employment, education, income, and permanent housing goals.

2. Community Support Services

Adults do not have to live in a Vella Haven residence or have a history of incarceration to participate in eligible community-based services. Our community support services are designed for adults who need guidance, resources, education, employment assistance, peer support, or help creating a personal stability plan.

Available support may include:

• Individual goal and stability planning
• Peer-support sessions
• Resume and employment-readiness assistance
• Life-skills and financial-literacy workshops
• Education and GED connections
• Assistance locating community resources
• Housing-stability and independent-living planning

3.Reentry Program

Our Reentry Program is a specialized service for adults returning to the community after incarceration or navigating probation or parole.

Participants may receive assistance with identification and essential documents, employment preparation, education, housing stability, community reintegration, probation or parole compliance, peer support, and connections to local resources.

Reentry is one part of Vella Haven Village—it is not a requirement for receiving all Vella Haven services.

4. Education and Employment Pathways

Education and employment are important parts of long-term stability. Vella Haven Village helps participants explore GED completion, college enrollment, trade programs, career training, resume development, job readiness, and employment opportunities.

Through our partnership with Lanier Technical College and Athens Technical College, eligible participants can be connected with GED education opportunities and additional academic support. We are continuing to build partnerships with colleges, employers, and workforce-development organizations to expand opportunities for the adults we serve.

Residents are expected to actively participate in the program, follow community guidelines, and work toward employment, education, income, and permanent housing goals.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Our life skills services focus on building the everyday skills needed to maintain housing stability and personal responsibility. Participants receive guidance and support in areas such as communication, time management, conflict resolution, personal organization, financial awareness, and healthy daily routines. Life skills development is delivered through group sessions, accountability check-ins, and practical application to real-life situations.

  • We support participants in preparing for and maintaining employment by offering workforce readiness assistance and employment-related accountability. This includes resume support, job search guidance, interview preparation, work readiness habits, and coordination with local workforce agencies and employers. Participants are encouraged to actively pursue employment while receiving structured support and follow-up.

  • Case management services are provided to help participants identify goals, address barriers, and access community resources. This includes intake assessments, individualized goal planning, service referrals, progress monitoring, and ongoing support. We work collaboratively with community partners, case managers, and agencies to ensure participants are connected to appropriate services that support long-term stability.

  • Peer support services provide encouragement, accountability, and shared understanding through peer-led groups and structured check-ins. Participants engage in group discussions focused on recovery support, personal growth, responsibility, and positive decision-making. Peer support is non-clinical and designed to foster connection, motivation, and mutual encouragement within a supportive environment.

  • Yes. Participation in supportive services is an important part of the program. These services are designed to support personal growth, accountability, and long-term stability. The level of participation may vary based on individual needs and circumstances.

  • Length of stay varies based on individual progress, program guidelines, and housing availability. The program is designed to support participants while they work toward stability and independence, with the goal of transitioning to long-term housing when appropriate.

  • Vella Haven Homes operates using Level II supervision and accountability standards. This includes structured house rules, program oversight, participant accountability, and ongoing monitoring designed to support stability, safety, and successful outcomes.

  • Supportive services provided by Vella Haven Homes are non-clinical and do not replace licensed medical, mental health, or therapeutic care. Services may vary based on individual needs and available community resources.

  • Vella Haven Homes provides structured supportive services designed to promote stability, accountability, and long-term independence. Services are offered through a combination of direct support, group-based programming, and coordinated community partnerships.

  • Participants receive structured support through a combination of housing oversight, case management, life skills development, workforce support, and peer support. Expectations are clearly outlined, progress is monitored, and accountability is maintained through regular check-ins and program guidelines. Our goal is to provide a stable environment that encourages responsibility, personal growth, and long-term independence.

  • No. Vella Haven Homes does not provide clinical, medical, or licensed mental health treatment. Our services are non-clinical and focus on housing stability, life skills development, accountability, and supportive services. When clinical, medical, or specialized care is needed, participants are referred to trusted community partners and licensed providers. We assist with coordination and follow-up to support continuity of care.

  • Vella Haven Homes is a good fit for adults who are seeking stable housing in a structured, supportive environment and are willing to participate in program expectations. Participants should be open to accountability, personal growth, and working toward independence. The program is designed for individuals who benefit from guidance, routine, and supportive services while maintaining respect for the home, the community, and fellow residents.

  • Referrals may be submitted by community agencies, case managers, social workers, reentry programs, domestic violence advocates, or through self-referral. All referrals are reviewed to determine program fit and housing availability. Once a referral is received, an intake process is completed to assess needs, expectations, and readiness for participation. Placement is based on availability and alignment with program guidelines.

  • Participants are expected to follow house rules, respect the property, engage in program services, and maintain accountability throughout their stay. This includes participation in supportive services, adherence to occupancy guidelines, respectful behavior, and cooperation with program staff. The program emphasizes responsibility, stability, and progress toward personal goals.

  • Vella Haven Homes provides structured housing, program oversight, case management, life skills development, workforce support, and peer support. Services are delivered through group sessions, check-ins, and coordinated support designed to promote stability and independence.

  • The property is actively managed with clear rules, routine oversight, and expectations for cleanliness and care. Participants are required to respect the home and report maintenance concerns promptly. Our goal is to protect the property while maintaining a safe and stable living environment.