This month I'd like to introduce you to Jessica Jasurda, the SOAR specialist who works with PATH program participants located in our Troy office.
PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) is the "front door" to help for people who are homeless and have a serious mental illness.
The "SOAR" (SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery) part of Jessica's work focuses on linking eligible program participants with Social Security Disability benefits (more about this process will be explained by Jessica below).
Jessica regularly works with people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, meeting them throughout the community. PATH is a program that provides street outreach to those who are literally homeless, who also have a mental illness, to engage them in services while simultaneously mobilizing access to housing. By meeting them where they are, this program reaches those who may not call for assistance. One of the people Jessica assisted was awarded our sixth annual Emmett Jones Memorial Award. The award was presented at our Bring it Home event held October 13. The video and more information are located in the sidebar.
In recognition of the work Jessica does, she earned the SOAR 2016 Rookie of the Year Award in 
Lansing! Her supervisor, Debra Hendren states, "Jessica quickly acclimated to the process to assist program participants in accessing benefits through SOAR. She has the necessary skills to engage the person but also to efficiently write detailed reports to justify their eligibility. We are so happy to have her on our team and that she received the well-deserved recognition."
Let's turn to Jessica now and give her a chance to answer a few questions.
How did you become involved with CHN?
Prior to moving to Michigan, I had been working with young people experiencing homelessness. I loved this work and wanted to continue to positively impact people's lives. I was thankful to find an organization whose mission aligned with my previous experiences and values.
Is there any special training you had to complete for your job? 
In addition to my previous experience in homeless services in other communities, I completed an extensive training to learn the SOAR process. SOAR is a nationally recognized expedited process to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness apply for Social Security benefits. For many of the individuals I work with, these benefits are an important step towards meaningful recovery and stability.
What is a typical day in the life of a PATH SOAR specialist?
What I love about working at CHN is that I never know what my day will look like! I am often in the community, meeting with individuals in their time of crisis - in emergency shelters or crisis centers. In my role, I guide in-depth conversations with clients to better understand the ways that their medical conditions impact their ability to live and work. I consider the most important aspect of my role is to create a safe and respectful space for program participants to share these experiences.
Is there a particular case that sticks out in your memory?
I worked with one individual, who had been living on the streets since 2012, but is now living in an apartment, and even discussing the possibility of purchasing a house - a dream that can now become a reality following the approval of the Social Security Disability benefits! Over the years, a number of service providers attempted to assist this individual with applying for needed Social Security benefits. However, due to this individual's transiency, appointments were frequently missed, resulting in a continued denial of benefits. I assisted this individual in applying for benefits utilizing the SOAR process. In my role, I was able to meet this individual in the community and closely coordinate with the other service providers they were connected with. The level of detail that is involved in the SOAR process ultimately assisted this individual in telling their whole story, a story that was left untold through the traditional Social Security application process.
Any parting words of wisdom?
Every time I meet with a program participant I thank them for sharing their experiences with me. I think it's so important to remember that it is an honor and a privilege to be part of our program participants' journeys.
I am grateful for Jessica's work, as well as the work of all CHN team members.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Marc Craig
President
