Abstract
This research is exclusively a program evaluation of the perceptions of effectiveness of the multiple constituent groups that participated in the Ending Chronic Homelessness Initiative (ECHI), program during the past fiscal year 2008-2009. Of these, the subject population for this evaluative research will consist of adult heads of households of seven to fourteen formerly homeless families who have received housing assistance and volunteer mentoring through the pilot program of the F&HFI in Sacramento. Approximately, twenty to forty volunteer mentors and pastors are recruited from faith congregations who have been trained by the ECHI and have mentored homeless families through the pilot program of the F&HFI. Nearly seven to fourteen landlords have rented housing units to homeless families through the pilot program of the F&HFI. A confidential anonymous eight-question survey was developed and given to seven families, landlords, case managers and mentors who currently participate in the program. No inducements were offered to complete the surveys. The researchers, from California State University Sacramento, obtained the information for this study from seven families. The survey is designed to assess the effectiveness that F&HFI had on the families. The families, who participated in the mentoring, appeared to be mostly positive, according to the survey. The data suggest the F&FHI was successful in meeting most of the needs of the families in the program.