Independence Center houses three clients through ARCH by HomeScreen

ARCH by HomeScreen launched in early 2021 and has since generated hundreds of leads for affordable housing throughout the St. Louis area. We have partnered with 68 nonprofit organizations and have onboarded over 200 users from these organizations over the last 18 months. This summer, one of our nonprofit partners, Independence Center, found housing for three of their clients through the ARCH platform. Independence Center works with adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, which can often lead to housing barriers - like homelessness, housing instability, unemployment, or criminal charges - if unsupported.

ARCH by HomeScreen helps housing liaisons at organizations like Independence Center connect with our network of landlords, and explain any barriers their clients may have as well, as the financial and/or behavioral supports offered by the nonprofit organization. HomeScreen then processes the applications, and allows the landlord to approve or deny the application. From Independence Center, one ARCH applicant this summer was currently experiencing homelessness and one single mother needed a larger place for her and her son.

On top of all the other barriers Independence Center clients face, the final Independent Center client was forced out of his long-term rental due to rising rental rates. He had been renting his apartment for 15+ years, but would no longer be able to afford his home after the $250 per month increase. Before finding the ARCH listing, he had applied for two other properties but was denied due to a criminal charge from over 25 years ago.

As the other two applicants get settled, we are happy to report that the client who faced the rising rate has been happily settled in his new ARCH apartment for the past two months.

If you know any landlords or property managers who would like to participate in the ARCH program and help more people find safe and stable housing, please contact info@myhomescreen.org