RAP provides group housing to at-risk populations which is safe, supportive and affordable
With a program that emphasizes Accountability, Responsibility and Safety for Others
Group Housing:
People who have experienced similar types of traumas find that by working together they can provide support to each other in their recovery. It is the "I understand, I had that happen to me" phenomena. Often people will accept help and support from those who know what they have gone through that they won't from others
Democratically Run:
All houses are democratically run. House members meet weekly to decide house policy, deal with house issues, pay bills and work on inter-personal issues. RAP staff may attend meetings to provide support and requested information, but it's the house that votes to make decisions. This gives house members a vested interest in the house and provides an opportunity for members to develop decision making skills.
Self-sufficient:
All houses are expected to be self-supporting. Members pay an "equal expense share (EES)" which includes rent, utilities, common household goods such as toilette paper or dish soap, and $15.00 a month which goes into the chapter. This also pays for staff time in supporting and facilitating house business. This usually runs between $400 - $450/ month.
Self-managed
Intrinsic to the housing model is a structured program of house management. Housing for at-risk populations usually is "managed" housing. RAP believes in "self-managed" housing. This involves teaching house members how to run a financially responsible household; how to solve inter-personal issues; and how to become self-reliant.
