GENESIS HOUSE OF OLEAN INC Information

The Genesis House is a not for profit homeless shelter that serves families, single women and children who find themselves with no where to turn during unsettling times. In 2009 we opened a shleter for single adult men through the generosity of a local family who gave us an apartment close by. The first year we served 39 men. Over the years the Genesis House has helped over 600 families. Individuals seeking shelter at the Genesis House agree to a set of house rules and enter into a contract with the Genesis House. This contract outlines both short and long term goals and strategies to assist them in reaching a set of goals. Goals may consist of many different things and are based on the personal needs of the individuals and families. Examples of goals include finding safe and affordable housing that utilizes the services of the Homeless Task Force and Housing Coalition of Cattaraugus County, research career interests using the ONET online survey and gain employment by utilizing the services provided at the Every Woman Opportunity Center and the Department of Labor, working with the Greater Olean Area Association of Churches to identify places of worship, and, if needed, moving toward obtaining a high school equivalency degree or college. Most importantly, residents work with the staff in examining the causes of their homelessness and work on ways to pursue an altered life pattern to obtain a more effective and self-sustaining status. The Genesis House is operated on FAITH with support from member congregations, individual contributions, private support and a small percentage from Governmental agencies. We partner with several area agencies to assist residents that come to the home. Individuals who come to the Genesis House may suffer from mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse, and/or domestic violence. We are proud of the relationships we have with various agencies, such as Cattaraugus County Mental Health, Cattaraugus County Department of Aging, the Rehabilitation Center, Cattaraugus County ...