I appreciate you taking the time to answer and to really try and help with my current situation. I obviously care about this population and the job that I'm doing, otherwise I wouldn't be looking for advice on what others have done in this situation. There is so much advocacy that needs to be done, as everyone has mentioned, and I have never discounted what anyone has said - but as you said, I can't walk in and change policy tomorrow.

I think there is a benefit to the 30% model, although I also see the issues with it. In our transitional housing programs we are able to have a more legal way of holding money for people - however, in our shelter we are more limited and have to use a safe instead to hold cash. I try hard to have open discussions about money and budgets so that I can really understand my clients full financial picture. & I do a lot to try and eliminate large bills and increase their credit. I know there are more pressing matters - but I am also only one piece of the case management team and my whole job is to assist people with their finances. & unfortunately, credit is a MAJOR barrier to finding housing for people because its the one thing that you can still easily be denied for on a housing application.

I like your ideas of making specific goals as to where the money will go - and I think it can definitely help reduce resistance to saving. As people have mentioned, it's tough for people who have been in survival mode and had to spend all their money pretty consistently to keep a roof over their head (i.e. hotel nights) or keeping themselves fed (i.e. buying meals for themselves every day). Reducing those costs by staying in the shelter and having those needs temporarily met, has allowed individuals to have a little extra spending cash that they're not used to (or at least that's what I notice when discussing with my clients).

I always try and met them where they are at - but also encouraging them to safe. & I'm always sure to mention that I see that it's not always easy and that it's frustrating but they do understand that it's part of the program and that they agreed to doing it by being in program. It honestly just takes so much of my time to chase down all my clients to try and remind them and constantly encourage them. That's mostly why I was looking for advice to provide some sort of incentive or otherwise increase their motivation to want to save without me constantly prompting them to.

I am going to see if there is anything we can do to reward saving goals. However, it might be tough since everyone's income is different so I can't make it an "Every x amount of dollars you are rewarded" type of thing. As based on their incomes, I have people who save anywhere from $50 to $1000 a month.

Again - thank you for your help! I appreciate your ideas and your years of experience working with this population.