Essential Home Setup Guide for Case Managers
This guide helps ICMS case managers assist formerly homeless individuals in furnishing their new homes with essential items while staying within budget. The approach is client-centered and harm reduction-focused, ensuring that spending aligns with the client’s priorities and needs.
Step 1: Assess Client Needs and Budget
Before providing any items, discuss the client’s financial situation and priorities together. The goal is to ensure spending supports long-term stability, not just immediate wants. Always confirm client preferences — some may prioritize a table for meals over a nightstand.
Before Providing Items, Discuss
- Income and Fixed Expenses: Rent, utilities, food, and insurance
- Flexible Spending Areas: Furniture, household goods, and personal care
- Client Priorities: What matters most to them? A comfortable bed? Cooking supplies?
Harm Reduction Tip
If a client spends heavily on non-essentials such as luxury items, frame the conversation around sustainability rather than restriction.
Example: “Let’s make sure you have a stable setup first — then we can plan for extras.”
Priority Legend
Use this legend when working through the household item checklist with clients:
- High: Critical for basic stability — sleep, hygiene, and food prep. Focus here first for tight budgets.
- Medium: Important for comfort but can be phased in over time.
- Low: Helpful but not urgent. Encourage thrifting or donations for low priority items.
Step 2: Household Budget Sample
Use the budget sample below as a starting point when working through finances with a client. Figures are illustrative — actual amounts will vary based on the client’s income, voucher type, and expenses. Use the CHAMP Participant Budget Template to create a personalized version.
Note: The sample below shows a scenario where fixed expenses exceed income — a common situation for newly housed clients. Use this to open conversations about financial planning and available supports.
Income
- SSI / SSP
- General Relief
- Employment
- Other income sources
Sample Total Income: $774/month
Fixed Expenses
- Rent (tenant portion)
- Electricity and gas
- Water
- Phone
- Food and groceries
- Transportation
- Health and personal care
- Insurance
Sample Total Fixed Expenses: $1,682/month
Flexible Expenses
- Household goods
- Clothing
- Entertainment
- Personal items
Sample Total Flexible Expenses: $350/month
Budget Summary
- Total Income: $774
- Total Fixed Expenses: $1,682
- Flexible Expenses: $350
- Total Debt Repayment: $0
- Income Less All Expenses: -$1,258
This gap illustrates why connecting clients to benefits, support funds, and community resources is a critical part of the case manager role.
CHAMP Participant Budget Template
Use the CHAMP budget template to build a personalized budget with each client during move-in planning.
Step 3: Essential Household Items
Use the priority legend below to guide item selection with the client. Focus on High priority items first, then phase in Medium and Low priority items as budget allows. Always confirm client preferences before purchasing.
Important: Some clients may prioritize items differently than expected. Always confirm preferences — some may prioritize a dining table over a nightstand, or cooking supplies over a television.
High Priority — Critical for Basic Stability
Sleep, hygiene, and food preparation. Focus here first for clients with tight budgets.
- Bed frame and mattress
- Bedding (sheets, pillow, blanket)
- Bath towels
- Basic cookware and utensils
- Plates, bowls, cups, silverware
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper and hygiene essentials
Medium Priority — Important for Comfort
Can be phased in after immediate stability is established.
- Dresser or clothing storage
- Lamp or lighting
- Dining table and chairs
- Couch or seating
- Nightstand
- Window coverings
- Basic small appliances (toaster, kettle)
Low Priority — Helpful but Not Urgent
Helpful for quality of life. Encourage thrifting and donations for these items.
- Television or entertainment
- Decorative items
- Extra linens or pillows
- Storage containers
- Additional furniture
Additional Cost Considerations and Resources
Case managers can reduce costs and stretch limited budgets by using the strategies and community resources below. Always explore low-cost and free options before purchasing new items.
Cost Considerations
- Delivery and Installation: Budget approximately $150 per unit for large furniture delivery and installation
- Bulk Discounts: Some nonprofits offer “starter kits” at reduced rates — check with local partners
- Donation Partners: Check with local charities such as furniture banks and Goodwill for free or low-cost items
Case Manager Usage Tips
- For tight budgets, focus on High priority items first
- Encourage thrifting and donations for Low priority items
- Always confirm client preferences — some may prioritize a table for meals over a nightstand
- Use the CHAMP Participant Budget Template to document and track spending with the client