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1.02 Becoming a Low-Barrier, Housing-Focused Shelter. 1. 2.05 Diversion: A Key Element of a Homelessness System.
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2.05 Diversion: A Key Element of a Homelessness System How does a shelter deliver housing-focused services with the goal of housing people as quickly as possible? Learn about housing case plans that are client-centered, reducing tenancy barriers, creating a housing-focused shelter environment, and directing staff activities to permanently house p eople residing in shelter more quickly. Panelists will also discuss which services are best provided in shelter versus after someone is housed.
Our Presenters • Kay Moshier-McDivitt • National Alliance to End Homelessness, Washington, D.C • Nadine Joyner • Spooner House, Shelton, CT • John MacDonald • Crossroads Rhode Island, Providence, RI • Katherine (Kat) Hammer • Gulfstream Goodwill, Inc., Palm Beach, FL
Who Is Here?Emergency Shelter StaffProvidersCoC Leadership Coordinated EntryLocal/State/Federal GovernmentFundersCommunity Leaders
Role of Emergency Shelter in the Crisis Response System • Shelter plays an important role in your system’s response to homelessness • The effectiveness of emergency shelter greatly impacts your system’s performance • Average length of homelessness • Exits to permanent housing • Returns to homelessness
Housing crisis resolution Rapid re-housing Permanent Supportive Housing Market rate housing Voucher Emergency Shelters in the CRISIS RESPONSE SYSTEM
MAKING THEPHILOSOPHICAL SHIFT Philosophical Shift Practice Shift Operations Shift
Philosophy Shift Housing First Issues that contributed to a household’s homelessness can best be addressed once they are permanently housed National Alliance to End Homelessness
Immediate and Low-barrier Access Philosophy Shift Practice Shift Few to no prerequisites to shelter No sobriety requirement No waiting list Coordinated entry Prioritize households with the most needs 24/7 access Equal Access Rule compliance Rules should only pertain to safety • Shelter is life saving • It should be easy to access • It should be easiest for the most vulnerable
Housing-focused, Rapid Exit Services Philosophy Shift Practice Shift Plan for rapid exit to housing at entry “If you’re not talking about housing you’re having the wrong conversation” Environment reflects a housing focus All meetings, policies, procedures, job descriptions, signage, client handbooks, etc. reflect focus on housing • Everyone is ready to be housed immediately • Clients are the captains of their housing plans • Shelters are not employment, recovery, or mental health programs • Shelter stays are very short
Shelter Examples Housing-Focused Services Spooner House Crossroads Rhode Island Lewis Center