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Instituting A Community-Wide Housing First Approach in Norfolk

Instituting A Community-Wide Housing First Approach in Norfolk. Presentation by Katie Kitchin Office to End Homelessness Norfolk, VA. Presentation Overview. Background on our system and its history Why/How we decided to make a change What our system looks like now Outcomes to date

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Instituting A Community-Wide Housing First Approach in Norfolk

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  1. Instituting A Community-Wide Housing First Approach in Norfolk Presentation by Katie Kitchin Office to End Homelessness Norfolk, VA

  2. Presentation Overview • Background on our system and its history • Why/How we decided to make a change • What our system looks like now • Outcomes to date • Projections forward • Lessons learned

  3. The Short Story on Norfolk • Norfolk serves as the urban core for Southeastern Virginia (population of Norfolk = 240,000, population of region = 1.2 million) • Norfolk has high poverty (18%), but improving (down from 20%) as downtown redevelopment and economy thrives (less than 4% unemployment, AMI up). • Homeless population = 540 (down from 665 last year) • Regional homeless number is 1500.

  4. The Norfolk System Pre-Rapid Exit • Strong family homeless service providers; but fragmented service delivery. • Families experience intensive/effective services in shelter/transitional housing environment but little support after exit when stressors return. • Families connected to services as a result of abuse/neglect.

  5. Why We Decided to Make a Change… • Situation for families was difficult: had to call many agencies over and over seeking help. • Dozens of families were turned away daily; hotel utilization was expensive and ineffective. • Length of stay in shelter was two months or more. • City adopted a ten year plan to end homelessness which included central intake and rapid exit.

  6. How We Started the Process • 2004, DHS begins to adopt Director’s mission – HART is created. • 25 families expected, 1,000 come in the first month. • Site visit to Hennepin County in 2005 included Family Shelter ExDir, and City staff. • DHS/City leadership strongly supportive of Home-Based services, family preservation, etc. • Providers given role to develop program elements. • January 2007, Central Intake launched.

  7. What We Look Like Now • One call will result in shelter intake, eviction pre-vention, family pres. services. • Average 800 families/month • Average 26 shelter placements;hotel utilization down to 0. • Communications have greatlyimproved. • All families who exit shelter are guaranteed access to first month’s rent/deposit assistance. • Housing Broker Team (2 FTEs) with case management to begin in early August.

  8. What Data Tells Us About Homeless Families

  9. Using Shelter Stay As A Screening Tool • All families must agree to accept a shelter placement (should one be available) in order to receive financial assistance. • 45% of families refused.

  10. Challenges We Are Facing • Of 88 families tracked, 27 were already receiving services, only 7 more became engaged with services (SA,MH, and family pres.) • Only those court-mandated participate regularly. • Families still struggling to maintain housing.

  11. Other Results/Projecting Forward • Family Homelessness held constant or decreasing slightly; dramatic difference in neighboring cities. • Evictions drop dramatically (3000 in 2005 to 1300 in 2006). • Pressure growing on housing-based case management. • HUD funding for services presents a major issue. • Public Housing/Section 8 subsidies in high demand (NRHA serves est. 16,000 people, 36,000 people are below poverty) waiting lists closed for several years. • Evolving role of homeless service providers, securing connections with Child Welfare, MH/SA services a must! • Prediction $4 million in additional expenditures through child welfare system – State may look to restrict funds.

  12. Lessons Learned • Leadership from funders is essential. • Take the time to listen/understand the viewpoints of stakeholders. • Slow progress is okay!

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