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SIGHT UNSEEN: THE NEGLECTED PROBLEM OF RURAL HOMELESSNESS

SIGHT UNSEEN: THE NEGLECTED PROBLEM OF RURAL HOMELESSNESS. Diana T. Myers Diana T. Myers & Associates, Inc. dtmdtma@hotmail.com July 17, 2006. LESSONS LEARNED Ending Homelessness Requires:. Prevention strategies Discharge planning Linkages to mainstream resources.

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SIGHT UNSEEN: THE NEGLECTED PROBLEM OF RURAL HOMELESSNESS

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  1. SIGHT UNSEEN: THE NEGLECTED PROBLEM OF RURAL HOMELESSNESS Diana T. Myers Diana T. Myers & Associates, Inc. dtmdtma@hotmail.com July 17, 2006

  2. LESSONS LEARNED Ending Homelessness Requires: Prevention strategies Discharge planning Linkages to mainstream resources

  3. LESSONS LEARNED Ending Homelessness Requires: • A range of appropriate housing options • Available support services • Consistent outreach and engagement

  4. Rural Areas Face Special Challenges: • Population is dispersed, hidden, doubled-up • Transportation is limited • Outreach and coordination are difficult

  5. Rural Areas Face Special Challenges: • Federal priorities favor urban areas • Programs prioritize chronically homeless • Doubled–up don’t meet HUD definition of homeless

  6. Rural Areas Face Special Challenges: • Affordable Housing for Homeless is Virtually Nonexistent • New Site-Based Housing is Difficult: • NIMBYism • Lack of Infrastructure • Lack of Resources for Rental Assistance

  7. Rural Areas Face Special Challenges: • Financial Resources are Shrinking or Nonexistent • Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services Funding • Multi-purpose Agencies become Primary Providers

  8. Rural Areas Face Special Challenges: • Technical Resources are also Shrinking or Nonexistent • Limited Capacity for Resource Development including Grant Writing and Management

  9. To Meet These Challenges Rural Communities Need: • Formal Coordination • Access to Information on Best Practices

  10. To Meet These Challenges Rural Communities Need: • Access to Financial and Human Resources • Expertise in Housing Development • Trained Outreach and Engagement Teams • MH & D and A Services • Grant Writing and Management Assistance

  11. Best Practices: Digest of Model Programs for the Homeless • Common Themes for Successful Outreach and Engagement: Staff • Understand structural barriers and personal vulnerability • Treat people with dignity and respect • Are dedicated and sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity • Don’t engage individuals until ready

  12. Best Practices: Digest of Model Programs for the Homeless • Common Themes for Successful Outreach and Engagement: Agencies • Collaborate and pool resources • Demonstrate commitment to education and training • Engage in good public relations with the community

  13. Best Practices: Digest of Model Programs for the Homeless • Common Themes for Successful Housing First • Tie to successful outreach & engagement • Encourage, but do not require acceptance of services as prerequisite to housing • Require a range of housing options and flexible subsidies • www.pahousingchoices.org- Click on Information

  14. Best Practices: Digest of Model Programs for the Homeless • Common Themes for Successful Housing First Programs • Need intensive support services, such as Assertive Community Treatment Teams • Require strong partnerships between housing providers and service providers • Tap all available funding streams

  15. Models/Best Practices: LHOTS What is an LHOT? (pronounced L-HOTS) • A Local Housing Options Team • Collaboration/Consortium • Key stakeholders coming together on the county or multi-county level

  16. Models/Best Practices: LHOTS Who are the members of an LHOT? • Key stakeholders in participating county or counties: • Disability • Housing • Human Service • People with Disabilities/Family Members

  17. Models/Best Practices: LHOTS LHOT Activities? • Networking • Educating other members • Troubleshooting/problem solving (case studies) • Conducting needs assessments

  18. Models/Best Practices: LHOTS LHOT Activities? • Developing housing strategies • Creating partnerships to address problems • Planning and financing specific housing programs or projects

  19. Models/Best Practices: LHOTS Notable Accomplishments? • New Housing Opportunities • Shelter Plus Care Programs • Supportive Housing Programs • Local Housing Authority Set-Asides and Preferences • HUD Section 811 Programs

  20. Models/Best Practices: LHOTS Notable Accomplishments? • Innovative Housing Options • Cooperative • Fairweather Lodge • Shared Housing • Educational Forums (Fair Housing, Home Modifications, Section 8) • Landlord Outreach Programs

  21. Best Practices: Technical Assistance and Training • Pa Technical Assistance Model • PA DCED Best Practices Conference TA to Rural Housing Providers • PA OMHSAS Form and Assist LHOT’s Work Directly with County MH Offices

  22. Best Practices: Technical Assistance and Training • HUD SHP TA • Contact your HUD Regional Office • HUD.gov • Projects to Assist in the Transition for Homelessness • pathprogram.samhsa.gov • HAC

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