Diversion

Today Who is eligible for Diversion? What is Diversion? When can someone access Diversion? Where can they go to access Diversion? Why invest in Diversion? How to have Diversion conversations

LENS Cultural Lens – History, Experiences, and Biases Melissa Espinoza Age 6

What is Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) Serves all people (single adults, young adults, families, and veterans) experiencing homelessness Ensures that people experiencing homelessness have fair and equal access to housing Standard assessment tools and practices Incorporate housing first approach

Eligibility Families and individuals who are literally homeless (sleeping in shelter or a place not meant for human habitation) as well as those fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence Young adults (ages 18-24) who are imminently at risk of homelessness within the next 14 days

Regional Access Points Five Regional Access Points Seattle- Catholic Community Services North Seattle - Solid Ground Renton- YWCA Federal Way- Multi-Service Center East King County- Catholic Community Services

Coordinated Entry Eligible household connects with CEA (through RAP or Community Based Organization) Complete CEA Housing Assessment Tool Discuss eligibility for resources Add household to the Community Queue Housing Provider posts available unit Referral Specialists contact next eligible household Referral (provider contact household within 24 hours to schedule intake) Program Intake – provider changes status to “enrolled” – housing search begins! At any point after completing an assessment a household can opt for diversion Role of Regional Access Point Role of Referral Specialists Role of Household Role of Housing Provider

Diversion Client Centered- Choice Flex Funds- Not all diversion solutions require funds Funds are available to support families/individuals if the only/main barrier to ending homelessness is financial Themes Community Vulnerability Trust and Hope Creativity Nothing about us without us is for us…

Myth Busters Pre-determined Resilience Immigration Status Criminal Background/ good tenant Wrap around Spending Clients not prepared Special populations/ special solutions Success – Remain housed – Employment

Activity Instructions 4 Groups (of 10) 4 leaders (1 at each group) 4 observers 10 min Report Findings

Diversion Conversations Conversation Intentional Open ended/ How you ask – Examples Expectations Motivational Seed planting “There’s really no such thing as ‘voiceless’. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard.” Arundhati Roy

Diversion Serve all populations Connect to Resources/Programs at RAPs Mediation (family/friend, debt collectors, landlords. etc.) Community/Network- providers and landlords Update outcomes!!

Best Practices Fidelity- HOPE Building Rapport – Trust, Humility, and Actions Building Community Building Awareness- Resources and outreach Build your own toolkit and see what tool kits are out there Consumer Feedback Preparedness Language support Note taking DATA

Diversion Outcomes A successful Diversion All housing solutions must be at the minimum of 90 days. This could include: Permanent housing on their own. Viable, safe, permanent shared housing with family and/or friends Viable, safe shared housing with family and/or friends, with a plan for permanency. GOAL: Utilize Diversion often and effectively to help alleviate community queue resources GOAL: Homelessness Rare, Brief, and One-time !

Further Reading Get your learn on! Criminal Background and no correlation with good tenant: Housing First: abstract Vulnerability and cash assistance. can-keep-someone-streets-2-years-or-more Refer to 211 website for resources brochures. Solid Ground Website for tenant information.

Funding questions: Ask your funders Best practices: Danielle Winslow