Permanent Supportive Housing: When It Is Time to Move On? National Alliance to End Homelessness Adriana Rodriguez-Baptiste, LCSW Deputy Chief, Programs and Clinical Practice

Jericho Project Jericho operates in five arenas: PSH, Family Programs, Workforce Opportunities, Veterans Initiative, RRH Young Adults, and Homelessness Prevention & Housing Placement Jericho operates 8 residences and scatter-site programs in New York City totaling 500 units 75% have histories of chronic substance abuse; 15% chronic mental illness All units are permanent and tenants have leases Supportive services include case management, relapse prevention, employment services, and family reunification

Graduation is Mission-Driven On With Life on is key to Jericho’s mission 30-year history of successfully graduating people onto more independent living Aftercare Program formally established in 1994 with private grants Graduation is celebrated and graduates come back often and serve as role models

We know that PSH works! Long-term, affordable, community-based housing Voluntary and flexible supportive services Help people live with stability, autonomy and dignity Leads to decreased shelter use Reductions in acute care utilization Improvements in health, behavioral health and other quality of life outcomes.

Why Encourage Moving On? Proof positive that PSH works! Providers can serve new homeless individuals in need of supportive housing services Increases supportive housing capacity without new construction You are already doing it!

Who to Target for Moving On? Not all tenants are candidates, but more are than you may think Individuals with stable incomes, preferably employment Individuals who have demonstrated the ability to live independently Family reunification cases Individuals no longer in need of on-site services Individuals with portable vouchers

Who is a candidate for Moving On? A 2012 nationwide study by USICH found 1/3 PSH were occupied by persons experiencing chronic homelessness* A 2007 SHNNY found that 40% of tenants were capable of moving on. Providers noted that after initial wave of move outs, between 5-10% were ready to move on.

Jericho’s Moving On Initiative A 2012 nationwide study by USICH found 1/3 PSH were occupied by persons experiencing chronic homelessness A 2007 SHNNY found that 40% of tenants were capable of moving on. Providers noted that after initial wave of move outs, between 5-10% were ready to move on.

Jericho’s Moving On Initiative 8% 2013 8% 2014 6% 2015 5.4% 2016 2016 Half moved on with Housing Choice Voucher The other half Family Reintegration and independent housing acquired without a subsidy.

Lessons Learned Focus on tenants who will be successful! Requires all hands on deck! Must include dedicated staff that are program staff at PSH Trained in Motivational Interviewing Person-Centered Services

Three Step Process Outreach Favorite tenants? Dedicated staff to Moving On Prescreen! Assessment

Three Step Process 2. Engagement Meet regularly with identified tenants Address concerns: Practice readiness while still in PSH (e.g. identify community treatment providers) Handling conflicts with neighbors and landlords Moving on Boot-Camp

Three Step Process 3. Assessment Clarify housing preferences: community, size of apartment, near public transportation Understand their housing hx prior to PSH (e.g. check credit score, evictions on record?) Set clear goals Identify resources needed Budgeting Income/entitlements Medication/symptom management

Three Step Process 3. Assessment (continued) Clarify role of tenant and worker Create a time frame Aftercare services Explain services will not end the moment they leave PSH. Communicate follow up plan: Jericho: check in 1x per month for 3 months, then at 6 months, 1 year, 2 year. Always invited back to PSH site for holiday celebrations and events 

Identify Housing Tips for working with Landlords Target medium size landlords, they may be more risk adverse than landlords with more units Think like a sales person Landlord Benefits Checklist Letter from Program Director or Your Organization endorsing tenant

Service Costs Requires significant staff resources: Need a dedicated Coordinator of services & Housing Specialist, Peer Specialist would be great too! Start up cost: outreach, assessment, preparation, transition service (e.g moving costs) and aftercare. To cover costs reach out to private foundations and public agencies! Connect with your organization's leadership and put a spot light on your Moving On Initiative Because Moving On proof positive PSH works!

Challenge Questions? What does your organization need to do change it’s philosophy and adopt Moving On How can you sell Moving On to leaders at your organizations? How can you sell Moving On to your community? Other questions?

Adriana Rodriguez-Baptiste, LCSW 245 West 29th Street, Suite 902 New York, NY 10001 646.624.2341 arodriguez@jerichoproject.org www.jerichoproject.org