Service Strategies for Highly Vulnerable Families Marilyn Nelson

Identified Priority Populations Single mothers with children who are currently homeless Children returning to mothers from foster care Domestic violence victims Unaccompanied youth (18-22 years of age) with children

TLC- Transitional Living Center Three story historical brick building on three acres Formerly an orphanage Locked facility-Fob operated Surveillance cameras inside & out Building is owned by Transitions Not scattered site Unable to shift to rapid rehousing 16 apartments Family room Gymnasium On-site Licensed childcare center Technology Center Fully staffed- 24 Hour On-Call

Programmatic Changes Lowered barriers Whitworth University Harm Reduction Volunteers of America Progressive Engagement Practices Various church groups Shorter transition times Fantasy Flight Stronger emphasis on employment and education Spokane County Neighborhood Cop Shop Greater collaboration with other agencies and resources Voucher program through Spokane Housing Authority Second Harvest WSU Extension Service Lutheran Services Gonzaga University Americorps Eastern Washington Univerisity

Lowering Barriers Deposits and Occupancy Fees No denials are based on lack of deposits or fees No evictions for unpaid fees Fewer evictions for program violations Programs and groups are offered, not required All referrals are accepted No screening out on referrals unless program qualifications are not met

Harm Reduction Model Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence to meet drug users “where they’re at,” addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. Work with participants through struggles rather than eviction Work to help participants identify and connect with resources to support them Recovery Support Groups offered on-site Celebrations of recovery

Case management Participant Driven Participant sets own goals and course of action Trauma Informed Care Trauma Informed Care is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Progressive Engagement A strategy of providing a small amount of assistance to everyone entering the homelessness system. For most households, a small amount of assistance is enough to stabilize, but for those who need more, more assistance is provided. Emphasis on Permanent Housing Partnerships with Spokane Housing Authority and local landlords Emphasis on Employment & Education- Agency wide visiting Vocational Specialist Collaboration with community agencies and supports Assistance in navigating required services when involved with Department of Children & Family Services

Successes More families are obtaining permanent housing Reducing length of stay in transitional housing Higher employment successes Reducing evictions Strengthening community partnerships Expanding support systems for participants

Improved Stats   Exiting to Permanent Housing Earned income Transitional Living Center TLC 2016 TLC 2013 72.34% 62.69% 16.67% 3.3% From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 72.34% of the exits at TLC went in to permanent housing. This is an increase of 9.65% in 2013. From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 16.67% of the participants at TLC gained earned income. This is an increase of 13.37% in 2013.

Review of Our Successes The new approach is more empowering for our residents. Success in achieving permanent housing for our residents is more frequent. Fewer evictions Stronger community through various meetings offered by a variety of community providers Fewer returns to homelessness DCFS involved families are achieving greater reunification Fewer incidents are reported Residents often participate in outpatient services for recovery Strong staff retention Fewer defaults on occupancy fees Increase in volunteerism that directly affects our families

Thank you!