2.05 Diversion: A Key Element of a Homelessness System Kay 1

2.05 Diversion: A Key Element of a Homelessness System Individuals and families can be diverted at the front door of a community’s homeless system by helping them identify safe alternate housing arrangements and connecting them with support. During this session, learn how communities have incorporated diversion strategies across their crisis response systems, and how to effectively identify appropriate situations for diversion.

Our Presenters Kay Moshier McDivitt Ed Boyte LaTonya Murray National Alliance to End Homelessness, Washington, D.C. Ed Boyte Cleveland Clinic Akron General, OH LaTonya Murray Frontline Service, Cleveland, OH Jeff Rodgers Pierce County Human Services, Tacoma WA

Who Is Here? Provider Staff (ES, TH, RRH, PSH) CoC Leadership Coordinated Entry Local/State/Federal Government Funders Community Leaders

Hold questions till end!

Homelessness Diversion A Key Element of a Homelessness System

What is Diversion A strategy that prevents homelessness by helping people experiencing a housing crisis and seeking shelter to preserve their current housing situation or make immediate alternative arrangements without having to enter shelter

Coordinated Entry People With Housing Crisis Seeking Shelter Diversion Crisis Resolution Prioritization Crisis Bed Permanent Housing ACCESS, Assessment and Prioritization, Referral, Exit to Housing People With Housing Crisis Seeking Shelter National Alliance to End Homelessness

Homelessness Diversion Diversion is NOT a separate “program” but rather part of the entire system Diversion is problem solving and solution focused Diversion should always be safe and appropriate for the client.

Diversion as part of your Crisis Response System Reasons to Use Prevention Resources at the Front Door of Shelter Helps people avoid trauma of a shelter stay by connecting them with safe alternatives Improves system outcomes by reducing entries into homelessness Improves quality of life by helping people avoid the stress of shelter stays Conserves and targets resources – shelter beds used only when needed Cuts down on shelter wait lists

Approach at Coordinated Entry FROM TO What programs are you eligible to enter and who has a bed? What would resolve your current housing crisis? Assessment/eligibility Structured problem solving conversation about household situation and resources Intake screening and shelter waitlist Support crisis resolution to avoid shelter entry

The Five C’s of Diversion Commitment Mainstream and homeless service providers must believe households are better served outside of homelessness system Conversation Diversion is a problem solving, strength based conversation, not an assessment tool with a list of questions Creativity Identify creative solutions and explore every option Connections Creating partnerships for connecting to alternative resources; connecting to natural supports Continuous People may return and the conversation and assistance can happen again

Safe and Appropriate Diversion Practice Shift Uses a strength based assessment vs. a needs assessment Instead of immediate intake, engages clients in a conversation and identifies safe alternatives to shelter Assists in connecting to community resources to avoid a shelter stay

Pierce County, WA Cleveland, OH Are Making Diversion Work