2017 National Conference on Ending Homelessness Engaging Individuals with Lived Experience of Homelessness in the Point-in-Time Count July 19, 2017 Peter Connery, Applied Survey Research Samantha Green, Applied Survey Research

Agenda About Applied Survey Research Engaging Experts in the Point-in-Time Count Special Outreach Value of Partnering with Individuals with Lived Experience Recruitment Timeline Identifying Areas and Experts Guide Role Description Referral Cards Management of Guides Lessons Learned Feedback from the Field

About Applied Survey Research ASR is a 36-year-old non-profit research firm dedicated to helping build better communities. We are dedicated to community engagement and peer- to-peer data collection. ASR has completed approximately 100 Point-in-Time Counts across the United States since 1999.

Special Outreach Conducting a thorough and accurate Point-in-Time (PIT) Count requires special outreach efforts to ensure even hard-to-reach populations and areas are adequately represented, while also ensuring the safety of count participants. Youth Vehicularly housed Encampment residents Immigrants or refugees Other hard-to-reach areas or populations Involving individuals with lived experience of homelessness helps to achieve this goal, and requires additional planning and coordination to facilitate meaningful participation across diverse groups of individuals.

Value of Partnering with Individuals with Lived Experience Individuals with lived experience bring a range of skills and expertise to the PIT Count, including: Knowledge of specific locations Determination of visual cues to assess individuals and environments Familiarity with patterns of movement and activity Increased credibility and transparency Inclusivity

Engaging Individuals with Lived Experience in the PIT Count Individuals with lived experience of homelessness are vital to obtaining the most accurate data possible during the PIT Count. Opportunities to involve individuals with lived experience exist throughout the count process – from planning and conducting the count to results dissemination. While volunteer recruitment often involves casting a wide net, recruitment of individuals with lived experience requires more targeted coordination with service providers.

Recruitment Timeline Timeline: September 2017 – January 2018 Identify and Engage Diverse Set of Service Provider Partners Set Quotas for Number of Guides and Identify Sub-populations Needed Provide Partners Guidelines and Tools to Recruit Guides Identify and Engage Individuals with Lived Experience in Planning (e.g. Hot Spot Identification) Identify and Pre-Assign Special Outreach Teams Begin General Guide Recruitment (2-3 Weeks Prior to the Count)

Identifying Areas and Experts Identifying and engaging a diverse set of partners should include both traditional homeless services providers as well as other community stakeholders with knowledge of locations and relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness. For example: Street outreach teams Police and Sherriff’s departments Drop-in centers/day shelters Emergency shelters Code enforcement Meal programs Park services Libraries Public transit Mobile health clinics Faith community

Guide Role Description 18 years of age or older Current or recent experience of homelessness Guide team members through assigned area to conduct the visual count, identifying locations where individuals experiencing homelessness might be observed Compensation: Cash stipend of $15/hour for training and field work, received upon completion of shift on the day of the count

Guide Referral Card

Management of Guides Encourage highly selective guide recruitment Implement quota-based recruitment using referral cards Recognize participation through guide compensation Facilitate guide transportation to training and the count If possible, assign staff to manage recruitment process and provide oversight and support Be fair and be transparent: State what will happen and follow through Be appreciative and respectful

Lessons Learned Engage community partners early. Community and service provider buy-in can take time, and engagement should begin early in the planning process. Having a designated staff to oversee the guide recruitment process is especially helpful in building relationships. Emergency shelters, drop-in centers, and street outreach teams are most effective in guide recruitment. These programs typically have the most frequent, day-to-day contact with individuals possessing the street expertise needed for the count and can help facilitate participation.

Lessons Learned Timing of recruitment and staff support are key to retention. Ideally, guide recruitment takes place 2-3 weeks from the count date and service providers facilitate guide participation. Prioritize guide assignments based on expertise needed, and encourage flexibility. Match guides to their area of expertise whenever possible while emphasizing flexibility. Prioritize areas where knowledge and/or relationships are most needed to cover an area. Guide expertise exceeds the boundaries of a given count area. Even if guides aren’t familiar with a specific area, drawing on their experience living outdoors is still an invaluable asset to count teams.

Feedback from the Field Guide participation in the PIT Count is a positive experience that is empowering for individuals with lived experience and enlightening for volunteers. Engaging individuals with lived experience in the count can be a big shift for communities – it is important to manage volunteer expectations, prepare for community feedback, and focus on the bigger picture. Involvement in the PIT Count can ultimately lead to greater partnerships with individuals experiencing homelessness in improving the current system of care.

Thank You Peter Connery, Applied Survey Research connery@appliedsurveyresearch.org Samantha Green, Applied Survey Research samantha@appliedsurveyresearch.org