VCEH Conference October 21, 2010 Suzanne Wagner Housing Innovations 1

 Homeless families do not look substantially different from other poor families  More likely to be African American  Poorer than other poor families  More likely to have children under the age of 6  Higher percentage were in foster care as children  Have fewer social supports  Housing subsidy/increase in income could resolve their homelessness  Most families can be rapidly rehoused – evidence from programs is positive – integrate this strategy into your system 2

 Initial research has shown that the families with the highest barriers are frequently not served by the current system of shelter and transitional housing (about 5-10%)  Transitional housing is a valuable (and often times expensive) resource that can help these higher barrier families  Homelessness is a traumatic event – end it as quickly as possible  Transitions are stressful and want to minimize them 3

 Rapid Rehousing staff and program are co- located with shelter  Families and singles with income are targeted for RR strategies unless there is evidence of serious disability that will prevent the household from meeting tenancy obligations or ensuring the safety of children  Services are provided in the home once re- housed 4

 Families are encouraged to sign up for the waiting list for Section 8/Public Housing  Transitional housing is targeted for people in transition ◦ Young adults/youth aged ◦ Young mothers ◦ People in recovery or considering it ◦ People without income 5

 Provides Rapid Rehousing through operators of shelter  First task – attempt to divert through financial assistance available through rapid rehousing  If not, conduct initial assessment and barriers screen – barriers focus on meeting tenancy obligations  Use these to develop Housing Stabilization Plan and rapidly rehouse 6

 Have designated housing locator agency and payment agent  For people who need more support to meet tenancy obligations, have a transition in place program  Family is housed with SHP subsidy and services provided for up to 24 months  Services and subsidies transition, not the household 7

 Housing Location services are key- specialized function  Focus services on meeting tenancy obligations ◦ Paying rent ◦ Maintaining unit ◦ Abide by lease ◦ Allow peaceful enjoyment ◦ No criminal activity  Services are in the home – observe in housing, not program 8

 Use Central Intake  Partner with other agencies to deliver services  Use Critical Time Intervention (CTI) ◦  Connect households to community services  Use transitional housing for people with more barriers ◦ Young children in HH ◦ Young adults ◦ People in early recovery ◦ Long term homeless families or “repeaters” 9

Discussion Housing Innovations Suzanne Wagner Tel: (917)