Prevention and Diversion Backed Into A Corner: How prevention and diversion methods help end homelessness when community resources cannot.

Prevention and Diversion Love Overwhelming Emergency shelter Urban Rest Stop Outreach and Engagement Permanent Supportive Housing Cowlitz County’s Coordinated Entry and Assessment Homelessness Prevention and Diversion “Life Skills”

Prevention and Diversion No Coordinated Entry and no Prevention/Diversion Coordinated Entry but no Prevention/Diversion Coordinated Entry with Prevention/Diversion Getting other agencies on board Triaging the flood of requests Shelters full, rapid rehousing funds depleted, rental assistance non-existent Housing retention as homelessness prevention/diversion

Prevention and Diversion Prevention/Diversion Strategies Housing Crisis Level 1 – a serious event has occurred that could end in homelessness

Prevention and Diversion Examples of events that cause a Housing Crisis Level 1: Loss of job Medical leave from work Laid off Family crisis Decrease in income Seizure or garnishment of assets Problems with landlord Severe overcrowding Incarceration or criminal charges Physical or mental health problems Violence or abuse occurring in the household Alcohol or substance abuse issues Other

Prevention and Diversion Information needed for proper diversion/prevention methods: Description of the situation/circumstances Income sources Monthly housing costs Household demographics Landlord/Rental agency information Tenancy information (“Where did you stay last night?”) Duration at current dwelling Type of lease or living arrangement Type of dwelling (hotel, rental, mobile home, etc.) Late payment policy Consistency of timely rent or mortgage payments Relationship with landlord Nature of last communication with landlord Rental arrears, if any Employment status/information Location of current residence (city or county) Current community resources being utilized

Prevention and Diversion Prevention/Diversion Methods Housing Crisis Level 1 (Prevention): Gather necessary information Provide crisis resolution Educate service recipient about tenant rights/responsibilities Explain timeline and process of eviction Establish communication with landlord Refer to proper programs or resources Rental assistance Financial classes/coaching Community resources that reduce living costs Essential needs (food, clothing, transportation, etc.) Health services and/or treatment Employment or job training/education Sources of income Benefits or suspending luxuries to help offset income (“free up cash”) Legal aid/assistance Other

Prevention and Diversion Attempt to “buy time” for problem solving Empower service recipient to find alternative solutions Create a housing stability plan, rental repayment plan, etc. Advocate if necessary Create a plan for Housing Crisis Level 2

Prevention and Diversion Housing Crisis Level 2 – a serious event has occurred that could end in homelessness AND a notice has been given by the landlord/owner of the property

Prevention and Diversion Examples of events that cause a Housing Crisis Level 2: Any of Housing Crisis Level 1 examples AND 3 day notice to pay or vacate 3 day notice for waste or nuisance 10 day notice to comply or vacate 20 day notice to terminate residency (“no-cause”) Summons and Complaint Unlawful Detainer/Lawsuit Foreclosure Housing has been condemned

Prevention and Diversion Information needed for proper diversion/prevention methods: All of Housing Crisis Level 1 information AND Clarification of notice type and specifications Date notice was given Legal services utilized, if any

Prevention and Diversion Prevention/Diversion Methods Housing Crisis Level 2 (Prevention): Utilize prevention methods for Housing Crisis Level 1 as possible solutions Evaluate eligibility for programs, resources, benefits, income sources, etc. that require a notice from the landlord/owner of the property Create a plan for Housing Crisis Level 3, including diversion

Prevention and Diversion Housing Crisis Level 3– a serious event has occurred that is expected to end in homelessness within 14 days (imminent risk of homelessness)

Prevention and Diversion Examples of events that cause a Housing Crisis Level 3 Any of Housing Crisis Level 1 and 2 examples AND Court ordered eviction (irreversible) Final foreclosure notice Release from jail, imprisonment, or inpatient facility Exit date from shelter or housing program Any other definite or final notice to vacate within 14 days

Prevention and Diversion Information needed for proper diversion methods (prevention not applicable): All of Housing Crisis Level 1 and 2 information AND Exact date of release or exit into homelessness

Prevention and Diversion Diversion Methods: Utilize prevention methods above as possible solutions Explore temporary housing solutions Emergency shelter Family/friends Conflict mediation Advocacy (include ways to contribute to family/friends’ living costs, maintenance, and/or repairs) Written agreement Housing program Other

Prevention and Diversion Explore permanent housing solutions Fair market housing Refer to resources for housing search and application assistance Rental unit openings Sympathetic landlords Landlord approach etiquette First steps/starting point for locating housing Create landlord portfolio References Explanation of barriers Plan for prevention of future evictions Programs or services Income generating sources/benefits Support system

Prevention and Diversion Permanent supportive housing Other Prepare for homelessness survival if needed Storage of possessions Alternative care of children or pets Access to supplies and survival resources Plan location of “campsite” Discuss safety and security measures Plan for engagement into services for the homeless

Prevention and Diversion Eviction Information: If no lease (month to month), either party may give a 20 day “no cause notice at any time All notices must be served in person OR posted and mailed Rent may be due at various times and there may be a grace period and/or late fees involved Eviction usually takes from 2 weeks to over 1 month, depending on court dates and landlord follow-through

Prevention and Diversion Landlords must give a notice for storage of possessions after evicting a tenant The time it takes the sheriff to remove tenants after a decision against them in court is 5-10 days “Hotels” and other similar types of housing have different rules and are not usually bound by landlord- tenant laws Mobile home parks and other “spaces for rent” follow different eviction processes than “normal” rentals Individuals “couch surfing” may not have any rights to remain and may have the police call on them or may be served an Unlawful Detainer (lawsuit)

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