1. Preparing for Operations: Staff Training for MHSA Supportive Housing Anne Cory Corporation for Supportive Housing January 6, 2010 www.csh.org www.csh.org

2. 2 Define Supportive Housing A cost-effective combination of permanent, affordable housing with services that helps people live more stable, productive lives.

3. 3 Define Supportive Housing HOUSING –PERMANENT: Not time limited, not transitional; –AFFORDABLE: For people coming out of homelessness; and –INDEPENDENT: Tenant holds lease with normal rights and responsibilities. SERVICES –FLEXIBLE: Designed to be responsive to tenants’ needs; –VOLUNTARY: Participation is not a condition of tenancy; and –INDEPENDENT: Focus of services is on maintaining housing stability.

4. 4 No single model or type of housing

5. 5 Key Training Topics for Supportive Housing Staff Understanding the target population and service environment –Understanding mental illnesses –Understanding substance abuse –Working with clients with disabilities –Effective crisis response –Social Justice topics: why do people become homeless? –Exiting homelessness: barriers and opportunities –Cultural fluency –Community Building –Laws and regulations (e.g., landlord-tenant laws, confidentiality laws, fair housing regulations)

6. 6 Key Training Topics for Supportive Housing Staff Property Management –Harm Reduction/Housing Retention –Application and Screening process –Reasonable Accommodation –Lease Enforcement and Rent Collection –Tenant File Maintenance and Record Keeping –Eviction Prevention/Problem Solving –Eviction Procedures –Building and Tenant Security –Physical Plant: Maintenance, Janitorial Services, Pest Control –Move-Out and Unit Turnaround Procedures

7. 7 Components of Property Management Tenant Selection Maintenance Fair Housing Operations Fiscal Management

8. 8 Key Training Topics for Supportive Housing Staff Supportive Services –Tenant engagement –Harm Reduction –Motivational Interviewing –Crisis intervention/de-escalation –Effective service coordination

9. 9 How are services in supportive housing different than clinical services? In supportive housing, services are focused on helping tenants retain their housing. This focus requires that supportive services and property management coordinate their activities on behalf of the tenant. Overview of Services in Supportive Housing

10. 10 Roles and Challenges Common Goal: Keeping Tenants Housed Blended Mgt requires that we come in from all angles. Property Mgt Show me the money! Social Services I just want to help! Goal: Provide the tenants the support they need to reach their fullest potential and to keep the building in good shape, physically and financially

11. 11  Areas of Overlap Between Property Management and Supportive Service Delivery Intake: Tenant Selection and Interviewing Orientation of Incoming Tenants Rent Payment and Arrears Dealing with Disruptive Behaviors Procedures in Crisis Tenant Grievance Procedures Tenant Council Community Building Roles and Coordination

12. 12 Roles and Coordination

13. 13 Keep Lines of Communication Open  Understand each other’s roles and responsibilities  Understand the program and funding source missions and goals (why are you all here?)  Schedule regular meetings to discuss policies, procedures, and resolve conflict  Establish clear decision making process and clear lines of authority within and between property management and social services  Provide joint training and retreats for team building Source: HUD

14. For more information on training for supportive housing operations, see www.csh.org www.csh.org MHSA Housing Program Technical Assistance Call January 6, 2010