1. Broward County

2.  The HEARTH Act Final Regulations in 24 CFR 578 defined a centralized or coordinated assessment system as a process designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and provision of referrals.  “A Way Home” Plan approved by BOCC establishes the framework. 2

3.  1) Cover the geographic area  2) Be easily accessed by individuals and families seeking housing or services  3) Be well advertised, and  4) Include a comprehensive and standardized assessment tool 3

4. It is:  A standardized access and assessment process for ALL Clients AND  A coordinated referral process for Clients to receive prevention, housing, and/or other related services 4

5.  Reduces Inefficiencies:  Households making multiple calls or waiting for many days to access services  Long waitlists  Designated outdoor locations-having to return multiple times before placement is available  Provider data system not connected  No system-wide criteria for prioritization based on need, leaving most vulnerable without assistance 5

6.  NEED!  A powerful tool for improving system-wide entry, assessment, and referral processes  Process components include: Access points (virtual or specific site location) Screening and assessment process (prevention/diversion/refer) Information about available services and programs Real-time knowledge about program inventory and capacity Referral and waitlist management Enrollment/admission decision criteria 6

7.  Experience with the Rapid Re-Housing Demonstration (RRHD) and HPRP  Four years of evidence  Improvements in as little as one year  Can help end chronic homelessness  Different models, same core principles  Improvements for all demographics 7

8.  By making assessment locations clear and coordinating their activities  Assessment and referral procedures standardized  Data sharing easy and more prevalent  Prioritizing households that have the most urgent needs for available beds 8

9. AccessAssessmentAssign 9

10.  Various models, standardized process; Broward’s model is:  Multi-site (North, Central & South)  2-1-1 Assessment hotline  Homeless Assistance Centers emerge as primary referral points  No “wrong” door 10

11.  Meet Client, provider, and funder needs  Document Client’s homeless history and housing barriers  Match Client to appropriate services  Capture data to meet program needs 11

12.  Qualities of a good referral system  Accurate: Matches Client needs  Informed: Matches facility availability  Effective: Provider accepts and enrolls  Standard: One process, all Clients and services  Comprehensive: All funder and provider fields  Digital: Uses HMIS, two-way communication  Mandatory: Every provider, every time 12

13.  Do Clients know how to reach the assessment centers? Are they easy to reach?  Is there a consistent, standardized process for determining Client need?  Is there a reliable data system?  Is there a process in place for guiding Clients needing to enter the system to the right program based on need?  What happened when Clients enter the system?  How will programs and resources change to become more efficient, effective, and better accommodate need? 13