1. Monterey County Housing Support Program The Monterey County Department of Social Services partnered with the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, an independent nonprofit housing organization, to provide Rapid Re-housing and support services to homeless CalWORKS families. 1

2. Referral Process The Department of Social Services is responsible for referring homeless CalWORKS families to the Housing Resource Center. Once a family contacts the CalWORKs eligibility staff and identifies as being homeless, the Eligibility Worker issues a Housing Support Program referral. When the referral is received by the 501-Housing Support Program shared email, active status is verified and the referral is forwarded to the Housing Resource Center. The Housing Resource Center has three (3) business days to contact the referred client to set up an appointment. 2

3. Housing Resource Center Role Evaluates each referred family and determines their housing needs and barriers. Partners with other Monterey County housing agencies. Determines the financial assistance needed, including rental assistance, security deposit, moving expenses, utility and utility deposits, emergency motel/hotel payments and unexpected financial burdens. Provides monthly case management to determine continuing need, income changes, compliance, and progress toward goals. 3

4. The Housing Resource Center Role Intensive Case Management includes:  Progressive, ongoing case management services  Assessment of family barriers that may impede access to being housed; and provides necessary referrals  Monthly office and home visits  Financial literacy education, including budgeting and money management 4

5. Housing Specialist Role Landlord outreach, recruitment, engagement, and RECOGNITION Inventory of available units Conducts habitability and basic safety inspections of each unit Conducts 30-day inspections of each unit where the client has been permanently housed Works with each family to set housing goals 5

6. Working with Landlords Outreach, Recruitment and Information: Reach out to landlords and property owners. Introduce and provide information about the agency and the services offered Negotiation and Engagement: Discuss the housing barriers clients are facing, and explain the benefits of a partnership. Outline specific incentives: steady stream of tenants guaranteed minimized number and length of vacancies decreased advertising costs for new tenants pre-screened clients ready to rent. 6

7. Addressing Housing Barriers Background Checks Income Credit and Rental History 7

8. Accomplishments: Steady stream of referrals into the program Good channel of communication between Social Services and the Housing Resource Center Monthly case review meetings Challenges: New programs take time to implement when working with outside agencies “Homeless” definition versus housing prevention Challenging rental market Clients’ motivation 8