VCEH ConferenceOctober 21, 2010

Suzanne WagnerHousing Innovations

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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

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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

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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

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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 18-24◦ Young mothers◦ People in recovery or considering it◦ People without income

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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

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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

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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

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Use Central Intake Partner with other agencies to deliver services Use Critical Time Intervention (CTI)

◦ www.criticaltime.org 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”

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DiscussionHousing Innovations

Suzanne Wagnersuzanne.wagner@earthlink.net

Tel: (917)612-5469

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