Coordinated Entry: Diversion Services - PowerPoint Presentation

Coordinated Entry: Diversion Services

Introductions Gordon Sullivan, MPA Program ManagerGordon@collaborative-solutions.net Jill Robertson, MSProgram ManagerJill@collaborative-solutions.net

Today’s Objectives Understand how Diversion fits into the Coordinated EntryGain an understanding of what Diversion “IS” and “IS NOT”Understand the Key Elements of DiversionUtilize Diversion as a “First Response/Front Door” strategy Look at diversion case example

Defining Diversion Creative approach that’s been happening organically at shelters for years, when beds aren’t available.Relies on formally trained diversion specialists to facilitate conversations about safe alternatives to shelter, outside the homeless system, and often includes facilitating connection between a person in crisis and their support system through mediation/conflict resolution.

Making the Case for Diversion Diversion is fast-paced . The goal is to move families from homeless to housed within 30 days.Diversion is strengths-based. Staff help families create a plan of their own for resolving their homelessness.Diversion reduces trauma for families . By pursuing realistic options for becoming housed quickly, families can avoid prolonged periods of homelessness and shelter stays.Diversion is cost-effective. Costlier interventions – Emergency Shelter, RRH, PSH – are conserved for families unable to resolve their homelessness quickly and simply. Diversion builds system capacity. The homeless response system can serve more families in need because those able to self resolve through Diversion move quickly through the system at less expense.Source: “Homeless to Housed in a Hurry”: Diversion Case Study/April 2018, Building Changes, Pierce County Washington

How is Diversion Different than Prevention? Prevention occurs when a household is imminently at risk (within 14 days) of losing housing. Diversion occurs when a household has nowhere to stay tonight.Target population: Households who come to the front door of your homeless system and request shelter tonight.

When Does Diversion Occur? The CE Assessment Tool isn’t completed until after a diversion conversation, when diversion isn’t a viable option. TRIAGE Where’d you stay last night Where are you staying tonight? Are you safe? DIVERSION CONVERSATION Exploring all safe alternative housing options when the household is willing to do so.

Diversion within the CES Rapid Re-housing Temporary Shelter Market Rate Housing Community-Based Housing, Services and Supports Diversion Street Outreach Permanent Supportive Housing Transitional Housing Coordinated Entry Core Components – Access Assessment Prioritization Referral and Housing Placement Targeted Prevention Households avoid homelessness

Simple Script Example “Our goal is to learn more about your specific housing situation right now and what you need so that together we can identify the best possible way to get you a place to stay tonight and to find safe, permanent housing as quickly as possible. That might mean staying in emergency accommodation tonight, but we want to avoid that if at all possible. We will work with you to find a more stable alternative if we can.”

What does the Data say? Outcomes range by population: Families diversion rate: 30-70% averageSingle adult diversion rate: 30% average

Outcome Measurement # and % of households successfully diverted (households diverted households attempted to divert) Type(s) of assistance provided (financial, mediation, etc.)% of households requiring financial assistanceAverage amount of financial assistance per household Percent of households diverted but requesting shelter placement within 1, 3, 6, 12 months

Role of Providers Initiate an exploratory conversation to brainstorm practical solutions and help identify the client’s unique needsProvide short-term assistance by partnering with clients to identify possible housing solutionsConduct mediation/conflict resolution with landlords, family and friendsExplore shared housing as an option Provide financial, utility or move-in assistanceConnect clients with other mainstream resources and plan for long-term stability

How to fund Diversion? Flexible funding sourcesFoundation grantsFaith communitiesPrivate contributions CES entities could apply for a CE grant through CoC NOFAPartner with community organizations who are already funding Diversion activities, e.g., United Way, non-CoC/CES participating agencies

Reminders for Diversion Specialists Homelessness is a crisis – we’re able to think less clearly in crisis and advocate for ourselvesDiversion Specialists must listen and validate a person’s experience, honoring people and building their capacity to act Be client-centered. Don’t assume what people need or direct the pathBe non-judgmentalBe strengths-basedDon’t talk the whole time! Listen much more than you speak.

Engagement Strategies Think before reacting to what is presented. Exercise active listening. Focus on the problem, not the emotions. Do not over-promise or be dismissiveUse direct communication. What exactly do they need? Why do they need it? What do you need them to do? Focus on the future - not the past. Ensure fairness – make this resource available to anyone eligible and interested.

Case Scenario Dan is a single father of two young children. He’s been staying with his sister for 18 months, since having to move out of his apartment due to inability to pay back rent. Dan’s youngest, Ivy, is 7 months old and cries through many nights. They live in a small, 2-bedroom apartment and no one is getting enough sleep. After a particularly long night, Dan’s sister got upset; she can’t perform at work on such little sleep and worries about losing her job. She and Dan had an argument and Dan was told he must move out today. Dan came to the shelter asking for shelter for him and his kids. He can’t afford the up front costs of his own place, but has fulltime employment and can afford no more than $600/month for housing.

Key Takeaways Make Diversion a priority in your community!Work with your CES entity to plan and develop a comprehensive diversion strategy and resources.Provide Diversion training (e.g., how to have a Diversion conversation) with front line workers in your CoC.Explore and research how other communities approach Diversion – Peer to Peer learning opportunities.

Questions / Discussion

Contact Information Gordon Sullivan, MPAProgram ManagerGordon@collaborative-solutions.net Jill Robertson, MSProgram Managerjill@collaborative-solutions.net