Shelter Diversion
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![Page 1: Shelter Diversion](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081516/56813660550346895d9ded77/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Emily Harris-Shears, MSW
Catholic Community Services of King County
Shelter Diversion
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Overview
Pilot launched in January 2014Accessed through King County’s Coordinated
Entry System, Family Housing Connection618 unsheltered families 288 shelter units One-time support, time limited
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Pilot Partners
Neighborhood HouseWellspring Family Services InterIm Community Development Association Solid Ground Catholic Community Services
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Diversion Eligibility
Families staying places not meant for human habitation at the time of their appointment with Family Housing Connection
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Access
Families staying in places not meant for human habitation schedule an appointment through 2-1-1
Meet with Housing Specialist, within one week of call to 2-1-1
Discuss housing needs and optionsShare reality of shelter availabilityExplore diversion
Families who can end their instance of homelessness with 1-2 meetings and up to $250 work with Family Housing Connection Staff
Families who need more support (up to 30 days) or more than $250 are referred to pilot partners
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Diversion Approach
Start with assumption that every family has potential to end their homelessness with limited support in real-time
Open-ended conversation about family’s current experience of homelessness
Utilize Motivational Interviewing and Active Listening techniques
Listening for solutions the family’s used in the pastListening for resources and support the family may
already have access to Listening for support system
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Diversion Approach
1. Introduce process: Emphasize the role they play, want to hear from them
regarding the experience Support the family in making a choice that will serve
their immediate housing needs Share reality of shelter availability
2. Listen: Active/empathic listening Repeat back to ensure you’re hearing correctly Validate their experience
3. Explore Ask questions to identify strengths
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Diversion Approach
Listening for: Previous rental history Current/recent employment history
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Exploring Options
Re-establishing lease terms with a previous/recent landlord
Identifying a viable doubled-up situationFinding a roommate or other household to
share the rentProviding one-time assistance to help a family
move-in to their own place Relocating to another city/state where a
stable housing solution is more viable and able to stay a minimum of 30 days
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Exploring Options
Family drives what’s feasible and realistic Work with the family to reality and safety test
their solutions How long can they stay? Do they feel safe there? How will they pay for their housing after the first
month? What does maintaining housing look like for them?
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Assistance Provided
Mediation with a family member or friendMediation or negotiation with a previous or
potential landlordHelp the family brainstorm creative,
alternate solutions to shelter Assist with housing search Connect the family with resources such as
child care, employment and other mainstream resources that may assist them in obtaining housing
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Flexible Funding
Not all diversion solutions require fundsFunds are available to support families if the
only/main barrier to ending homelessness is financial
• Move-in Costs • Work/Education Costs
• Landlord Fees • Transportation; gas cards, bus tickets
• Certifications/License Fees
• Grocery Cards
• Rent Arrears/Debt • Utility Deposits/Arrears
• Fees for birth certificates, ID’s, etc.
• Background/Credit Checks
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Outcomes
*Diversion through the FHC Call-backs: Facilitated by Wellspring Family Services, InterIM Community Development Association, Neighborhood House, Solid Ground
224Number of
families referred from
placement roster to
partner agency for Diversion
Services
145Families who are
engaged in Diversion as an alternative to
shelter (while on the placement
roster) – diversion in progress
65%
27Families
successfully diverted from
shelter
12%
52Families unable to be diverted
(continue on the placement roster
for available shelter resource)
23%
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Outcomes
Diversion from Front Door at Family Housing Connection:
206Number of
families eligible for Diversion
Services at FHC
92Families have
engaged in Diversion as
an alternative to shelter
44%
35Families
successfully diverted
17%
57Families in progress
28% (Jan. 15 – May 19, 2014)
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Early Learning
Many families have untapped resources: Family/Friends Employment opportunities Section 8 vouchers
Messaging shift for families and providers Families share feeling empowered by guiding
solutionsHousing Debt/ Rental History Play a Large RoleBalancing outcomes and the fluidity of
housing/homelessness
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Culture Shift
Reframing what the homeless housing system can do
Build on the excitement and momentum from families
Identify leveraging opportunities for other systems change
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Opportunities for Learning
Learning Circle: Collaborative learning Sharing strategies Openly share frustration/concern find solutions
Work Group: Funders and Partner Leadership