1. Creating a Unified Person-Centered Housing and Homelessness System February 2015

2. Why Implement a Unified System? Most efficient use of finite resources Improves consumer access to housing and supports Improves system navigation & function Leverages the strength of individual service providers Proven to shorten pathway from homeless to housed with supports An important element in ending homelessness

3. Person-Centered vs. System Centered A person-centered approach: – Tries to figure out the best way to care for the person’s needs, holistically, and without judgment – Attempts to modify behavior through reasoning and access to most appropriate programs A system-centered approach: – Tries to figure out how to determine individual system responsibility, or co-responsibility across silos – Works to reduce costs and duplication – Attempts to modify behavior through retribution and reciprocity We choose person-centered!

4. Comprehensive Coordinated System System principles Coordinated Access & Diversion Comprehensive Assessment Service Prioritization Formalized Service Pathways Accountability & Transparency

5. A Person Centered Service Approach

6. First Step: Define our Principles Our first goal is to have agreed upon, defensible principles to inform the homeless service delivery system in our community. The fundamental beliefs of our system Serve as the foundation for the behavior of our service delivery and chain of reasoning Inform our ethics and standards of service Allows us to formulate opinions on “rights” and “wrongs” in how we deliver services when made transparent.

7. A jumping-off point Partners=Anyone/any agency providing “touch” to client Need to understand system and what everyone does Collaboration Housing Focused Coordinated Access structure Person-centered Case Management Evidence-based processes Economically efficient system with best service delivery Trusted communication Treat with dignity Follow-up with clients when exit programs/keep them housed Clear one-step Efficiency Safe venue for everyone to speak Local Work Groups: What are the NWCOC Principles?

8. A Person Centered Service Approach

9. Non-Negotiable Elements of a System Approach to Ending Homelessness What service providers say they do on paper is what they do in practice. No exceptions. Access to PSH is centralized. No secondary assessments. As many rules/barriers/compliance requirements that can be eliminated are eliminated. People are people. Not a number. Not a conclusion of an assessment. Coordination and assessment inform choices that people can make, not make choices for people. Operates with transparent decision-making process. Not dependent on case manager knowing how to skirt around the system.

10. Ensure the Foundation is Strong with Solid Implementation of the Basics Consistent tools and referral procedures Written procedures explaining how and why people are referred/prioritized No side doors Provider, funder, and consumer understanding of the point of the process Consistent HMIS or data tool usage…how to share the data

12. Another Jumping-off point Access – Access points need to know the next steps/where to refer – Collaborative agency transparency – Agencies should have uniform diversion Assessment – To improve assessment we need consistency and follow through. We also need improved coordination between triage and central intake. Lastly, training those that work with people experiencing homelessness on the VI SPDAT – Community partners working with persons experiencing homelessness to complete triage – Case managers to complete assessment – Results are shared at IST to prioritize to make sure we are Housing First and helping most vulnerable

13. Service Prioritization and Matching – Assessment (VI) is completed. Identified needs determine potential service pathways within the community to help the referred individual/family end homelessness or achieve housing stability. VI Score of 0-4 is Information and Referral, 5-9 is Rapid Rehousing, 10+ is Housing First with supports – Programs engage with service prioritization through IST meetings and weekly meetings between HARA staff and provider agency staff. Program stall will collaboratively identify resources, continually update and share this information. ( I&R, educate/coach, full support) – Suggest universal Release of Information for all agencies at time of entry into homelessness services – Unit availability share and maintained through central registry at HARA – COC should work to assure maximum utilization of existing Permanent Supportive Housing locations – HARA to improve housing stock (available) situation with assistance of dedicated Americorps FTE – Information from programs All eligibility requirements Current caseload (capacity) and housing openings Results of individual assessments

14. Service Referrals – 211 in Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, GT Eviction Diversion, Faith based organizations, thrift stores, food pantries – Communication: lack of transparency in funding between agencies making it difficult to get people sheltered. Agencies-Who answers the phone? – Participate in Community Collaboratives and Continuum of Care. Educate individuals to pay rent first and access mainstream services for other things like utilities, clothing and informing tenants about their rights – Better record keeping, especially for those not using HMIS Local Work Groups: What is the NWCOC System Design?

15. A Person Centered Service Approach

16. Local Work Group Assignments What are the NWCOC Principles? Start with the first draft and build on it. What is the NWCOC System Design? Start with the draft and build on it. Continue building the Housing Resources List. Start the discussion about the development of Policies and Procedures for partners and community members to know exactly how to access supports when experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness, including a communication plan to advertise the Coordinated Access phone number to the community