Keys to Housing Security Connecticut’s Homeless Navigation Model September 18, 2018

How we approach our work The Connecticut homelessness response system is built on principles and practices that enable us to effectively end homelessness We use a Housing First approach, which removes barriers to help homeless individuals obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible, without unnecessary prerequisites. Our successes are built on the foundation of collaboration and cooperation among state agencies, over 200 programs, and other stakeholders committed to ending homelessness We use data to track our progress, improve our practices, and maximize our efficiencies

CAN System Overview A high-level diagram of the coordinated access process from entry to exit Diverted from Homelessness Rapid Exit/Self-Resolved Household in Need of Assistance Waitlist for Shelter By-Name List Rapid Re-Housing CALL 2-1-1 CAN Assessment Housing Placement Meetings in each CAN Staying in Shelter OUTREACH Navigation Begins Permanent Supportive Housing Outreach plays the critical role of ensuring those outdoors or unlikely to use the 2-1-1 process are put on the By-Name List Conduct VI-SPDAT when/if appropriate, which adds client to By-Name List

Identification and Entry Clients in housing crisis should dial 2-1-1 2-1-1 operates every hour of every day, and as such clients can call at any time to schedule a coordinated entry assessment 2-1-1 typically receives over 5,000 housing-related calls per month. The average phone wait time is 4 minutes, though the wait may be longer during particularly busy times at the 2-1-1 contact center (beginning of the month, end of the month, and early in the week) Identification and Entry 2-1-1 is the primary coordinated entry point for all people in the state who are experiencing a housing crisis, including homelessness. We also have a comprehensive outreach network to identify people who are living outdoors and/or are unlikely to contact 2-1-1 In the past year, there were more than 93,000 housing related service requests to 2-1-1. The top three were shelter (50,672), low-cost housing (11,534), and rent assistance (10,878).

Diversion from Homelessness CAN staff are trained to explore client strengths to reconnect individuals to natural supports, negotiate with landlords, and identify solutions to resolve housing crisis Diversion is any strategy that prevents homelessness by helping people to identify immediate alternate housing arrangements and, if necessary, connecting them with services and financial assistance to help them return to or maintain permanent housing. Permanently back living with friends or family Return to their own residence Temporarily diverted as they seek new housing Relocating permanently to safe place out of town POSSIBLE DIVERSION OUTCOMES According to the best available data, 30-35% of all people in housing crisis are diverted from homelessness each month statewide.

Continuum of Housing Services Navigation & case management are funded across the service spectrum by multiple sources. RRH / PSH Case Management Shelter Case Management 211 Light Diversion Navigation State, CoC, Private, CDBG (Pending) State (DOH) & CoC State (DOH & DMHAS), CoC, Private State (DOH & DMHAS), CoC, Private

Funding Navigation – Public / Private Partnerships Each CAN funds navigation services in a variety of ways: Public State funding – Flexible & Contracted CoC funding CDBG Pending Private United Ways Private fundraising Melville Charitable Trust Funding Navigation – Public / Private Partnerships

Role of the Navigator Assessment Diversion Purpose: To assist participants move through the Coordinated Access Network and obtain housing. Navigators engage participants as full collaborators in service planning, delivery and evaluation Assessment Assess a household’s needs at the time of the presenting housing crisis. Administer a common assessment tool (VI-SPDAT), as needed, and conduct intakes at the designated CAN location as well as in the field. Diversion Attempt to divert household to natural resources through conflict resolution or mediation. Access targeted financial assistance to support shelter diversion. Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of intervention and support strategies. Develop initial housing plan Over 10,000 individuals and more than 3,400 families attended a CAN assessment in calendar year 2017

Role of the Navigator Establish Connections to Resources Purpose: To assist participants move through the Coordinated Access Network and obtain housing. Navigators engage participants as full collaborators in service planning, delivery and evaluation Establish Connections to Resources Participate in daily phone calls with emergency shelters Work collaboratively with outreach and shelter staff to ensure a smooth transition to services. Assist the client in obtaining entitlements as needed. Demonstrate ability to effectively access and utilize community resources. Link and refer to appropriate services to obtain and maintain housing. Demonstrate knowledge of legal system and individual housing civil rights, as well as ability to advocate on behalf of individuals to ensure those rights are protected. Knowledge of community resources for individuals, families, and specific populations Data Management Input client data into the statewide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Use data management systems to communicate effectively with all CAN entities – 211, State Government, shelters, outreach, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing

Next Steps for our navigation & homelessness response system Increase long-term funding sustainability for navigation to expand upon capacity Create learning collaborative for navigation staff Create fluid case management across all levels of care Expand staffing to support shared housing & landlord development Improve coordination with other systems such as hospitals, corrections, mental health authorities, etc. Global understanding of performance using available data

Questions And answers.

Contact Information Leigh Shields-Church LCSW Coordinated Access Network Manager, Connecticut Department of Housing leigh.shields-church@ct.gov (860) 371-9579