“Untangling the Web: Collaborations Between Housing Agencies and School Districts to Meet HEARTH Act Requirements” October 28, 2012 How one model in Atlanta has worked and our plans to expand and duplicate that model. Presenters Project Community Connections, Inc. Fulton County Schools Atlanta Public Schools

Practical Implications : Do Your Homework HEARTH Act: Initial Assurances: 1.The Continuum of Care (CoC)Applicant must demonstrate collaboration with education agencies. 2.The CoC must consider the educational needs of children and not disrupt children’s education. 3.Project applicants must demonstrate practices consistent with McKinney –Vento Act. 4.Applicants must designate staff to ensure children are enrolled in school and connected to services.

Practical Implications : Do Your Homework The final rule on the Definition of Homeless for HUD in the HEARTH Act establishes four categories under which an individual or family may qualify as homeless. 1.Literally Homeless 2.Imminent Risk of Homelessness. 3.Homeless under other Federal Statutes 4.Fleeing/Attempting to Flee DV

Category 1 – Literally Homeless 1. Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning: Primary nighttime residence is a place not meant for human habitation Sleeping on the streets Sleeping in the car Public buildings Sleeping in parks 2. Is living in a shelter, transitional housing and hotels or motels paid for by a charitable organization or by federal, state and local government programs. 3. Is exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation before entering the institution. Release from jail, mental health hospital or medical hospital

Category 1 – Literally Homeless Examples Example I: - Place not meant for Human Habitation Mr. Hope provided a written observation letter from the school social worker or a similar agency. (or) Mr. Hope provided a written referral from a homeless provider agency. (or) Mr. Hope wrote a self declaration certifying that he was living on the streets or in a shelter. Example II: - Shelter Mr. Hope was found to be eligible under Category 1 of the Homeless Definition as defined by HUD. The client provided a homeless verification letter from the 24/7 Gateway Center. But for this assistance Mr. Hope will remain literally homeless. Example III: - Exiting an Institution Mr. Hope was found to be eligible under Category 1 of the Homeless Definition as defined by HUD. Mr. Hope provided a copy of his discharge paperwork or written/oral referral. Intake worker verified that Mr. Hope resided in an institution for 90 days or less and he was residing in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation prior to entering the institution.

Primary Nighttime Residence Data : Homeless by DOE definition:

Dept. of Education (DOE) Homeless Definition Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Definition Doubled up with family or friendsLiterally Homeless Residing in hotels or motelsImminent Risk of Homelessness Residing in an emergency shelter or transitional housing Homeless under other Federal Statutes* UnshelteredFleeing and/or attempting to flee domestic violence * Not funded under most HUD programs and need HUD permission.

Case Studies

Dept. of Education (DOE) Homeless Definition Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Definition Doubled up with family or friendsLiterally Homeless Residing in hotels or motelsImminent Risk of Homelessness Residing in an emergency shelter or transitional housing Homeless under other Federal Statutes UnshelteredFleeing and/or attempting to flee domestic violence

Practical Implications : Understand Your Environment “Think Globally …. Act Locally” Participate in your local CoCs; Attend NAEH and other Network Meetings; Have working knowledge of HUD policy priorities; Know your partners in the local housing community; Understand services they provide.

MODEL COMPONENTS: PROGRAM DESIGN One-stop shop concept where family needs can be addressed in individualized fashion. Reduce redundancy in services, specialize in areas of expertise, and ensure more comprehensive approaches for clients. Get/keep families stably housed and provide educational environment that has been shown to be important for good child outcomes.

Model Components: Key Partnerships The Collaborative consists of 6 primary partners who work together on housing, employment and schooling issue to stabilize families and help them regain independence : PCCI – Re-Housing Agency Decatur Cooperative Ministry - Shelter First Step – Employment Agency DeKalb County, Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools

Model Components: Key Partnerships Building for Success Other key partners – non direct service related: Program design consultant; Pro bono legal services; Strategic planning; Regional Commission – United Way CoC; Private funders.

Model Components: Targeted Population Building for Success Households must have school aged children in participating districts. Households must have income and be able to achieve self-sufficiency; Must be willing to participate in comprehensive intake and follow up case management; HUD defined homeless

Building for Success Financial Success: 1.Seed funds from School Foundation 2.Received over $285,000 to date and $200,000 Committed; 3.Focus on private funding: 4.Public Grants: Emergency Solutions Grants Program Success: 1.Dramatic Increase in Successful Referrals and Placements; 2.Stable housing and educational outcomes.