1 Helping Communities Prevent Homelessness Helping Communities Prevent Homelessness Joe Meyer, Deputy Director Shelter House, Inc Falls Church - Fairfax, VA

2 Who is Shelter House We operate: 2 family shelters in located Fairfax County 2 family shelters in located Fairfax County Katherine Hanley Family Shelter – up to 20 families Katherine Hanley Family Shelter – up to 20 families Patrick Henry Family Shelter – up to 7 “large” families Patrick Henry Family Shelter – up to 7 “large” families 1 Domestic Violence shelter 1 Domestic Violence shelter 12 – 24 month scattered site Transitional Housing program – 3 units 12 – 24 month scattered site Transitional Housing program – 3 units Non-time limited Transitional Housing – 5 units Non-time limited Transitional Housing – 5 units Permanent Supportive Housing – 7 units Permanent Supportive Housing – 7 units Community Case Management Program – 25 households (PREVENTION) Community Case Management Program – 25 households (PREVENTION)

3 How did we decide to concentrate on PREVENTION? Assessment of Need/Gaps Assessment of Need/Gaps Housing Targeting Housing Targeting HPRP (Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re- Housing Program) HPRP (Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re- Housing Program) HOST (Housing Opportunity Support Teams) HOST (Housing Opportunity Support Teams) y-plan.htm y-plan.htm y-plan.htm y-plan.htm Housing Locator Network Housing Locator Network

4 What does our PREVENTION strategy look like? HOST (Housing Opportunity Support Teams) HOST (Housing Opportunity Support Teams) Consumer SAI Housing Locator Benefits Worker MH / ADS Services Medical Legal Education Employment Childcare Financial Assistance

5 Key Stakeholders must buy-in BOS’s have fully supported these efforts County Gov’t Non-Profit Partners Dept of Housing

6 The Benefits Fairfax County has prevented people from becoming homeless (w/in 1 year). Fairfax County has prevented people from becoming homeless (w/in 1 year). 345 Households 345 Households Increased collaboration and unity w/in homeless services Increased collaboration and unity w/in homeless services Established Accountability Established Accountability Cost comparison Cost comparison 867

7 How do we know its working??? A plan for affordable housing has been approved. A plan for affordable housing has been approved. Homeless count has 11% according to our PIT survey. Homeless count has 11% according to our PIT survey. Average length of stays in shelters has Average length of stays in shelters has We are continuously re-assessing and re-targeting. We are continuously re-assessing and re-targeting. Outcomes Outcomes SUCCESS RATE in stabilizing* these households! (*either stayed or moved to other permanent housing after case is closed) 87%

8 Helping Communities Prevent Homelessness Helping Communities Prevent Homelessness Joe Meyer, Deputy Director Shelter House, Inc Falls Church - Fairfax, VA