Establishing and Operating a Centralized /Coordinated Assessment System April 3, 2014 Michelle Sandoz-Dennis Continuum of Care Unit Director

Before Beginning Take a Deep Breath!

Workshop Goal Define a Centralized/Coordinated Assessment System – What it is – What it is not To begin discussion about the models To identify required participants To begin to discuss necessary partners To identify pros and cons of the system To identify available resources for more information 3

Why is it Necessary? – The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH Act) Consolidating three HUD homeless assistance programs Revising HUD's definition of homeless Revising the Emergency Shelter Grant program (now the Emergency Solutions Grant) Creating the Rural Housing Stability Program to replace the Rural Homelessness Grant Program Codifying in law the Continuum of Care Planning Process 4

Required Participants Emergency Solutions Grant – Focuses on Coordination of systems – both the homeless and housing services systems and systems that MAY discharge into homelessness Continuum of Care Program Interim Rule – Clearly defines the CoC’s responsibilities – Requires increased collaboration between recipients of Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding and CoCs – Highlighted Responsibilities includes Establishing and operating a centralized/coordinated assessment system

What is it? A Centralized/Coordinated Assessment System “…is defined to mean a centralized or coordinated process designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and provision of referrals. A centralized or coordinated assessment system covers the geographic area, is easily accessed by individuals and families seeking housing or services, is well advertised, and includes a comprehensive and standardized assessment tool.” 6

Examples of a Current Systems 1.A central location(s) where households must be present to receive homeless services 2.A 211 or other hotline system that screens and directly connects callers to appropriate homeless housing/service providers 3.A no wrong door approach in which a homeless household can show up at any homeless service provider but is assessed using the same tool and methodology so that referrals are consistently completed 4.A specialized team of case workers that provides assessment services to providers within the Continuum of Care 7

The Goal of the System To link all Emergency Solutions, CoC funded, and non CoC funded programs in order to best assess clients and effectively and efficiently refer clients to services. 8

Key Stakeholders – Required by regulation: Emergency Solutions Grantee (Both State and City) CoC funded Agencies – Not Required by Key to Success: Local Department of Social Service Non CoC funded homeless service Providers Other CoC members 9

What are the next steps in order to develop a system that meets HUD requirements and works best for your specific CoC? – What is currently in place at the County Level? – What is currently in place at the City level? – What is currently in place for CoC funded programs? Group Discussion I

What are the next steps in order to develop a system that meets HUD requirements and works best for your specific CoC? – What is currently in place at the County Level? – What is currently in place at the City level? – What is currently in place for CoC funded programs? Group Discussion II

Committees Per CoC – Albany – Systems Committee Chair: Maria Markovics – Rensselaer – Ad Hoc Coordinated Assessment Chair: Kevin O’Connor – Columbia/Greene – Ad Hoc Coordinated Assessment Chair: Kai Hillmann Next Steps