Interim Housing Presented by Chicago Continuum of Care and Heartland’s Center for Excellence in Service Organizations (CESO)

Goal of the Session To provide a clear understanding of Interim Housing and the basics of structuring a successful program.

Objectives Participants will gain a clear understanding of the essential components necessary for an Interim Housing program. Participants will contemplate how to handle challenges that may arise while using an Interim Housing model. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from local agencies piloting the Interim Housing model.

Agenda What is Interim Housing? Staff and Budgets Model Interim Housing Programs Case Studies Panel Presentation Dialogue with Panelists Evaluation

What is Interim Housing? “Short-term housing programs designed to rapidly rehouse persons who are homeless in appropriate permanent housing.” Specialized for Domestic Violence Specialized for gender Programs serving youth under 18 years of age will meet DCFS requirements Needs to be FREE

What is Interim Housing? (cont’d) Time Limit – 120-day goal Open to serve all consumers Essential Program Elements 24-hour basic services (showers, beds, meals, laundry, hygiene products, etc.) Access to crisis intervention Safety assessment particularly for youth

Essential Program Elements (cont’d) Housing services, including assessment and locating appropriate permanent housing Assistance in accessing housing relocation resources/supports (security deposits, utilities) Public benefits screening and acquisition

Essential Program Elements (cont’d) Provision of or linkage to assessments:  Psychosocial  Physical health  Child focused assessments Linkage to community supports and/or wraparound system of services

Essential Program Elements (cont’d) Interim Housing programs specializing in domestic violence must also provide:  Access to crisis intervention  Crisis and domestic violence counseling  Safety planning and assessment  Safe, undisclosed location for both services and housing  Legal advocacy for Orders of Protection

Staff and Budgets A sample budget Points to keep in mind when looking at the budget:  A variety of agencies provided data  The budget is a suggestion – agencies will vary to some degree, especially if specialized

Model Interim Housing Programs Beyond Shelter – Los Angeles, California HomeStart – Boston, Massachusetts Rapid Exit Program – Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnesota St. Stephen’s Housing Services

Case Studies Break into small groups Identify a spokesperson that will report back to the large group Read case study and discuss Respond to the questions Report back to the large group

Panel Presentation Bethel New Life Catholic Charities Chicago Abused Women Coalition The Night Ministry St. Leonard’s Ministries

In Closing… Upcoming Sessions: Housing Resource Specialist TODAY 1-4 pm Scattered Site Housing on September 8 th 9 am – 12 pm Project Based Permanent Housing on September 8 th 1 – 4 pm Consult training brochure for additional upcoming sessions Evaluation

Thanks for all of your hard work…keep it up!