1. 2.05 Diversion: A Key Element of a Homelessness System
Kay 1

2. 2.05 Diversion: A Key Element of a Homelessness System
Individuals and families can be diverted at the front door of a community’s homeless system by helping them identify safe alternate housing arrangements and connecting them with support. During this session, learn how communities have incorporated diversion strategies across their crisis response systems, and how to effectively identify appropriate situations for diversion.

3. Our Presenters Kay Moshier McDivitt Ed Boyte LaTonya Murray
National Alliance to End Homelessness, Washington, D.C.
Ed Boyte
Cleveland Clinic Akron General, OH
LaTonya Murray
Frontline Service, Cleveland, OH
Jeff Rodgers
Pierce County Human Services, Tacoma WA

4. Who Is Here? Provider Staff (ES, TH, RRH, PSH) CoC Leadership Coordinated Entry Local/State/Federal Government Funders Community Leaders

5. Hold questions till end!

6. Homelessness Diversion A Key Element of a Homelessness System

7. What is Diversion
A strategy that prevents homelessness by helping people experiencing a housing crisis and seeking shelter to preserve their current housing situation or make immediate alternative arrangements without having to enter shelter

8. Coordinated Entry People With Housing Crisis Seeking Shelter Diversion
Crisis Resolution
Prioritization
Crisis Bed
Permanent Housing
ACCESS, Assessment and Prioritization, Referral, Exit to Housing
People With Housing Crisis Seeking Shelter
National Alliance to End Homelessness

9. Homelessness Diversion
Diversion is NOT a separate “program” but rather part of the entire system
Diversion is problem solving and solution focused
Diversion should always be safe and appropriate for the client.

10. Diversion as part of your Crisis Response System
Reasons to Use Prevention Resources at the Front Door of Shelter
Helps people avoid trauma of a shelter stay by connecting them with safe alternatives
Improves system outcomes by reducing entries into homelessness
Improves quality of life by helping people avoid the stress of shelter stays
Conserves and targets resources – shelter beds used only when needed
Cuts down on shelter wait lists

11. Approach at Coordinated Entry
FROM TO
What programs are you eligible to enter and who has a bed?
What would resolve your current housing crisis?
Assessment/eligibility
Structured problem solving
conversation about household situation and resources
Intake screening and shelter waitlist
Support crisis resolution to avoid shelter entry

12. The Five C’s of Diversion
Commitment
Mainstream and homeless service providers must believe households are better served outside of homelessness system
Conversation
Diversion is a problem solving, strength based conversation, not an assessment tool with a list of questions
Creativity
Identify creative solutions and explore every option
Connections
Creating partnerships for connecting to alternative resources; connecting to natural supports
Continuous
People may return and the conversation and assistance can happen again

13. Safe and Appropriate Diversion Practice Shift
Uses a strength based assessment vs. a needs assessment
Instead of immediate intake, engages clients in a conversation and identifies safe alternatives to shelter
Assists in connecting to community resources to avoid a shelter stay

14. Pierce County, WA Cleveland, OH Are Making Diversion Work