1. It’s Time. Fargo’s Plan to End Long Term Homelessness August 17, 2006

2. Purpose & Method Develop a plan to end long term homelessness in 10 years. (Sept 2005) Develop a plan to end long term homelessness in 10 years. (Sept 2005) Plan development to be guided by a working group made up of a cross- section of community stakeholders and interested parties. (40 agencies) Plan development to be guided by a working group made up of a cross- section of community stakeholders and interested parties. (40 agencies) Specific strategies in the plan will focus on what can be accomplished within the City of Fargo. Specific strategies in the plan will focus on what can be accomplished within the City of Fargo.

3. About the Process Meeting #1: Framing the Issue, January 10 Meeting #1: Framing the Issue, January 10 Understanding homelessness Understanding homelessness Understanding the market Understanding the market Understanding the landscape Understanding the landscape Begin to set direction Begin to set direction Meeting #2: Brainstorming solutions, February 22 Meeting #2: Brainstorming solutions, February 22 Refine list of identified system strengths & weaknesses Refine list of identified system strengths & weaknesses Brainstorm ideas to fill local gaps and review peer solutions that address gaps identified in FM Brainstorm ideas to fill local gaps and review peer solutions that address gaps identified in FM 1st attempt at prioritization - strategies we should pursue 1st attempt at prioritization - strategies we should pursue Discuss performance measures- definition of “success” Discuss performance measures- definition of “success” Meeting #3: Developing a Comprehensive Strategy, May 2 Meeting #3: Developing a Comprehensive Strategy, May 2 Refine strategies Refine strategies Explore feasibility – what will it take to make this plan a reality? Explore feasibility – what will it take to make this plan a reality? Funding Funding Logistics (site, etc) Logistics (site, etc) Political will and community support Political will and community support Meeting #4: Reviewing the Direction Set, July 12 Meeting #4: Reviewing the Direction Set, July 12 Carryover discussion from Mtg #3 Carryover discussion from Mtg #3 Review draft plan Review draft plan Plan the Release Plan the Release

4. A very specific goal… Preventing / ending chronic homelessness is not identical with ending poverty or promoting economic self sufficiency Preventing / ending chronic homelessness is not identical with ending poverty or promoting economic self sufficiency Definition of “success” Definition of “success” “Preventing Chronic Homelessness – What works?” Deborah Dennis, Policy Research Associates

5. What is Long Term Homelessness? (LTH) Homeless individual or family Homeless individual or family With a disabling condition With a disabling condition Continuously homeless for at least 1 year or has experienced 4 or more episodes of homelessness in the last 3 years. Continuously homeless for at least 1 year or has experienced 4 or more episodes of homelessness in the last 3 years. Note: Local v. Federal Definition Note: Local v. Federal Definition

6. What is a “disabling” condition? Physical, mental or other health conditions that limit the kind or amount of work you can do or that limit your daily activities Physical, mental or other health conditions that limit the kind or amount of work you can do or that limit your daily activities Conditions that interfere with memory or daily decision making Conditions that interfere with memory or daily decision making

7. Ending homelessness requires different solutions for different subpopulations Shelter days consumedNeeded Solution Chronically homeless Stay for a “long time” 2.27 stays for 637 days  Permanent supportive housing Episodically homeless 4-5 stays (a lot of time but not in 1 block) 4.85 stays for 263 days  “Low demand” or harm reduction models  Residential treatment/transitional housing Transitionally homeless 1-2 stays (2-60 days) 1.36 stays for 58 days  Prevention  Help for a quick return to housing Stats are based on cluster distribution of single homeless adults in New York, Corporation for Supportive Housing

8. Why end long term homelessness? It’s expensive to do nothing - scarce system resources are being disproportionately used by small number of people. It’s expensive to do nothing - scarce system resources are being disproportionately used by small number of people. Traditional homeless service system does not work for this population Traditional homeless service system does not work for this population Contribute to statewide effort to end long term homelessness Contribute to statewide effort to end long term homelessness Unacceptable for a progressive community to turn away from this issue Unacceptable for a progressive community to turn away from this issue

9. About the Local Homeless Population

10. Homeless individuals in Fargo – recent data sources 2000 Wilder Survey - 199 2000 Wilder Survey - 199 2003 Wilder Survey – 228 2003 Wilder Survey – 228 2005 Point in Time Survey – 249 (chronic homeless – 66) 2005 Point in Time Survey – 249 (chronic homeless – 66) 2005 Annual Estimate – 905 (chronic homeless – 114) 2005 Annual Estimate – 905 (chronic homeless – 114) 2006 Point in Time Survey – 253 (chronic homeless – 79) 2006 Point in Time Survey – 253 (chronic homeless – 79)

11. Homelessness in Metro area Wilder Research Center, November 2004

12. ND Regions

13. Almost half of the state’s long term homeless population lives in Fargo

14. Fargo’s homeless population

15. Basic characteristics of Fargo’s homeless population Age. 2/3 are men, with an average age of 42.1. The average age of a homeless woman in Fargo is 33.6. Age. 2/3 are men, with an average age of 42.1. The average age of a homeless woman in Fargo is 33.6. Marital Status. Approximately half of those interviewed have never married. Marital Status. Approximately half of those interviewed have never married. Veterans. Veterans make up 29% of homeless males in Fargo. Veterans. Veterans make up 29% of homeless males in Fargo. Residency. 46% of homeless persons in Fargo have lived in ND for at least 2 years. The 54% that are more “recent” residents are most likely to come to ND from Minnesota (52%) or have lived in ND before (44%). Residency. 46% of homeless persons in Fargo have lived in ND for at least 2 years. The 54% that are more “recent” residents are most likely to come to ND from Minnesota (52%) or have lived in ND before (44%). Children. 20% of the women in sheltered locations had at least one child with them. Children. 20% of the women in sheltered locations had at least one child with them. Race/Ethnicity. Fargo’s homeless population contains a disproportionate number of persons of color. 28% of Fargo’s homeless adults are persons of color – 21% of the total are American Indian. Race/Ethnicity. Fargo’s homeless population contains a disproportionate number of persons of color. 28% of Fargo’s homeless adults are persons of color – 21% of the total are American Indian. Wilder Research Center, November 2004

16. Basic characteristics (cont.) Unsheltered. Three out of four “unsheltered” homeless were men and almost half were American Indian. Unsheltered. Three out of four “unsheltered” homeless were men and almost half were American Indian. Duration of Homelessness. 60% of the unsheltered homeless have been homeless for more than 6 months – 46% of those living in sheltered locations have been homeless for that length of time. Duration of Homelessness. 60% of the unsheltered homeless have been homeless for more than 6 months – 46% of those living in sheltered locations have been homeless for that length of time. Education. Almost 80% of Fargo’s homeless population has a high school diploma or GED – 27% have attended at least some college. Education. Almost 80% of Fargo’s homeless population has a high school diploma or GED – 27% have attended at least some college. Employment. 41% of homeless persons in Fargo are employed – 18% in a full time status. For those who are not working, the most common barriers are Employment. 41% of homeless persons in Fargo are employed – 18% in a full time status. For those who are not working, the most common barriers are transportation (42%) transportation (42%) lack of housing (29%) lack of housing (29%) personal reasons (27%) personal reasons (27%) physical health problems (25%) physical health problems (25%) mental health problems (22%) mental health problems (22%) Wilder Research Center, November 2004

17. Basic characteristics (cont.) Affordability of Housing Affordability of Housing 54% of homeless persons surveyed said they could pay something for rent but no more than $200 per month (including utilities). 54% of homeless persons surveyed said they could pay something for rent but no more than $200 per month (including utilities). 25% of people surveyed could not afford to pay anything for rent. 25% of people surveyed could not afford to pay anything for rent. Only 6% could afford the typical rent for an apartment of the size they would need. Only 6% could afford the typical rent for an apartment of the size they would need. Wilder Research Center, November 2004

18. Basic characteristics (cont.) Health and well being Health and well being 41% of homeless adults in Fargo were told by a doctor in the last two years that they have a serious mental illness.[1] 41% of homeless adults in Fargo were told by a doctor in the last two years that they have a serious mental illness.[1][1] 50% of homeless adults report that they consider themselves to be alcoholic or chemically dependent. 50% of homeless adults report that they consider themselves to be alcoholic or chemically dependent. 28% of the homeless population in Fargo has received in-patient drug/alcohol treatment in the last 2 years. 28% of the homeless population in Fargo has received in-patient drug/alcohol treatment in the last 2 years. 27% of homeless adults have been dually diagnosed by a doctor in the last 2 years as having both a mental illness and a chemical dependency problem. 27% of homeless adults have been dually diagnosed by a doctor in the last 2 years as having both a mental illness and a chemical dependency problem. [ 1][ 1] Mental illness as referenced in this survey includes: schizophrenia, manic- depression or bipolar disorder, some other type of delusional disorder, major depression, anti-social personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. [ 1] Wilder Research Center, November 2004

19. Characteristics of Fargo homeless by chronic status Characteristic Long term Homeless Total Homeless Population Can’t afford rent71%56% History of substance abuse65%57% Medical problems57%33% Money management problems55%38% Unemployed52%44% Mental Illness41%31% Veteran32%18% Employed28% 2006 ND Point in Time survey

20. Primary reasons for homelessness

23. Precariously housed – Households At Risk People at risk of becoming homeless represent the “front door” to homelessness People at risk of becoming homeless represent the “front door” to homelessness Approximately 10% of households with income at or below poverty level cycle through the homeless system in a given year Approximately 10% of households with income at or below poverty level cycle through the homeless system in a given year

24. Are there leading indicators? Eviction Eviction Foreclosure Foreclosure Food poverty Food poverty Energy assistance Energy assistance Other prevention services Other prevention services

25. Who is chronically homeless? Primary contributing factors Primary contributing factors Substance Abuse Substance Abuse Serious Mental Illness with inconsistent use of medications/treatment Serious Mental Illness with inconsistent use of medications/treatment Unemployable or unable to keep a job because of disability Unemployable or unable to keep a job because of disability Poor rental history or criminal background Poor rental history or criminal background Wilder Research Center, FM Regional Survey, Nov 2004

26. Risk factors for chronic homelessness Chronic health condition Chronic health condition Mental illness Mental illness Substance abuse disorders Substance abuse disorders Limited or no social support network Limited or no social support network Very low or no income Very low or no income Discharge from jail, prison, hospital, shelter, detox, treatment, foster care Discharge from jail, prison, hospital, shelter, detox, treatment, foster care “Preventing Chronic Homelessness – What works?” Deborah Dennis, Policy Research Associates

27. The Local Housing Market

28. The Housing Market Public Housing New or Existing? Housing for Rent Attached or Detached? Which neighborhood? “Move-up” Housing Own or Rent? Special Needs Housing Starter Homes Luxury Living Subsidized or Market rate? What can I afford?

29. How does this fit in the Affordable Housing discussion Workforce housing Workforce housing Extremely low income households (i.e., poverty level incomes) Extremely low income households (i.e., poverty level incomes) Precariously housed Precariously housed Homeless Homeless

30. Housing Affordability is a relative concept 12% of households in Fargo report incomes below the poverty level (i.e., 30% AMI) 12% of households in Fargo report incomes below the poverty level (i.e., 30% AMI) “Affordable” rent for 1 person household (earning 30% AMI) is $328, including utilities “Affordable” rent for 1 person household (earning 30% AMI) is $328, including utilities “Affordable” rent for person with SSI as only income source – approx $164/month (30% of the avg SSI pmt made in ND) “Affordable” rent for person with SSI as only income source – approx $164/month (30% of the avg SSI pmt made in ND) Fair Market Rent – 1 bedroom unit - $443, 0 bedroom unit - $373 Fair Market Rent – 1 bedroom unit - $443, 0 bedroom unit - $373

31. Affordability for poverty level households requires access to “Deep Subsidy” Housing “Deep subsidy” – housing assistance that allows tenant to pay 30% of their income toward rent with the balance covered from another source. “Deep subsidy” – housing assistance that allows tenant to pay 30% of their income toward rent with the balance covered from another source. Section 8 voucher Section 8 voucher Shelter Plus Care program Shelter Plus Care program Public Housing Public Housing Other Other

32. Homeless Housing Beds by type of occupancy, 2005 Type of Occupancy/ Project Emerg Shelter Men Emerg Shelter Women, Children Trans Hous Fam Trans Hous Non- fam Perm Supp Hous Fam Perm Hous Non- fam SRO (S+C)22 S+C (FHRA)6213 Sister’s Path (LIHTC, SHP) 33 Dakotah Pioneer (LIHTC) 31 Vets Manor (SHP)11 New Life Center89120 YWCA65352 Perry Center1013 Total 89 (beds) 65 (beds) 46 (beds) 66 (beds) 95 (beds) 46 (beds) *The FHRA was awarded 11 additional S+C units in the 2005 CoC grant, expected online in 2006. *A 48 bed homeless veterans project is currently under development by Centre, Inc. and the VA.

33. Assisted Rental Housing, 2003 Type of Occupancy/Project0BR1BR2BR3 BR4BRTotal Vac Rate General Occupancy Low Inc Housing Tax Credit013643022110797 6.3% Public Housing001047223196 <1% Sec 8 Mod Rehab2601812092 4.2% HUD 236/Section 870136400183 4.2% Subtotal – General Occupancy 9196688345331,268 Senior & Disabled Low Inc Housing Tax Credit09850094 <1% Public Housing03702120393 <1% HUD 231/Section 8090000 2% HUD 202/Section 8750000 2% Sec 221(d)(4)/Section 803920041 2% Subtotal – Senior & Disabled 7550810820693 Section 8 – Existing1,104 n/a Total84704796347333,065 Source: “Housing Study Update - City of Fargo”, Community Partners Research (April 2004) *Most of the projects in this table, except Low Income Housing Tax Credit, are considered “deep subsidy” units, meaning that rent is based on 30% of tenant income.

34. Provision of Support Services

35. Mainstream Systems: Targeted v. Non-targeted Mainstream Systems are government-funded programs that are intended to meet the critical needs of low income people (services, housing and income supports) Mainstream Systems are government-funded programs that are intended to meet the critical needs of low income people (services, housing and income supports) Non-Targeted programs: designed to serve low income people and/or people with special needs Non-Targeted programs: designed to serve low income people and/or people with special needs Targeted programs: designed to serve homeless people specifically Targeted programs: designed to serve homeless people specifically

36. Why mainstream resources? “…previous research shows that any successful effort to end homelessness must include a combination of services, income supports and housing. “The same research tells us that the most important but under-utilized source of income, housing and services to people who are homeless or at-risk for homelessness are government-funded programs designed to meet the needs of low income people (“mainstream systems”).” Holes in the Safety Net: Mainstream Systems and Homelessness, Chalres and Helen Schwab Foundation, February 2003, page i.

37. The local arena – how are services provided? Emergency shelter Emergency shelter Transitional housing Transitional housing Permanent supportive housing Permanent supportive housing Unsheltered Unsheltered

38. Local service providers: Prevention Housing assistance & basic needs Housing assistance & basic needs Cass County Social services Cass County Social services Rape & Abuse Crisis Center Rape & Abuse Crisis Center SE ND Community Action Agency SE ND Community Action Agency Salvation Army Salvation Army ND Assoc for Disabled ND Assoc for Disabled SE Human Service Center SE Human Service Center YWCA of FM YWCA of FM Emergency Food Pantry Emergency Food Pantry Presentation Partners in Housing Presentation Partners in Housing Central Cities Ministry/Communal Fund Central Cities Ministry/Communal Fund

39. Local service providers: Prevention Education, Counseling & Referral Education, Counseling & Referral SE Human Service Center SE Human Service Center Mental Health Association Mental Health Association Crisis Help Lines (211, First Link) Crisis Help Lines (211, First Link) Village Family Svc Center (Tenant Ed project) Village Family Svc Center (Tenant Ed project) SE ND Community Action SE ND Community Action

40. Local service providers: Outreach Health Care for Homeless Veterans Health Care for Homeless Veterans SE Human Service Center SE Human Service Center Youthworks Youthworks Law Enforcement agencies Law Enforcement agencies Homeless Health Services Homeless Health Services Native American Christian Ministries Native American Christian Ministries Native American Programs Native American Programs Rape & Abuse Crisis Center Rape & Abuse Crisis Center Salvation Army Salvation Army

41. Local Service Providers: Supportive Services Case Management Case Management SEHSC – PATH coordinators SEHSC – PATH coordinators SE ND Community Action SE ND Community Action Salvation Army Salvation Army Youthworks Youthworks ND Association for Disabled ND Association for Disabled Life Skills Life Skills SE ND Community Action SE ND Community Action New Life Center New Life Center Youthworks Youthworks Re-entry for Violent Offenders Re-entry for Violent Offenders

42. Local Service Providers: Supportive Services Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment SE Human Service Center SE Human Service Center Off Main Off Main ShareHouse & Sister’s Path ShareHouse & Sister’s Path Mental Health Treatment Mental Health Treatment Mental Health Association Mental Health Association SE Human Service Center SE Human Service Center

43. Local Service Providers: Supportive Services Education Education Public Schools – Educ program for homeless children and youth Public Schools – Educ program for homeless children and youth Adult Learning Centers Adult Learning Centers Feed the Children Feed the Children Youthworks Youthworks Veterans Upward Bound Veterans Upward Bound Employment Assistance Employment Assistance Job Service ND Job Service ND SE Human Service Center PATH coord SE Human Service Center PATH coord ND Vocational Rehab ND Vocational Rehab Job Club/Employment Dev (SENDCAA) Job Club/Employment Dev (SENDCAA)

44. Local Service Providers: Supportive Services Child Care Child Care Cass County Social Services Cass County Social Services SE ND Community Action SE ND Community Action Transportation Transportation ND Association for Disabled ND Association for Disabled Job Service ND Job Service ND Veterans Administration Veterans Administration Youthworks Youthworks Metro Transportation Initiative Metro Transportation Initiative Health Care Health Care Cass County Social Services Cass County Social Services Homeless Health Clinic Homeless Health Clinic Family Health Care Family Health Care Good Medicine Indian Health Good Medicine Indian Health

45. The Local Landscape

46. Coalitions working on this issue Statewide efforts Statewide efforts Continuum of Care Continuum of Care Interagency Council on Homelessness Interagency Council on Homelessness Local efforts Local efforts FM Area Homeless Coalition FM Area Homeless Coalition Jail Intervention Coordinating Committee Jail Intervention Coordinating Committee

47. Strengths – Housing market Year round activity Rent levels are good relative to other places Plentiful supply of housing Good access to transportation Good quality/code enforcement - well maintained housing Dispersion of subsidized housing throughout community Strong neighborhoods

48. Strengths – Service system Relationship between providers Creative programming Workers know the system - strong referral network State line is less of an obstacle for support services Strength of “hidden system” (faith community) Participation of some attorneys who are willing to help with guardianship issues Critical mass of advocates statewide

49. Weaknesses – Housing market Background checks are a barrier Competing demand from student population Losing lowest cost housing to redevelopment Decentralization of City of Fargo Number of people with very low income who are not eligible for or can’t access subsidies Shrinking availability of rent subsidy App of property tax to affordable housing projects NIMBY Construction of enough new on-campus housing to meet student wants Housing that is available to youth aging out of foster care Housing w/ harm reduction focus for substance abuse

50. Weaknesses – Service sector Lack of coordinated Guardianship/Representative Payee System Waiting lists to access services Connection between services and housing Support for youth aging out of foster care Complexity of eligibility/access Lack of services for “working poor” (people just outside of eligibility guidelines) Funders’ preference for being “last money in” Adequate funding (Are the “cracks” systemic or related to adequacy of funding?) Duplication of services? Opportunities for consolidation?

51. “Going Home” Fargo’s Plan to End Long Term Homelessness