FocusStrategies.net

Rapid Re-Housing Models and Practices: Progressive Engagement and

Related Approaches

Washington Low Income Housing AllianceConference on Ending Homelessness

Katharine GaleMay 21, 2014

FocusStrategies.net

Core components of Rapid Re-Housing

Housing IdentificationRecruit landlords to provide housing opportunities for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Rent and Move-In Assistance (Financial)Provide assistance to cover move-in costs, deposits, and the rental and/or utility assistance (typically six months or less) necessary to allow individuals and families to move immediately out of homelessness and to stabilize in permanent housing. From NAEH in collaboration with, and endorsed by, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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Core components of Rapid Re-HousingServices to help secure housing: Help individuals and households:•Identify and select from permanent housing options based on unique needs, preferences, and financial resources.•Address issues that may impede access to housing (e.g. credit history, arrears, and legal issues).•Negotiate manageable and appropriate lease agreements with landlords.

Services to help maintain housing: •Appropriate and time-limited services and supports to stabilize quickly in permanent housing.•Monitor housing stability •Be available to resolve crises, at a minimum during the time rapid re-housing assistance is provided.

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Core components of Rapid Re-Housing

Connections to community-based servicesProvide or assist with connections to resources that improve safety and well-being and help achieve long-term goals, as needed, e.g. benefits, employment and community-based services.

Manner of delivery•Ensure that services are client-directed, respectful of individuals’ right to self-determination, and voluntary. •Unless basic, program-related case management is required by statute or regulation, participation in services should not be required to receive rapid re-housing assistance

From NAEH in collaboration with, and endorsed by, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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How do we define success?

Households that have no housing get housed, and do not return to homelessness in a defined time period

• Don’t expect 100% ...• But so far better than everything else we

do, except permanent subsidies (i.e. shelter, transitional, services only, even some PSH)

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• Very low income families typically rent-burdened. Most pay > 30% and many pay > 50% of income for housing but remain housed.

• Our families typically have incomes at 10-15% of median - not going to live in median cost housing

> 95% of people in poverty are housed at a point in time – how do they do it?

How can it work??

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Rapid re-housing's potential is great

Based on typical costs, we can successfully rehouse five times as many people with rapid rehousing as with transitional housing, with

equal or better outcomes

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Design questions: how much is enough?

• Programs of varying length and depth have had similar success rates

• Longer stays look good, especially for income changes, but shorter stays look good too, especially on housing stability

• Shorter stays let us help more households with the same amount of resources

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What about assessment?• Assessment is critical: need knowledge of client’s

relevant history, current plans and desires• Understand housing barriers to assist, not to

refuse assistance • Develop realistic approach to finding landlords and

housing situations• Ability to link clients to supports in the community

But: • Assessment up front may not be a good way to

size the financial assistance or length of time services are offered

Example: Let’s all go on a job hunt…

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Progressive Engagement

Lightest touch possible first, leaving open potential for more - or -

“you can always add more, but you can’t take it away”

19

Independently Housed PSH $$$$

Point of Entry

RRH 1$

RRH 2$$ RRH 3

$$$

*[Graphic from National Alliance to End Homelessness]

Progressive Engagement approach

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A change in philosophy and culture• Take as the goal ending the housing crisis• Idea of doing the least necessary• Believing people can make it without us, but

being there if they cannot• Getting rewarded by seeing people leave, and

helping more

How do you structure it??

• Use different resources in tandem, based on their requirements and strengths, for different levels or phases of assistance

Example:

TANF$

ESG$$

HOME TBRA$$$

• Use one resource with regular reassessments and adjustments

Example: ESG alone, SSVF, local Child Welfare dollars

REFERRALDEPOSIT

ASSISTANCE

SHORT TERM RENTAL

ASSISTANCETBRA

TRH TRANS HOUSING

COC LEASING SHELTER

PLUS CARE

PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE

HOUSING

200 families 300 families 75 families (typically, a subset of 300 families served)

 No Financial Support

ESG, TANFCity TBRA, County TBRA, WVCTBRA

Sandy Duplex, Sandy Condo,

Sandy House, 5100 West, Highwood, Wenco, Riverside

ScatteredCounty SPC

City SPC

Sponsor Based SPC, PBS8, Project

Based SPC

Assistance with applications and movement to S8, PH, Mod Rehab,

other subsidy through local

housing authorities, move out on their

own

Includes deposit, prorated rent and first month’s rent

Includes deposit, prorated and first

month’s rent. Ongoing subsidy approved for 3

months.

Rental assistance from County TBRA, WVC

TBRA, City TBRA

Traditional Transitional

housing managed by The Road

Home.

Unit is Master Leased by TRH.

Tenant signs Occupancy Agreement

Scattered Site Apartments, Tenant

Signs Lease with PM

Frontier Apartments,

Permanent Disabled Apartments, Palmer Court. Permanent housing for people with disabilities.

No CM No CM

Includes light case management geared toward employment and stabilization in

housing.

Includes customized

supportive services geared toward self-

sufficiency in housing.

Tailored supportive services geared toward barrier

elimination and obtaining stable

housing.

Intensive customized

supportive services geared toward self-

sufficiency in housing.

Intensive customized

supportive services geared toward self-

sufficiency in housing.

Intensive customized

supportive services geared toward self-

sufficiency in housing.

Resource Model from The Road Home

How do you structure it??What do you need to know?

• Funding Available/Budget • Rules of the funding – what can it pay for and for whom• The population you will serve and their housing barriers• Trends for lengths of stay and exits• Community partners

o If we’re not going to provide the service, who can?

Projecting the overall program size – knowing how to budget and staff

?

Total Subsidy amount available: $250,000Average Household Assistance Amount: $3,881Average Number of Months Assisted 6.0

MONTH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8MONTHLY TOTAL $13,550 $17,750 $20,850 $23,535 $23,185 $22,885 $22,000 $19,700SPENT TO DATE $13,550 $31,300 $52,150 $75,685 $98,870 $121,755 $143,755 $163,455MONTHLY CASE LOAD 11 19 28 35 36 35 35 35CUM. SERVED 11 22 33 44 50 55 61 65

TOTAL REMAINING $236,450 $218,700 $197,850 $174,315 $151,130 $128,245 $106,245 $86,545Percent remaining 94.6% 87.5% 79.1% 69.7% 60.5% 51.3% 42.5% 34.6%

Household Number

Months of Assistance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

00001 1 $1,100.00 X X X X X X X00002 6 $1,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $300.00 $300.00 X X00003 12 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.0000004 3 $3,000.00 $600.00 $300.00 X X X X X00005 10 $800.00 $800.00 $600.00 $600.00 $600.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.0000006 12 $450.00 $450.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.0000007 3 $1,200.00 $450.00 $450.00 X X X X X00008 9 $2,500.00 $600.00 $600.00 $600.00 $600.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00

How do you structure it??

The Road Home: January 1 2013 – 119 Families in Shelter

Checking the assumptionsRoad Home Projected Annual – 500 families

Actual Cohort – 119 Families

No Financial Assistance

Rapid Rehousing Assistance PSH

200 300 75 (of the 300)

40% 60% 25% of RRH and 15% of total

No Financial Assistance

Light RRH ( </= 5 months)

Deeper RRH (Interim)

PSH

60 59

18 25 16

50% 30% of RRH 42% of RRH 27% of RRH and 13% of total

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Using data to adjust• Unacceptable losses or rates of return?

Resize, assist longer, check-in more, develop new partnerships

• Everybody sticks? Trying giving less support• Some succeed and some don't?

What factors can we look at: e.g. family size, income source, histories of homelessness, the staff person or staffing?

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Closing thoughts• We should be at least as concerned of failing by

inaction as we are of failing by our actions.

• We have the data now to monitor progress as we go; if something's not working we can change it, but if we never try, we’ll never know.

• Always keep the next household that needs help in mind.

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For more information

• National Alliance to End Homelessness www.endhomelessness.org

• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness www.usich.gov

• Focus Strategies www.focusstrategies.net • Contact us: katharine@focusstrategies.net

PROGRESSIVE ENGAGEMENT… HOW IT WORKS ON THE GROUND?

How much… how long... for whom?

Design & Implementation

Mechanics of Creativity…what tools do you need?

Letting go sooner end homelessness for people

Washington Low Income Housing AllianceConference on Ending Homelessness

May 21, 2014

Vivian Wan, MSWAssociate Director

Abode Services = Housing First

• Started as a “shelter provider”

• Adopted Housing First in 2005

• 30 Housing Programs- 940 HH/ night

• Employees 15 Housing Specialists & 4 Housing Managers

• Housing “Soup to Nuts”• First time homelessness – outreach, shelter, diversion, Rapid Rehousing

• Episodic- outreach, shelter, diversion, prevention, RRH, transition in place

• Chronic- outreach, shelter, long-term supportive housing, RRH as bridge

Bypassing Shelter= Better Outcomes

• Outcomes of Winter Relief Program -Permanent Housing <30%, -Length of Stay > 9 months• Compared to success of RRH- 82-

92%• Putting $$ behind outcomes- funders• Creatively moving money around -Kick off with HPRP, replace with

HOME, ESG, General Fund, Probation, Child Welfare, and yes… even HUD CoC!!

WHO? “BUT THIS FAMILY NEEDS MORE…”

ONE REAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION!!!Does this family have a desire and ability to increase their household income to pay for housing through….

$$$ benefits acquisition

$$$ earned income

$$$ changing household comp

OR…. In geography?

Beyond Assessment

Tools- Referral

Date: __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ __ Referral Agency: ____________________________________________

Referring Person’s Name (Case Manager): _________________________________________________________

Your Phone Number: __ __ __ - __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ ext _____ Fax Number: __ __ __ - __ __ __ - __ __ __ __

Applicant’s Full Name: ________________________________________________________________

Date of First Contact with Agency: __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ __

Best method to contact Applicant (if phone, please provide number):

Phone ______________________________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________________________

Other ______________________________________________________________

How many people are currently present in the household you are seeking services for?

Adults: ___________ Children: ___________

Brief Description of Applicant Situation/Needs:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Qualifications

Literally homeless as per HUD’s definition At least one child in the household Total Gross Household Income (i.e. pre-tax income) of less than 50% Area Median Income

$32,200 for a single person $46,000 for a family of 4

Application Checklist – every application will need to include the following items with this referral form: Homeless Status Verification Income and Asset Verification Current Driver’s License or CA I.D. Card for all adults Copy of Social Security Card for all adults Complete “your program” Application Form Complete HMIS Intake and (for HMIS-participating agencies) a complete ROI Packet If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at XXXX or email me at xxxxxx@abodeservices.org

The Application- 1 pageAre they eligible?

“YOUR PROGRAM” RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAM APPLICATION

The “Your Program” is (description of program- 1 or 2 lines). It is designed to provide short-term housing assistance and case management/housing stabilization services to “your target population”.

NOTE: All information must be complete and accurate for consideration

Completing this application does not guarantee housing assistance

Application Date: __ __ / __ __ / __ __ __ __ Applicant Number: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Applicant Head of Household Name: ________________________________________________

LINKAGES BACKGROUND & CONDITIONS

Have you ever applied to the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program before?

Yes No

If yes, did you enter the program at that time?

Yes No

If you are to be assisted, are you willing to participate in case management services?

Yes No

If you are to be assisted, are you willing to create and follow a Housing and Services Plan?

Yes No

Do you need reasonable accommodation for a disability?

Yes No

If yes, please attach Reasonable Accommodation Request.

Is there anything else you feel is important that should be added to your application?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT AFFIRMATION

I hereby affirm the enclosed information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if I have provided any false information this may disqualify me for participation in the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program. I have read, or have had read to me, and understand the Federal Privacy Act Statement attached to this application. I understand that the housing assistance offered by the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program is temporary and time limited. I further understand that if I am enrolled, the Program will provide me with assistance according to the rules and regulations of the program and based on my progress in the program. I understand that the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program may need to contact individuals and/or agencies to verify the above information. I further understand that my signature below serves as a time-limited consent to share information herein with any individuals and/or agencies within the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program for purposes of eligibility determination and case management only. This form has been completed, and read by or to me, prior to signature. The consent is subject to revocation by me at any time and, if not earlier revoked, it shall terminate on exit from the program.

Head of Household Signature: _________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Complete and attach an Intake Form. If your agency participates in HMIS, complete a ROI packet.

HOW MUCH….HOW LONG?

Designed for singles, families, veterans, first time homeless, and episodic homeless.

Those who have some desire & ability to increase income.

Flexibility is key!!

• Phase 1 – 0-3 Months – 40% of adjusted income• Phase 2 – 3-6 Months – 30% of rent• Phase 3 – 6-9 Months – 50% of rent• Phase 4 – 9-12 Months -70% of rent

• 3 month reassessments• Funding set-aside for “prevention”• Say yes, we can do that…

HOW IT WORKS….

  Phase 1: Months 1-3

Phase 2:Months 4-6

Phase 3:Months 7-9

Phase 4:Months 10-12

  40% of adjusted income

30% of contract rent

50% of contract rent

70% of contract rent

Tenant Contribution

$240 $300 $500 $700

  Phase 1: Months 1-3

Skip this phase

Phase 2:Months 4-6

Phase 3:Months 7-9

  40% of adjusted income

30% of contract rent

50% of contract rent

70% of contract rent

Tenant Contribution

$440 $278* $463 $648

Example 2: Household enters program with $1,100/month (adjusted). Rent for unit is $925..

Example 1: Household enters program with $600/month (adjusted). Rent for unit is $1,000

Tools to help Case managers

HOW MUCH WILL I PAY TOWARD RENT?Rent Contribution Calculation Tool

This spreadsheet is designed to help program staff estimate what participant households may pay in rent as they progress through the Linkages program. Actual tenant contributions are calculated at the time of housing selection, and may differ from this estimate based on allowances, adjustments, and any changes in income.

Income or Rent amount

$100.00 40.00$ 30.00$ 50.00$ 70.00$

$200.00 80.00$ 60.00$ 100.00$ 140.00$

$300.00 120.00$ 90.00$ 150.00$ 210.00$

$400.00 160.00$ 120.00$ 200.00$ 280.00$

$500.00 200.00$ 150.00$ 250.00$ 350.00$

$600.00 240.00$ 180.00$ 300.00$ 420.00$

$700.00 280.00$ 210.00$ 350.00$ 490.00$

Why it works?• Ending Homelessness- Not poverty

• 95% of people living in poverty are not homeless• People who have a home fight to keep it• Expect high rent “burdens”- as high as 85%

• People can “return” if they need help• Helps staff and participants

• Uses Time and Resources wisely• Traditionally we spend time on those who often need the

least help• Can DOUBLE or even TRIPLE numbers served- most will

achieve housing stability • Less than 5% returns to homelessness

Innovation

Progressive Engagement- Work On the Ground

If you would like more information, you can contact:

Vivian Wan, Associate Director

(510) 657-7409 x 212

vwan@abodeservices.org