Homelessness Crisis Response: Investing in What Works Paul Lake, Chief Deputy County Executive Phil Ansell, Director, Homeless Initiative, Los Angeles County Cindy Cavanaugh, Director of Homeless Initiatives, Sacramento County October 18, 2016 1
Strategic Priorities 1. Improve Sacramento s crisis response system to solve homelessness so that we are providing the quickest and best path to permanent housing. 2. Invest in what we know works to help people who are experiencing homelessness achieve housing stability as quickly as possible, especially those not reached with traditional approaches. October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 2
Critical Policy Questions 1. Endorsement of Housing First principles 2. Redirection of County funding toward shelters and programs that follow the principles of Housing First Diversion Coordinated referral Low barrier Rapid return to permanent housing 3. Exploration of a Triage Center model for persons not traditionally served Low barrier Intensive case management Flexible re-housing services October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 3
Los Angeles County Phil Ansell Director, Homeless Initiative Chief Executive Office October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 4
An Effective Crisis Response System Component Housing First Low barrier Flexible and continuous case management Improving Our System Re-orient crisis response to Housing First and quick exits from homelessness, with all services focused on resolving the individual s crisis and getting them into permanent homes. Commit to ensuring that all persons who are literally homeless can access shelters and services regardless of their barriers. Offer flexible services that people need to stabilize in permanent housing. Actively assist persons beyond assessment until they are in permanent housing. For some, this means intensive case management. October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 5
An Effective Crisis Response System Component Access to services Diversion Improving Our System Create a system for people who are literally homeless to easily connect to the right services that address the person s crisis: safety, food, personal hygiene. Employ diversion strategies to help people remain housed and not enter homelessness in order to receive services. Coordinated referrals Make sure that people receive referrals to services that meet their needs and puts them on a timely path to permanent housing. October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 6
Implications for County Investments Components Housing First Low barrier Flexible and Continuous case management What We Need to Change Require County-funded shelters and programs to commit to quickly exiting people from homelessness and getting them into housing. Require County-funded shelters and programs to minimize barriers for entry and participation, e.g., Clean and sober Criminal history Explorea housing-focused TriageCenter that is low barrier and flexible to shelter and re-house long-term street homeless and encampment populations. Explore funding for intensive case management and rehousing that will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes for persons not currently served, particularly the chronically homeless living on the streets and parkways. October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 7
Implications for County Investments Components Access to services Diversion What We Need to Change Realign County-funded shelters and programs to target those who are literally homeless, including non- CalWORKs families. Re-orient County-funded shelters to focus on addressing the immediate crisis: safety, food, personal hygiene. Require diversion to prevent homelessness in shelter and outreach contracts. Coordinated Referrals Require County-funded shelters and programs to participate in coordinated intake. October 18, 2016 8 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop
Next Steps Action Workshop:IncreasingPermanent Housing Resources Requestfor Proposals for Family Shelters to Board Require Housing First principles Require outcomes Date November 15, 2016 February 2017 Report back on Triage Center Proposal April 2017 Homelessness Re-investment Plan FY 17/18 Budget October 18, 2016 Homelessness Crisis Response Workshop 9