3.10 amy sawyer

Housing Resource Partnerships

Ending Homelessness in

Asheville, North Carolina

A little about me:

Types of Housing Assistance Available in Asheville:

Crisis PaymentsArrearsUtility/Security DepositsMonthly Utility PaymentsOne-Time Rent PaymentsMonthly Rent Payments, 1-4 monthsMonthly Rent Payments up to 24 months Ongoing Housing Subsidy..intensity, amount & duration depend on client need

How things got rolling: Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee brainstormed ways to fill gaps inhousing & services for the chronically homeless.

Members on the Committee:• Housing Authority• Local Agencies supporting people

experiencing homelessness (services & financial assistance)

• People experiencing homelessness• City Council member• County Appointed staff member

Housing First in Action

• Chronic Homeless = one year or more OR 4 or more episodes in 3 with a disabling condition

• Extremely vulnerable population

• High needs with very limited resources

• Housing is key intervention

• Targeted for programs that meet individual needs.

The initial conversation:

• Housing First concept was new• Resources were fragmented• Housing Authority already had many

projects/programs

Outcome: A few lead agencies decided to document

outcomes of their work with people experiencing chronic homelessness.

One step at a time..

• Data showed over 90% retention rate.

• Housing Authority’s partnered with a Shelter Plus Care & redevelopment of a building for formerly homeless tenants engaged leadership

• City’s CDBG and HOME funds directed towards a chronic homeless project.

City of Asheville

• Prioritized goals through Consolidated Plan

• Consortium Board reviewed & recommended funding.

• Asheville City Council approved funding request by community agency annually.

• City monitored, evaluated, and reported on program outcomes and activities to the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee.

Homeless Coalition

• Worked to develop trust-worthy partnerships among providers.

• Advocated with clients in areas of background checks with entities like the Housing Authority

• Held “Landlord Luncheons” to teach existing landlords about tenant/landlord rights and the benefits of Housing First Programs.

Housing Authority

• Participated in dialogue with the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee

• Offered a preference if case management could be guaranteed after a person received housing subsidy

• Participated in housing first trainings, worked with VASH and other housing programs.

Agency’s Role: Implementation

• Develop a transparent program• Target funds to case management & rent• Outreach to eligible tenants• Ensure eligibility of tenants• Evaluate for affordable & quality housing• Housing Stabilization Case Management

services support the person to carry out their sustainability plan

• Follow-up to monitor tenant success

Community PartnersMonthly meetings review progress of the project,

invite new members as needed, and work directly

with potential tenants:

Members:• Homeless Advisory Committee• Homeless Coalition• Housing Authority• City Staff (Police, Sanitation, Parks & Rec)• County Staff (DSS, Jail Diversion)• VA (Jail Outreach, VASH)

Goal:Directly impact the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness.

1. Monthly group meetings identify the most vulnerable people and each partner affirms their role in helping with housing and supports.

2. Outreach workers work with people who are chronically homeless and ask them if they would like to participate in the program.

3. Individuals develop a housing plan and apply to the

Housing Authority with the support of Housing Stabilization Case Managers, develop a housing plan and and apply to the Housing Authority.

4. If the person is denied, they are have case is reviewed and if they can show that they are actively working with a program, the priority is applied.

But…does it work?

YES!!

55 people who HAD experienced chronic homelessness are now in public housing or receiving housing choice voucher support through this program.

(+90% retention rate)

This works great because…• Allows client-choice in housing selection

• Helps maintain affordable rental housing in the community

• Provides incentive to landlords to overlook credit/criminal backgrounds

• Serves as “bridge” while tenants obtain SSI/SSDI, employment, or other mainstream support

• Paired w/other assistance is immediate until client accesses public housing/housing choice vouchers

• Clients can seek support through support services without losing their rent assistance.

“ Until you get it, you don’t get it. Three years ago, I just couldn’t see it working. Now I can’t imagine this project *not* existing”

-Asheville Housing Authority staff member

Contact:

Asheville Housing AuthorityDavid Nash, Deputy Directordavid@haca.orgwww.haca.org

Homeward BoundBrian Alexander, Executive Directorbrian@hbofa.org 828.256.1895www.hbofa.org

10 Year Plan ImplementationAmy Sawyer, Coordinator (City of Asheville)asawyer@ashevillenc.gov - 828.259.5723www.ashevillenc.gov/homeless