annual gathering: 2012 emergency solutions to rapidly re-house homeless households

7/29/2019 Annual Gathering: 2012 Emergency Solutions to Rapidly Re-House Homeless Households

1/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM(Helping Others Until Self-Empowered)

Catholic Social ServicesDiocese of Fall River, Massachusetts


2/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

The H.O.U.S.E. Program is an emergency shelter

program that is contracted to provided a safe temporaryemergency shelter to families referred by theDepartment of Housing and Community Development(DHCD) under the Emergency Assistance (EA) Programof the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


3/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

The EA Shelters are apartments that are located within the

communities of our service area. The apartments are leasedand maintained through Catholic Social Services.

Each apartment has 3 bedrooms,

and is leased for a family of 6. The

apartments are completely furnished

and have all the basic requirements

needed for a homeless family to arrive

at the shelter at a moments notice.


4/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

Intake and Triage Intake Admission Data FormHMIS DATA ENTRY ____________ HMIS EXIT ENTRY ___________________

Housing Specialist:___________________ SS Location: _________________________________

Head of Household:

Entry Date: _____________DTA Office: ________________DTA Case Worker_______________

First: ________________________Middle:___________________Last:____________________

DOB: __________________ SS# ____________________ Phone #_______________________

M / F/Transgender Health Insurance Y/N Company: _______________________________

Mothers Maiden Name: __________________ U.S. Citizen Y N Green Card Y N

Second Adult:


DOB: __________________________________SS# ___________________________________


Mothers Maiden Name: ___________________ U.S. Citizen Y N Green Card Y N

Marital Status:HOH:Single __Married __Divorced __Widowed

2nd

AdultSingle __Married __Divorced __Widowed

Does HOH receive SNAP and Cash Benefits? Yes No Cash Amt $______ SNAP $______Do all Family Members Have Insurance Benefits at this time? Yes No Ins Co:________________*** Please list all family members who will require assistance with Insurance benefits._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pregnancy:Is anyone in the household pregnant: Yes / No

Who: _________________________________________Due Date: ________________________

Emergency Contact: ____________________________ Relationship: ______________________

Address: _______________________ Phone #: ______________________ Release: Yes No


5/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

Rapid Re-Housing Planami y em er:

EA Six months:

Department of Housing and Community DevelopmentDivision of Housing Stabilization

Re-housing Plan (Section 1)

(for each family member 18 and older)

ys Date: Date Placed:

d of Household:vidual:

SSN (last 4 digits): Contact Number:

ily Size: Males: Females:

ter Name: Address: Contact Number:

ousing Case Manager: Contact Number:

D Homeless Coordinator: TAO: Contact Number:

Case Manager: TAO: Contact Number:

ur Re-housing Plan outlines specific activities intended to bring you closer to economicity and sustainable housing. Your goals, strengths and resources will be the basis for

oping a strategy to overcome homelessness as you, shelter staff and DHCD staff develops theusing plan.

hile you are in shelter, you will be expected to:

take part in activities leading to increased economic stability for 30 hours a week, such as:job search or job training, and addressing any barriers to obtaining employment;

attend shelter meetings and workshops as a requirement of your re-housing plan;

meet with and cooperate with re-housing placement staff;

save 30% of your net income; andaccept an offer of housing unless you have good cause.

r case manager and/or re-housing case manager will help connect you with appropriateunity resources, including child care, transportation, medical and other supportive services,

eded.1


6/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

With the Re-Housing Plan, case management is

focused on helping families achieve a successfulhousing placement and ongoing stabilization in order

to assist families develop the skills and resources

needed to sustain housing.

The area of focus in the Re-Housing Plan are:

1. Secure Housing2. Economic Stability

3. Health and Safety

4. Childrens Stability


7/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

Secure Housing

1. Explore all housing options

2. Collect necessary documentation

3. Address barriers: CORI, credit

issues, utility arrears, rental arrears4. Devise strategy to increase income

5. Educational Attainment

6. Review & discuss housing offers


8/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

Economic Stability

1. Create a budget and repayment plan.

2. Work with DTA to enroll in ESPprograms and access child care andtransportation.

3. Save 30% of households net monthly

income and provide documentation.4. Identify financial barriers and reduce

debt.

5. Attend financial education workshops.


9/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

Health & Safety

1. Attend required workshops2. Access any services identified in the assessment process.

3. Schedule and keep all necessary medical appointments.

4. Weekly hours in all activities add up to 30 hours , unless

good cause is determined.


10/23

H.O.U.S.E. PROGRAM

Childrens Stability Register children for school,

access transportation and

ensure attendance.

1. Attend parent/teacher conf.

and other school functions.2. Ensure well being of children

through after school

programs, recreation and

study time


11/23

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: How much income must a family have in order t

afford market rent and avoid paying more than the recommended 30% o

their income towards rent in the state of Massachusetts?

EXPLORE ALL

HOUSING OPTIONS

COLLECT NECESSARY

DOCUMENTATION

ADDRESS BARRIERS:

CORI ISSUES

CREDIT ISSUES

UTILITY ARREARS

STRATEGY TO

INCREASE INCOME

REVIEW AND DISCUSS

HOUSING OFFERS

SECUREHOUSING


12/23

Snapshot of the most Common

Barriers for Homeless Families

:

Poor Rental History, Evictions and Foreclosures

Poor Credit HistoryCori Records

Low Income

No income

Physical, Emotional and Mental Disabilities

Poor Housing Resumes

Utility arrearages

No banking history

Basic educational attainment

Lack of work history

English proficiency ability

Immigration status

Adequate child care arrangements

Transportation

Lack of safe, affordable housing (not enough

subsidized housing or vouchers available.


13/23

Last updated on 02/6/2012 1

Intake Admission Data Form

HMIS DATA ENTRY ____________ HMIS EXIT ENTRY __________________

Housing Specialist:___________________ SS Location: _______________________________

Head of Household:

Entry Date: _____________DTA Office: ________________DTA Case Worker______________


DOB: __________________ SS# ____________________ Phone #_______________________


Mothers Maiden Name: __________________ U.S. Citizen Y N Green Card Y N

Second Adult:


DOB: __________________________________SS# ___________________________________


Mothers Maiden Name: ___________________ U.S. Citizen Y N Green Card Y N

Marital Status:HOH:Single __Married __Divorced __Widowed

2nd

Single __Married __Divorced __WidowedAdult

Does HOH receive SNAP and Cash Benefits? Yes No Cash Amt $______ SNAP $______Do all Family Members Have Insurance Benefits at this time? Yes No Ins Co:_____________*** Please list all family members who will require assistance with Insurance benefits.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pregnancy:Is anyone in the household pregnant: Yes / No

Who: _________________________________________Due Date: ________________________

Emergency Contact: ____________________________ Relationship: ______________________

Address: _______________________ Phone #: ______________________ Release: Yes No


14/23


Child/Children Names:

1. ______________ _______________ ________________ F M DOB _____________ SS#First Middle Last

- - -


- - -


- - -


- - -


- - -


- - -

Ethnicity:

HOH: Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________Secondary Adult: Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________Children: ____________ Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________Children: ____________ Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________

Children: ____________ Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________Children: ____________ Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________

Children: ____________ Hispanic _______ Non Hispanic ________

Race:HOH:

_____White _____Asian _____Asian/White_____Multi-Racial _____American Indian/Alaskan Native_____ Hawaiian/Other Pacific Island _____American Indian/Alaskan & White _____Black/African American /W_____American Indian/Black ______Black/African American

Second Adult:_____White _____Asian _____Asian/White_____Multi-Racial _____American Indian/Alaskan Native_____ Hawaiian/Other Pacific Island _____American Indian/Alaskan & White _____Black/African American /W_____American Indian/Black______Black/African American

Children:_____White _____Asian _____Asian/White_____Multi-Racial _____American Indian/Alaskan Native_____ Hawaiian/Other Pacific Island _____American Indian/Alaskan & White _____Black/African American /W_____American Indian/Black______Black/African American

Reason for Homelessness:

_____Mental Health Disability _____ Unemployment/Loss of Job_____Discharge from Jail/Prison _____Military Discharge_____Divorce/Break-up _____Natural Disaster/Fire_____Domestic Violence/Child Abuse _____Need for safety Animal


15/23


_____Eviction for behavior or Zero Tolerance Drug Policy _____Overcrowding_____Eviction- Expiring Use Building _____Over Housed_____Eviction Landlord non-renewal, no fault _____Physical Disability_____Family Conflict/Roommate Dispute _____Relocation_____Financial-Rent Burden/Utilities Burden _____Substandard Housing_____Health Code/Safety Code Violations _____ Substance Abuse behaviors_____Immigration from another Country _____Unable to pay utilities_____Immigration from U.S. City or State _____Other:

Last Permanent Address: (Other than Hotel or Shelter)

City/Town with zip code_______________________________________________________________________________

_____Community Residence for Ex-Offenders _____Owned by client No Housing SubsidyLiving Situation

_____Emergency Shelter/Hotel with Voucher _____Owned by client with Housing Subsidy_____Foster Care Home/Group Home _____Perm. Housing for formally homeless (SHP,S+C,SRO_____Living Outside/somewhere illegally _____Rented by client/no housing subsidy_____Hospital or Nursing Home _____Rented by client/Veterans Affairs

_____Hospital/Psych Facility _____Rented by client/Non Veterans Affairs_____Hotel/Motel without Voucher _____Safe Haven_____In the Military _____Student Housing_____Jail/Prison _____Substance Abuse/Detox Facility_____Living/Staying with Family _____Transit. Housing_____Living/Staying with Friends _____Youth Residential Programs_____Mental Health Group Home _____Other Housing___________________

_____ Less than one week _____More than one yearLength of Time at Living Situation

_____More than one week but less than a month _____Client does not know

_____One to three months _____Client refused to say_____Three months to less then one year

Education:HOH:_____Less than 9th

_____ Unknowngrade _____ Some High School _____ HS or GED _____ Post High School

Second Adult:____Less than 9th

____ Unknowngrade _____ Some High School _____ HS or GED _____ Post High School

Employment/Programs:HOH:Employed Yes / NoEmployed by: __________________________ Job Title: ______________________________Programs enrolled in_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Second Adult:


16/23


Employed Yes / NoEmployed by: __________________________Job Title: ______________________________Programs enrolled in:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Was income received in from any source in the past 30 days? Yes / NoIncome: For ALL Family Members

Family Member Income Amount_____No Income_____Alimony/Spousal Support __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Child Support __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Earned employment Income __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Job Pension __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Private Disability Insurance __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Public/General Assistance __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Rental Assistance __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Retirement from Soc. Sec. __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Social Security Retirement __________/_________ $__________/$__________

_____SSDI __________/_________ $__________/$_______________SSI __________/_________ $__________/$_______________TANF/TAFDC/EAEDC __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Unemployment Insurance _________/_________ $__________/$_______________Veterans Pension/Disability __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Workers Compensation __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Other________________ __________/_________ $__________/$__________

Were non-cash benefits received from any source in the past 30 days? Yes / NoFamily Member Amount (If applicable)

_____Food Stamps __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Free Care __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Healthy Start __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Medicaid __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Medicare __________/_________ $__________/$_______________State Childrens Health Ins __________/_________ $__________/$_______________WIC __________/_________ $__________/$_______________VA Medical Services _________/_________ $__________/$_______________Private Disability Ins __________/_________ $__________/$_______________TANF Child Care __________/_________ $__________/$__________

_____TANF Transport Services __________/_________ $__________/$_______________TANF/Other Funded Services_________/_________ $__________/$_______________Pub Hsg/Sec 8/other rental assist__________/_________ $__________/$_______________Unemployment Insurance _________/_________ $__________/$__________

_____Veterans Benefits Medical __________/_________ $__________/$_______________Vocational Rehab __________/__________ $__________/$_______________Workforce Investment Act __________/__________ $__________/$_______________Other insurance/benefit __________/__________ $__________/$__________


17/23


Special Conditions:

Condition Affected HH Member/Condition Receiving treatment orServices for condition

____None ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____Alcohol Abuse 1 ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____Drug Abuse 1 ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____Developmental Disability ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____Chronic Health Condition ____________/____________ _____N0 _____Yes

____Domestic Violence 2 ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____HIV/AIDS ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____Physical Disability ____________/____________ _____No _____Yes____Mental Health Problems 3 ____________/____________ _____N0 _____Yes

1= If alcohol or drug abuse, is the abuse expected to last a long time and impair the persons ability to liveindependently? _____No _____Yes2= If DV when did the last experience occur?

____Within the past three months ____Three to six months ago____Six to twelve months ____More than one year

3= if mental illness, is it expected to last a long time and impair the persons ability to live independently?

_____No _____Yes

Shelter:

Have you been in a Family Shelter before? Yes / No Where was it located? ___________________________

If yes when did you enter____________ and when did you exit ______________.

Veteran Status:

Is the HOH a Veteran? Yes / No Is the Second Adult a Veteran? Yes / No

Language:

Whats your Primary Language? ___________________ Would you like to enroll in ESL classes? Y N


18/23

Head of Household:

Family Member:

10/4/20121

Department of Housing and Community Development

Division of Housing Stabilization

Part 2

Re-housing and Stabilization Plan

(for each family member 18 and older)

Todays Date: _________ Date placed

: ____________

Head of Household:Individual:

SSN (last 4 digits): Contact Number:

Family Size: Males: Females:

Home Address: Unit: Contact Number:

Stabilization Case Manager: Shelter Program: Contact Number:

DTA Case Manager TAO: Contact Number:

Your Stabilization Plan outlines specific activities and responsibilities intended tobring you closer to economic stability and maintaining sustainable housing. Your

goals, strengths and resources will be the basis for developing a strategy to overcomehomelessness as you, stabilization staff and DHCD staff develops the StabilizationPlan. You are encouraged to take on as much independent responsibility as you canto maximize the benefits of your plan.

Your case manager and/or stabilization manager will help connect you withappropriate community resources in your region, including child care, transportation,medical and other supportive services, as needed. In addition to your ownstabilization obligations, your stabilization worker will:

Initiate primary contact with your landlord in person, by telephone, or letter andfollow up with your landlord at a minimum of every 3 months. Obtain 6 and 12 month lease compliance verification letters from your landlord. Contact you at least once a month in person (individually or in groups), bytelephone, or by letter in order to verify lease compliance, refer you to relevantcommunity services, and educate you about tenant rights and responsibilities. Tailor stabilization services as necessary in response to your personal needs.


19/23

Head of Household:

Family Member:

10/4/20122

The following activities are part of your plan to maintain housing and move towards economicand housing self-sufficiency. The assessment tool may be used to identify appropriate areas of

concentration. Your and your case manager will review your participation and completion of

these activities on a monthly basis.

Important:

If a member of your family has a mental or physical disability that may prevent

you from doing an activity, we may be able to modify the activities in your plan to help youparticipate successfully. Please request an ADA Accommodation.

Health Issue: Yes No if yes, please explain andverify_____________________________

Activities

Todays Date: _____________

Activity Status

Progress

1.

Comments

Lease Compliance and Ongoing Housing Search:

Meet with or contact stabilization Y N_______________________

worker at least once a month regarding ___________________________________lease status ___________________________________

___________________________________

Change addresses with housing authorities Y N _______________________and management companies _____________________________

_________________________________

____________________________________

Track housing authority and management Y N _______________________company waitlists at least every 3 months ____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

Address barriers to permanent housing Y N _______________________(ex.: CORIs, bad credit) ___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

Strengthen and update housing resume, Y N ______________________including landlord history and references ____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________


20/23

Head of Household:

Family Member:

10/4/20123

Activity Status

Progress2.

CommentsEconomic Stability and Development

Follow your budget and repayment plan Y N _______________________(Rental/utility arrearages, credit) ____________________________________(See Attachment B

____________________________________

) ____________________________________

Maximize and increase income through Y N _______________________benefits, employment and financial ___________________________________education ____________________________________

____________________________________

Develop a plan for savings and accessing Y N _______________________basic banking programs

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

Continue education through GED & college Y N _______________________. ____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

Participate in work training or professional Y N _______________________certification programs __________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

Access DTA CIES program if TAFDC Y N _______________________recipient ____________________________________

(job placement assistance, childcare, transportation) ____________________________________

____________________________________

3. Health, Safety, and Well-Being

Register children for Head Start, Y N ______________________preschool, elementary and high school; ___________________________________access transportation and ensure attendance ___________________________________

___________________________________

Attend parent/teacher conferences and Y N ______________________other school functions ___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________


21/23

Head of Household:

Family Member:

10/4/20124

Ensure well being of children through Y N ______________________after school programs, recreation and ___________________________________

study time ___________________________________

___________________________________

Access any relevant services offered by Y N ______________________our community based private and public ___________________________________

partners ______________________________________________________________________

Work with stabilization manager to Y N ______________________secure specialized services such as ___________________________________

mental health, substance abuse, or ___________________________________

domestic violence counseling ___________________________________

Schedule and keep all necessary Y N ______________________appointments with stabilization worker ___________________________________and other service providers ___________________________________

___________________________________

Schedule next appointment with stabilization staff

to update stabilization plan Date: ________ _______________

Additional notes:

__________________________________________________________________________


22/23

Head of Household:

Family Member:

10/4/20125

Stabilization Plan Agreement

I understand that the stabilization plan is a work in progress and that I am responsible forcompleting the agreed upon activities and cooperating in the development of new activities.

I understand that consistently participating in and completing the stabilization plan activities

and remaining eligible for Emergency Assistance benefits pursuant to 106 C.M.R. ch. 309 arerequirements for continuing eligibility for temporary housing assistance.

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Flex Funds Case Review Policy and agreethat the Policy is incorporated into my Re-housing and Stabilization Plan and forms a part of

that Plan.

I agree to accept any modifications to my Re-housing and Stabilization Plan that are requiredby DHS as part of any amendment to the DHS standard form Re-housing and Stabilization

Plan.

I understand that any extension of my Flex Funds subsidy at the end of my current Flex Funds

subsidy is subject to program and funding availability.

I understand that, if additional Flex Fund extensions are unavailable at the end of my current

Flex Funds subsidy, I will remain eligible for temporary emergency shelter benefits, provided

that I have been in substantial compliance with the stabilization plan and remain otherwise

eligible for Emergency Assistance.

I also understand that if I fail to cooperate with the stabilization plan, which is considered

housing assistance program services, and then lose the Flex Funds unit, I will be ineligible fortemporary emergency shelter benefits as specified in 106 CMR 309.040 (B) (7).

_____________________________________________ ________________Adult Household Member Signature Date

_____________________________________________ ________________

Stabilization Case Manager Date

Amendments

_______________________________________________________ ________________

_______________________________________________________ Date_______________________________________________________ Initial _________


23/23

Head of Household:

Family Member:

annual gathering: 2012 emergency solutions to rapidly re-house homeless households

Documents