Starlicia Levenshown, Supervisor, of Rapid Re-housing at EDEN, Inc.

1. Identifying Diversion in Cleveland, & what our Progressive Engagement model is to ending homelessness: Starlicia Levenshown, Supervisor, of Rapid Re-housing at EDEN, Inc.

2. OVERVIEW Cleveland’s Coordinated Intake The Goal of Coordinated Intake Intake Processes What is Diversion Types of Diversion/ Shelter level Diversion Progressive engagement Model Partnership engagement Model Housing Location Process Extension Process/ Stabilization Questions/Comments

3. To adhere to the needs of our homeless person/family ,making sure they are getting the best services rendered. Keeping the mindset to end or preventing their homelessness as soon as possible. We drive a mission that cares about getting the right intervention, at the right level of intensity, to the right person. Why Coordinated Intake? We open doors to network with our resources that will help sustain the family/client we are servicing. Continuing to navigate through life struggles with the clients we service, and put an end to homelessness.

4. Coordinated Intake Goals Respond to the ‘emergency of homelessness’ by getting the right intervention, at the right level of intensity, to the right person Reduce number of individuals and families entering shelter Expedite exits from shelter to housing Use limited resources efficiently, effectively, fairly. Facilitate coordination/communication among service providers Standardize Data Entry for tracking, reporting, coordination Crisis assessment and linkage

5. Intake & Assessment Intake Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) - Demographic Information used for tracking, reporting - Shared, with permission, with other providers - Referrals made to providers through HMIS Assessment Housing Barrier Assessment Housing Barrier Score Income, Work History, Housing History, Homeless History, Health, Mental Health, AOD, Family Status, Legal, Other

6. What is Diversion? • Diversion is helping persons determine if it is possible for them to stay anywhere else that’s safe, other than a shelter. This could be temporary or permanent. • Persons chart their own way out of shelter and back into housing – we follow their lead, providing the minimum amount of assistance (and therefore intervention into their lives) to help them get housed.

7. Types of Diversions Our diversion happens at the first point of contact when a family, or client arrives at coordinated intake. The approach, and conversation should be very open and to help identify the best needs be adhered to for the benefit of the client: • Helping our clients go back where they have recently stayed – mediation + food or utility assistance. Sometimes back rent. • Relocate to a stable home out of town – phone facilitation + greyhound fare. • Help identify challenges that may have just needed a mediation- amongst family member, allowing for the Cleveland Mediation Center to be involved • Return to their own residence – Previous places they have lived are options, non DV relationship issues

8. Current work in shelters • Help persons determine if it’s possible for them to stay anywhere else that’s safe, other than a shelter. This could be temporary or permanent. • We have funds for local and Greyhound bus tickets, food, grocery & gas station gift cards, or utility assistance that can be used to help persons stay with friends or family. • Use ESG funds for back rent or 1st month’s rent & deposit. • Most persons we see have been doubled up – staying temporarily with friends or family.

9. Progressive Engagement Model RESOURCE MATCHING: Getting the Right Intervention, at the Right Level, According to One’s Housing barriers • Low-Moderate Housing Barriers: Shelter/ Rapid Re-housing Higher Housing Barriers: Transition in Place Very High Barriers: Permanent Supportive Housing, Perm. Vouchers Housing Plan Short-Term Plan - Tonight Interim Plan – Place to stay while working on Plan Long-Term Plan – Permanent Placement

10. Individual Housing Options Rapid Rehousing (RRH) Most Individuals are referred to RRH from Coordinated Intake. Assistance consists of a SD and 2 months of rental assistance. Case management is attached. While in case management individuals will work identifying financial budgeting management skills to prevent homelessness Individuals will know that Rapid Re-housing can only be receive RRH twice.

11. Partnership engagement model Refer Individuals within 7 Days of Entry into Shelter Enroll Client in Employment/Income Effort Link Client with Housing Locator, assist with Locating Housing Determine Utility, ID, and Furniture Needs Coordinate with Central Intake re: Shelter Terminations Provide a list of Discharged Clients at Weekly Meetings Attend Weekly Housing Locator/Shelter Staff Meetings Individual move out within 48 Hours of Passed Inspection Unit Cleaned and Ready for New Family within 24 hours of move out

12. HOUSING LOCATION & Housing Stabilization Initial housing meeting with Housing Locator/family or client Barriers/concerns/ questions Housing Location timeframe Housed/ Case Management Communication with Case Management/ determining if more assistance is needed. Case Management/Eden discuss the assistance, additional assistance paid, case management and individual brain storm goal process to become financially stable Job Placement, Work& Training Program etc: Process continues on a monthly basis

13. Questions/Comments Contact Information Starlicia Levenshown, Supervisor of Rapid-Rehousing EDEN, Inc. Email: slevenshown@edeninc.org Phone: 216-961-9690 ext. 247