The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
At Risk/Homeless Housing Related Assistance Programs
Programs that help people seeking shelter identify immediate alternate housing arrangements (e.g., a shared housing arrangement, reestablished lease arrangements with a previous landlord, moving in with friends/relatives) and if necessary connect them with services (such as short term case management, conflict mediation and moving in expenses) to help them return to permanent housing. The main difference between diversion and other permanent housing-focused interventions centers on the point at which intervention occurs. Prevention targets people at imminent risk of homelessness, diversion targets people as they are applying for entry into shelter, and rapid re-housing targets people who are already homeless.
Homelessness Prevention Programs
Programs that provide financial assistance and supportive services that stabilize households in their current housing or help them to move into new housing without first entering the shelter system or experiencing homelessness. Services may include financial assistance (short or medium-term rental assistance, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance), housing relocation and stabilization services, legal assistance (generally mediation), credit counseling and case management. The goal is to help households resolve their crisis, secure short-term financial or rental assistance as needed, and access ongoing sources of support in the community in order to remain housed. If the individual or family is unable to stay in their existing housing, the prevention program helps the household to find an alternative housing arrangement that is safe, reasonably affordable and adequate.
Housing Related Coordinated Entry
Organizations that are part of a community-wide, coordinated effort to identify, assess and find appropriate options for homeless individuals and families seeking housing or related services, and/or for those at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The number of physical access points in the community for intake and assessment may vary (no wrong door), but all sites use the same assessment and targeting tools; make referrals using the same criteria and have access to the same set of resources including homelessness prevention (e.g., rent assistance), shelters, shelter diversion programs, service centers, transitional housing programs, permanent housing programs and outreach programs. Most coordinated entry programs also include real-time knowledge about program inventory and capacity, referral and waiting list management, and enrollment/admission decision criteria as process components.
Programs that help individuals and families experiencing episodic or transitional (as opposed to chronic) homelessness transition more quickly out of the shelter system or avoid it altogether, and move into permanent housing ideally within 30 days of becoming homeless. Rapid re-housing assistance is generally offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of criminal record, or sobriety) and the resources and services provided are typically tailored to the unique needs of each household. Services include housing search and selection support, assistance in negotiating the terms of a lease, short term rent subsidies and move-in assistance, individualized case management after the individual/family has moved into the home, ongoing crisis prevention and crisis management services as needed, facilitated access to community resources (e.g., benefits, employment) and other supportive services.