Integrating TANF Resources into LA s Coordinated Family Solutions System

Transcription

1 Integrating TANF Resources into LA s Coordinated Family Solutions System 2014 National Conference on Ending Homelessness Dhakshike Wickrema Los Angeles, CA

2 Context: LA County 2 Over 4,000 Square Miles 5 County Supervisorial Districts 88 cities plus unincorporated areas 10 ESG entitlement jurisdictions 4 CoC jurisdictions Image Source:

3 Context: LA County 3 8 Service Planning Areas (SPAs) Over 10M residents 175,000 CalWORKs(TANF) families 13,656 CalWORKshomeless families (broader homeless definition not HUD) 7,590 persons in homeless families (HUD homeless definition) Image Source:

4 Funders, Policy-Makers, Stakeholders Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office (CEO) Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Homeless Family Service Providers 4 Los Angeles County Community Development Commission (CDC) Los Angeles City Housing and Community Investment Development Department (HCIDLA) Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) Los Angeles Department of Mental Health Services (DMH) Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) First 5 LA Commission (F5LA)

5 Shelter Partnership 5 Public policy and advocacy non-profit established in 1985 Social policy, strategies and institutional interventions related to homelessness and affordable housing Technical assistance and advice to public agencies and community organizations Program design, procurement, implementation and evaluation Resource developer, disseminator of research and best practices, relationship broker, confidant and envoy

6 Before and After 6

7 Why Did We Start on This Path? Continue the success of HPRP and rapid rehousing Secure sustainable funding for rapid rehousing HEARTH ESG regulations Regional approach to solve family homelessness in LA County Fund most effective programs for families Use resources in more efficient, targeted manner based on family s strengths/needs 7

8 Planning Activities ( ) 8 First 5 LA Round 1

9 Planning Activities ( ) 9 First 5 LA Round 2

10 Planning Activities Family Transitions Project - Summer 2011: Work group to lay foundation for coordinated system Winter and Winter : Family Transitions Project 211 (County s social services hotline) and regional CBOsscreening/assessing homeless families and coordinating access to motel vouchers Previously, during Winter months, families would have to go to Single Adult shelters to access motel vouchers 10

11 Planning Activities Family Solutions Centers - Winter and Spring 2012: Work Group to use ESG funds to continue HPRP RRH and build coordinated system $2M LA City and County ESG funds $1M County General Funds Fund six Family Solutions Centers (FSCs) Out-station TANF staff in four high-volume FSCs Countywide community stakeholder meetings to vet design 11

12 Family Solutions Centers 12 Image Source: L AHSA Family Solutions RFP -

13 Planning Activities Family Solutions Centers (cont d) - Summer 2012: Family Solutions Centers RFP; planning for First 5 LA Fall 2012: Family Systems Integration Manager hired Winter 2012: FSC funding to six SPAs; First 5 LA funding 13

14 First Year FSC Outcomes Spring 2013: Family Solutions Centers launched First year of operation: Family Solutions Centers assessed over 2,100 unduplicated families 80% (1,769) literally homeless families Over 700 families rapidly rehoused 257 in interim housing pending placement in PH connected to interim housing 20% (400+) families at imminent risk of homelessness 279 retained housing/diverted from homeless system 122 connected to interim housing Source: Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), June 2014

15 More Planning Activities Augmenting the Family Solutions Centers - Spring 2013: County Board of Supervisors directive to integrate $7M TANF funds into FSCs Summer/Fall 2013: County Redesign work group Winter 2013: Redesign Plan released and vetted by County and City; First 5 LA Round 2 funding Family providers testified in strong support of plan Feb 2014: County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Redesign Plan July 1, 2014: launch of augmented Family Solutions System 15

16 Augmented Family Solutions System Augmented Family Solutions Centers Family Response Team Crisis intervention, diversion from shelter and access to crisis housing Case management team Standardized assessment Targeted housing (including RRH, S8 and PSH) and services interventions Access to motel vouchers, crisis/interim housing Out-stationed TANF Homeless Case Managers at each FSC Expedited access to TANF services and benefits Connection to TANF-funded subsidized employment Out-stationed TANF-funded subcontractors at each FSC Mental health services Substance use services Access to Rapid Rehousing rental assistance ESG and TANF First 5 LA and SSVF Crisis/Interim Housing 16

17 Augmented Family Solutions System 17 Image Source: HFSS Redesign Plan -

18 Family Solutions/First 5 Coordination 18 Source: Shelter Partnership, July 2014

19 Challenges 19 Ramping up all over again More regions, more components and more personnel to coordinate Increased referrals from TANF district offices Increased case loads Need for administrative support Lack of affordable housing and supportive housing Scarcity of crisis housing Complex, braided public funding structure Political realities

20 Future Planning Activities New State resources for TANF families Work closely with local TANF agency to ensure integration Continue funding First 5 LA rental assistance for families with children below the age of 6 Build closer relationships with more public systems 20 Current system completely funded with public funds private foundation support could leverage Learn as we go and make data-driven adjustments

21 What Helped Us Get Here? 21 Relationships, friendships, partnerships Access to TANF leadership and other funders LAHSA Director of Programs and County CEO Homeless Services Coordinator key players CBO involvement/support FSC funders meetings and working groups solidified existing relationships and forged new ones Constant calls, s and one-on-one meetings to convince stakeholders persistence Data, data, data and many, many fact sheets and briefs NAEH guidance and federal regulations/memos Knowing that this was the right thing to do for homeless families

22 What Can You Do? Determine which family programs in your community are working best are there TANF families using that program? Know which programs in your community are being funded by TANF are they helping homeless families with housing? What service can you offer TANF agency? Can you save them money? Write up what you want to achieve and use as advocacy brief Build a relationship with TANF agency leadership Be a resource to funders and stakeholders Participate in public commissions, committees and working groups Organize your local CBOs and provide unified voice Use federal guidance and best practices to support your advocacy 22

23 Contact Info 23 Dhakshike Wickrema Senior Project Manager