Implementing the HEARTH Act: Memphis, TN Program DesignKatie Kitchin, Community Alliance for the Homeless

February 2012

Program Design

HPRP introduced a “front door” for families – connecting all prevention, shelter, TH, and rapid rehousing resources.

17 community partners; governed by management team that meets monthly

Context: 65% of capacity is in Transitional Housing – prevention was disconnected; rapid rehousing was not understood

Targeting

Targeting: Strategy One: Diversion focus – program serves shelter

applicants – if family refuses to consider shelter, they are disqualified – collateral contacts must confirm lack of housing options

Other priority populations: disabled caretakers, foster youth and ex-offenders though take up rate has been low

Subsidy Models: How Much is “Just Enough”?

Expectation is once is enough Result: 74% needed one period of assistance (less than 3

months) in 24 months Need to spend down encouraged some to “double dip” Human nature – wait until the last minute/take what is free

Three or More

One Time

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 9001000

Number of Assistance Periods

Subsidy Design

Specific amount is individually tailored; all must contribute something/match

Double dips must be advocated by FHA

Double dips trigger supportive services

Management team regularly adjusted program based on spending patterns and any issues presented by partners

Scale

Front door begins with Hotline: 43,752 calls received

Step 2: face-to-face

6,256 people screened in

Step 3: Diversion/Placement 1,105 families sheltered; 1,192 received FA/mostly

prevention

Step 5: Wraparound 35% receive housing-focused case management

Housing Stability in Memphis

3 months 6 months 12 months50%

55%

60%

65%

70%

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%

90% 89%91%

99%

94%

86%

Housing Stability With and Without FHA Support

FHAsNon FHAs

Rate of Return

Of the 1,192 families who received assistance between October 2009 and September 2011

2 families or less than 0.2%returned to shelter or transitional housing.

Impact on Homelessness

% change in single adult homelessness % change in family homelessness

-4%

-2%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%+9%

-2%

Trend in Entered Homelessness 2010-2011