Homeless Veterans Provider Technical Assistance Center

Everybody Counts

January 26th, 2012

USICH Newsletter

Obama Administration Supports over 20 Communities in Annual Homeless Count

During the last ten days in January volunteers in cities, towns, and counties across America perform the important work of counting people experiencing homelessness on streets and in shelters. Good data is essential to measuring what works, what doesn’t, and what we need to do better. The Point-in-Time count is essential to having the clearest understanding possible of the scope and breadth of homelessness and to measuring progress toward ending it.

The results of last year’s homelessness count showed that between 2010 and 2011, homelessness went down by every measure, from individuals, to families, to those who are experiencing chronic homelessness. For America’s Veterans, homelessness dropped nearly 12 percent in the last year.

This year Administration officials volunteered in 20 cities, joining thousands of volunteers across the nation. In the District of Columbia, Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Scott Gould and HUD Acting Deputy Secretary Estelle Richman volunteered with staff from VA, HUD, HHS and USICH to survey Capitol Hill. USICH Executive Director Barbara Poppe participated in counts in both New Orleans and Miami this week. In New Orleans, she was moved by the lives of the people she spoke with during the count, most of whom had serious unmet medical needs.

Data collected from the Point-in-Time counts will be aggregated and released by HUD later in the year. USICH encourages you to get involved in your local community and be a part of the count next year.

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NCHV Releases Report on “Veteran Access to Housing Summit”
		January 24th, 2012
Issue will be further explored at 2012 NCHV Annual Conference WASHINGTON — On July 27, 2011, The Home Depot Foundation and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), hosted a historic conference in San Antonio on increasing the availability of housing for low-income veteran families and formerly homeless veterans graduating from assistance programs. NCHV has compiled a comprehensive report on the “Veteran Access to Housing Summit,” informed by more than 125 nonprofit homeless veteran service providers, builders, financial experts, representatives of VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and leaders of national charitable organizations. Four intensive, strategic work sessions were held at the summit, focusing on the following areas: (1) multifamily housing, (2) single-family housing, (3) transition-in-place initiatives, and (4) public-private partnerships. Participants in these work sessions were charged with sharing innovative and replicable practices, ideas and recommendations that could have an immediate impact on the availability of permanent, affordable housing for homeless veterans and those at high risk of homelessness due to health and economic hardships. NCHV’s three-volume report on the Veteran Access to Housing Summit provides an overview of each work session discussion, followed by profiles of organizations and programs that have been effective in creating and expanding housing opportunities for homeless and low-income veterans and their families. Summit organizers hope the report helps inform federal agency officials of stakeholders’ ideas, concerns and recommendations for actions that could increase access to permanent housing for homeless veterans and veterans at high risk of homelessness. The report is also offered as a tool to help local planning authorities and service providers consider effective, innovative and practical strategies to rapidly increase the availability of permanent housing options to end and prevent veteran homelessness in their communities. This issue will be further explored at the 2012 NCHV Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., May 30 through June 1, 2012. For more information and to download the report from the Veteran Access to Housing Summit, please visit www.nchv.org/page.cfm?id=337.


The inTranstion Program in 2012
		January 24th, 2012
The holidays are behind us and the promises and possibilities of a new year abound as the DCoE *inTransition* program continues to move forward with a sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to excellence of service. What this means for our service members and their families and for those who are dedicated to providing them with the best psychological health and traumatic brain injury care and treatment, is a renewed confidence that: The *inTransition* program will strive to reach greater heights as it continues to be instrumental in improving the system of care by becoming that critical bridge of support that qualifying service members, guard and reserves need during transitions Our unparalleled telephonic coaching services performed by licensed master’s level mental health experts will continue to be a program of choice. This is evident by the impressive 54% of new participant enrollment made through self-referrals by service members in 2011 Our skilled *inTransition* coaches will continue to provide exceptional support to service members seeking to locate the care and services they need and motivate them to achieve their wellness goals. These mental health experts have a thorough understanding of today’s military culture and issues and respect the importance of privacy. The *inTransition* program will continue to improve the critical follow-up of deactivating, separating and retiring service members with VA mental health services to ensure a successful system of care The DCoE *inTransition* program continues to be free, voluntary and accessible via: 1-800-424-7877 Inside the United States; 1-800-424-4685 (DSN) Outside the United States toll-free; or 1-314-387-4700 Outside the United States collect Look for *inTransition* on display at these upcoming events: MHS Conference, January 30-February 1, 2012, National Harbor, MD American Psychiatric Association Annual Conference, May 5-9, 2012, Philadelphia, PA Combat Operational Stress Control Conference, May 22-24, 2012, San Diego, CA Armed Forces Public Health Conference, June 1-8, 2011, San Diego, CA Case Management Society of America, June 18-19, 2012, San Francisco, CA DoD / VA Suicide Prevention Conference, June 20-22, 2012, Washington, DC To learn more about *inTransition* or share the information with your colleagues, please visit www.health.mil/inTransition or contact Robbyn Shin at Robbyn.Shin.ctr@tma.osd.mil to arrange a video teleconference, brief at your clinic or facility, or an informative webinar. If you have an upcoming permanent change of station, please keep your clinic informed about *inTransition* updates by providing us with email information for the new point of contact (POC) or incoming officer in charge (OIC).


2012 National Shelter and Street Point-in-Time Count & Housing Inventory Count
		January 23rd, 2012
In anticipation of the 2012 Housing Inventory Count (HIC) and Point-in-Time (PIT) counts, HUD has provided communities with a few reminders. When to Conduct the Sheltered and Unsheltered Count Beginning in 2012, all Continuums of Care (CoCs) must conduct an annual sheltered count. The unsheltered count is only required every other year – the next required year will be 2013. Although 2012 is not a required year for CoCs to conduct an unsheltered count HUD encourages all CoCs who have the means to conduct an unsheltered count to do so. Who to Count Though the new HUD homeless definition has been published, the McKinney-Vento Act as amended by HEARTH states that CoCs will continue to count the same literally homeless populations and subpopulations in their counts, as they have in the past. How to Count Chronically Homeless and Unaccompanied Children CoCs must count chronically homeless individuals and families and unaccompanied children in the same manner they did in the 2011 PIT count. In the interim Consolidated Plan rule, effective January 4, 2012, HUD published an amended chronically homeless definition. However, HUD will not collect data based on the amended chronically homeless definition until the Consolidated Plan rule is published as final. For the purpose of the 2012 PIT count, the subpopulation data for unaccompanied children will be limited to persons under 18. Prior to the 2013 PIT count, HUD will provide additional guidance on how to count chronically homeless individuals and families, as well as unaccompanied youth. When to Conduct the HIC and PIT Counts CoCs are required to complete a PIT count of homeless people for a single night during the last 10 days in January, as well as a housing inventory. The 2012 annual housing inventory and the sheltered PIT count should be on the same night. Any CoC planning to conduct the HIC and/or PIT count outside the last 10 days of January 2012, must submit a waiver request to HUD. Waiver requests should be submitted via email to Michael Roanhouse, Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs at michael.roanhouse@hud.gov and must include the proposed date of the count and the rationale for selecting a date outside the last 10 days of January. What to Prepare for in the Future HUD anticipates publishing the CoC HEARTH regulations during 2012. As HUD works with the other members of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to implement Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, communities should pay special attention to data collection and performance management issues. Communities are highly encouraged to evaluate their count process and determine how to improve it for future years. In particular, communities are asked to consider the effectiveness of their processes to capture data on specific subpopulations, including families with children, youth, chronics, and veterans. HUD is considering how to provide additional support to communities interested in improving their methodology. If you have specific questions, concerns, or suggestions, or you are interested in participating in a peer planning group/community of practice in 2012 to improve your methodology, please write to us at the HUDHRE Help Desk. Resources Please visit the Homelessness Resource Exchange and the links below for additional information. 2012 Housing Inventory Count and Point-in-Time Count of Homeless Persons Data Collection Guidance Preparing for Your 2012 Housing Inventory and Point-in-Time Counts Webinar Preparing for Your 2012 Housing Inventory and Point-in-Time Counts with Special Attention on Veteran Program Guidance Webinar 2012 Point-in-Time and Housing Inventory Count FAQs A Guide to Counting Sheltered Homeless People (Revised January 2012) A Guide to Counting Unsheltered Homeless People (Revised January 2008) Submit questions to the Virtual Help Desk on the HRE


Out of the Shadows: Reporting on Intimate Partner Violence
		January 23rd, 2012
January 19, 2012 – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Online Resource for Journalists Presents Key Insights from Workshop In October 2011, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at Columbia University held the first ever educational workshop for journalists on intimate partner violence (IPV). The workshop brought together leading academics, public health experts, service providers and award-winning journalists with a select group of media professionals to address the challenges and opportunities to improving coverage of this critical public health issue. As a result, the Dart Center has launched a new online resource featuring the key insights from the workshop. Any journalist covering IPV can access these materials and benefit from the workshop presentations, dialogues and peer-to-peer learning sessions with seasoned journalists, such as Jan Hoffman of the New York Times, Sacha Pfieffer, host of WBUR’s “All Things Considered,” and Maria Hinojosa, anchor for NPR’s “Latino USA.” The toolkit includes expert tips sheets, compelling video testimony, informative presentations, and contact information for subject experts as well as other resources. To learn more about the Dart Center Resources and Toolkit. You have received this e-mail alert because you have elected to receive information from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on: Vulnerable Populations.


Army Releases December & Calendar Year 2011 Suicide Data
		January 23rd, 2012
January 19, 2012 – www.defense.gov The Army released suicide data today for the month of December and calendar year (CY) 2011. During December, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides: two have been confirmed as suicide, and nine remain under investigation. For November, the Army reported seven potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, five have been confirmed as a suicide, and two remain under investigation. For CY 2011 there were 164 potential active-duty suicides of which 140 have been confirmed as suicides, and 24 remain under investigation. During December, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were five potential suicides (four Army National Guard and one Army Reserve): three have been confirmed as suicide and two remain under investigation. For November, among that same group, there were eight potential suicides. Since the release of that report, three cases have been added for a total of 11 cases (11 Army National Guard and no Army Reserve). Of those, nine were confirmed as suicides and two remain under investigation. For CY 2011, there were 114 potential not on active duty suicides (80 National Guard and 34 Army Reserve): 102 have been confirmed as suicide, and 12 remain under investigation. A report released today, “Army 2020 Generating the Health and Discipline of the Force,” referred to as the “Army Gold Book,” represents the next phase in Army health and disciplinary promotion efforts. The report assesses progress made, as well as identifies and addresses remaining gaps in policy, programs and procedures relating to soldier health and discipline since the release of the “Army Red Book” in July 2010. It also underscores the importance of ongoing leader education, tireless commitment and open communication at all levels in assuring that the right choices continue to be made for our soldiers, the Army and our nation. “As we look ahead to the strategic reset, transitioning from a predominantly wartime Army to a ready and responsive one, leaders at every level must be actively engaged. They must understand the issues addressed in this report, apply the many lessons learned and, unlike the mostly reactive efforts of the post-Vietnam Army, continue to take a proactive approach to generating health and discipline in the force. “This report should serve as a comprehensive guide, a roadmap of sorts reflecting not only how far we have come in recent years, but more importantly, provide direction as we look ahead to the strategic reset and the many challenges we will inevitably face as we come back home,” according to the “Gold Book.” Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained consultants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website athttp://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org . Army leaders can access current health promotion guidance in newly revised Army Regulation 600-63 (Health Promotion) at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_63.pdf and Army Pamphlet 600-24 (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention) at http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p600_24.pdf . The Army’s comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Program information is located at http://www.preventsuicide.army.mil . Suicide prevention training resources for Army families can be accessed at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/training_sub.asp?sub_cat=20 (requires Army Knowledge Online access to download materials). Read the rest of this entry »


Does your staff know all they need to about serving Veterans with PTSD?
		January 19th, 2012
An estimated 300,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have experienced PTSD or major depression and an increasing number of them are seeking treatment and support in the community. As a civilian organization providing behavioral health services, you need to be informed and invested in providing culturally sensitive and clinically competent services to our Veterans. The Serving Our Veterans: Behavioral Health Certificate — from the U.S. Department of Defense Center for Deployment Psychology, National Council, and Essential Learning prepares you to better serve those who’ve served us. Four out of 14 courses in the certificate program focus on PTSD, giving you the full picture of the epidemiology, treatment options, and cultural framework for caring for veterans and their families. The PTSD courses shed light on specific combat stressors veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars may have faced, challenges unique to veterans of these wars, and treatment considerations as they relate to frequently co-occurring concerns such as traumatic brain injury and depression. In all, the evidence-informed curriculum offers the following self-directed, self-paced, online courses for 20+ hours of CE credit: Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD in Veterans and Military Personnel Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Epidemiology of PTSD in Military Personnel and Veterans Fundamentals of Traumatic Brain Injury Improving Substance Abuse Treatment Compliance Meeting the Behavioral Health Needs of Returning Veterans Military Cultural Sensitivity Overview of Suicide Prevention Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD for Veterans and Military Service Personnel Provider Resiliency and Self-Care: An Ethical Issue PTSD Then and Now, There and Here The Impact of Deployment and Combat Stress on Families and Children Part I: Understanding Military Families and the Deployment Cycle Part II: Enhancing the Resilience of Military Families Working with the Homeless: An Overview Learn more and enroll in the certificate program today for 20+ hours of CE credit at just $350 a person.


January 2012 NCHV e-Newsletter
		January 18th, 2012
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Holds Hearing on FY 2013 VA Budget Request Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. EST On Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. EST, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will hold a hearing to review the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, FY 2013. This hearing will be held at 334 Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Advocates and homeless veteran service providers are encouraged to attend this hearing in order to demonstrate solidarity in support of measures that will advance the Five-Year Plan to End Homelessness among Veterans. For more information, visit the Committee’s website. Congress Finishes FY 2012 Appropriations Process $224 million for Grant and Per Diem Program, $75 million for new HUD-VASH vouchers The fiscal year (FY) 2012 appropriations process has come to an end, and homeless veterans programs have received unprecedented funding. In the closing months of the first session of the 112th Congress, two “minibus” (or small omnibus) bills were signed into law funding the federal government for the current fiscal year: H.R. 2112 and H.R. 2055. The former bill became law on Nov. 18, 2011, and funds the Department of Housing and Urban Development, among other agencies. The latter bill became law on Dec. 23, 2011, and funds the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor, among other agencies. Here is some key information, categorized by federal agency, about the final FY 2012 appropriations bills as they relate to homeless veterans programs: Department of Housing and Urban Development Most notably, $75 million for new permanent supportive housing (HUD-VASH Program) vouchers for chronically homeless veterans has been signed into law. This funding will bring the total number of HUD-VASH vouchers to about 49,000 – representing 80 percent of the Obama Administration’s initial target of 60,000 vouchers needed to end chronic veteran homelessness. Department of Veterans Affairs Direct programs to assist homeless veterans are funded at $939 million, including $224 million for the VA Homeless Veterans Grant and Per Diem Program – a $74 million increase over the FY 2010-11 levels. HUD-VASH Program support services are funded at $202 million – an increased investment over the previous fiscal year of about $50 million. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program is funded at about $100 million. Department of Labor The DOL Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) is funded at $38.26 million, a $2 million increase over the previous two fiscal years. The Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), meanwhile, is funded at $14.62 million, a $5 million increase over the previous two fiscal years. 2012 NCHV Annual Conference: Call for Abstracts Deadline for submissions extended to Jan. 31 The 2012 NCHV Annual Conference will be held May 30 through June 1, 2012, in Washington, D.C. The theme for the 2012 conference will be “Halfway Home: Progress in the Plan to End Veteran Homelessness.” The NCHV Annual Conference is the premier homeless veteran-focused conference in the nation, featuring leading experts, government officials, and community-based service providers who will oversee training sessions on the topics most important to those who serve homeless veterans. NCHV is now accepting abstracts from individuals interested in presenting at this year’s conference. Presentation focus areas of particular interest are: prevention, adapting program models, income/employment, targeting special populations, and collaborating with Veteran Service Organizations. Other relevant focus areas will also be considered. In order to be considered, all abstract submissions must be emailed to NCHV Technical Assistance Director Baylee Crone at bcrone@nchv.org by Jan. 31, 2012. To download the abstract submission form, click here. Visit the 2012 Annual Conference Page for registration and hotel information, as well as more details about the conference as they become available. HUD Webinar: HUD-VASH 101 Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m. EST The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a webinar titled “HUD-VASH 101” on Jan. 24 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. EST. This interactive webinar will provide an overview of HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program policies and requirements. It is designed mostly for staff from PHAs and VAMCs that are new to the program and/or staff that need a refresher. Topics covered will include: 1) HUD-VASH goals and objectives, 2) general information on VA case management, 3) HUD-VASH voucher operating requirements, 4) project-basing HUD-VASH vouchers, and 5) frequently asked questions. To register for the webinar, click here. VA Deploying 20 New Mobile Vet Centers Will expand veterans’ access to VA services nationwide COLUMBUS, OH – On Jan. 4, the Department of Veterans Affairs deployed 20 additional Mobile Vet Centers from the production facility of Farber Specialty Vehicles to increase access to readjustment counseling services for veterans and their families in rural and underserved communities across the country. These customized vehicles – which are equipped with confidential counseling space and a state-of-the-art communication package – travel to communities to extend VA’s reach to veterans, service members and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The vehicles also serve as part of the VA emergency response program. The 20 new, American-made vehicles will expand the existing fleet of 50 Mobile Vet Centers already in service providing outreach and counseling services. The 50 Mobile Vet Centers were also manufactured by Farber Specialty Vehicles. In fiscal year 2011, Mobile Vet Centers participated in more than 3,600 federal-, state- and locally sponsored veteran-related events. The VA contract for the 20 Mobile Vet Centers totals $3.1 million. During the announcement event, it was also announced that Farber Specialty Vehicles recently won a competitive bid to produce 230 emergency shuttle vehicles for VA over the next five years. The shuttles will provide routine transportation for veteran patients in and around various metro areas during normal operations, but convert to mobile clinics that will facilitate the evacuation of patients and their care teams during disasters and emergencies. The VA contract for the 230 emergency shuttles totals $53.5 million. To find out more about Vet Center services or to find a Vet Center in your area, go to www.vetcenter.va.gov. The 20 new mobile Vet Centers will be based at: Birmingham, Ala. San Diego, Calif. Atlanta, Ga. Western Oahu, Hawaii Cedar Rapids, Iowa Evanston, Ill. Indianapolis, Ind. Baltimore, Md. Pontiac, Mich. Kansas City, Mo. Jackson, Miss. Greensboro, N.C. Lakewood, N.J. Reno, Nev. Stark County, Ohio Lawton, Okla. Ponce, Puerto Rico Nashville, Tenn. Washington County, Utah Green Bay, Wis. NLC and The Home Depot Foundation Launch Project to Support Veteran Housing WASHINGTON – The National League of Cities (NLC) and The Home Depot Foundation will launch a new effort to provide local officials with resources to assist in rehabilitating neighborhood-based housing for special needs populations, with a special emphasis on returning military veterans and veterans with disabilities. As part of its work, NLC will create toolkits, compile best practices, and provide local officials with learning opportunities such as education programs at NLC’s national conferences, in partnership with a network of state leagues of cities and through a member-based group of city officials representing military communities. It is expected that cities will address the housing needs of veterans while also providing innovations and efficiencies such as improving facilities for veteran housing. The partnership will leverage The Home Depot Foundation’s work in a number of cities to support nonprofit partners by funding housing repair and renovation. In 2011, The Home Depot Foundation focused its attention on a variety of issues affecting veterans. It has implemented over 300 projects and commits $30 million over 3 years for home renovation and repairs in support of U.S. military veterans. The foundation will support NLC’s efforts with a $250,000 grant for 2012. “We are committed to ensuring that every veteran has a safe place to call home,” said Kelly Caffarelli, President, The Home Depot Foundation. “The National League of Cities is one of the key organizations working with cities to address the needs of veterans and their families, and we are honored to help them increase their ability to serve those who have served us all.” 2012 NCHV Awards Nominations Call for entries for Annual NCHV Awards NCHV members are invited to nominate deserving individuals and organizations for the following awards. Winners will be honored at the NCHV Annual Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C., during the 2012 Annual Conference. For more information, visit our conference webpage. *Outstanding Member* To the NCHV member that has demonstrated leadership in coalition building. *Partnership Award* To a person or organization (not an NCHV member) who has contributed to the development of partnerships to expand the services available for homeless veterans. *Public Policy Award* To a local or state person or organization for influencing or implementing public policy to benefit homeless veterans. *Unsung Hero Award* To a person who has contributed to the recognition of the homeless veteran issue in a supporting or unrecognized leadership role. *Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor Staff Awards* Fax your nomination (in the form of a letter explaining why the nominee is deserving of which award) to 202-546-2063, or email to rbrown@nchv.org. Funding Opportunities Costco Wholesale’s corporate contributions program supports nonprofits in company operating areas in the United States, Canada and internationally. Priority is given to programs focusing on children, education, and health and human services. Grants are generally program-based. The Company reviews grant requests throughout the year. Local organizations should submit requests to the warehouse manager at the nearest Costco store. Grant requests that impact a broader region should go through the appropriate regional office. For more information, click here. Impact 100 Cincinnati seeks applications for grants of least $100,000. Applications are invited from nonprofit organizations providing sustainable solutions for people in the Greater Cincinnati/northern Kentucky region who lack access to basic necessities such as health care, quality shelter, education, and job skills. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15. For more information, click here. The Richard and Mary Morrison Foundation’s focus is on small charitable organizations throughout the United States that aim to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and society in general. Priority is given to organizations that focus on one or more of the following areas: education, health, wellness, human services, social welfare, child advocacy, social equality, social justice, human kindness, and humanitarian relief. Pre-application consultations are highly recommended. For more information, click here.


VA’s Veteran Career Fair – January 18, 2012
		January 12th, 2012
All Access Pass for Veterans: Education, Benefits, Jobs, Health Care 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW Washington, DC 20001 Jan. 18, 2012-8 a.m. – 7 p.m. FREE – Please bring proof of your military service. Sign up now! 4,000+ federal and private sector job opportunities available! The Veteran Career Fair and Expo is designed to provide career and education opportunities for Veterans in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and West Virginia. Veterans may attend the free event and participate in the following: • Translate military skills into language civilian employers understand • Build a competitive resume • Receive career coaching • Attend workshops on interviewing skills and resume building • Interview for available positions in the federal and private sectors • Learn about education benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill • Sign up for eBenefits and health care services • Learn about small business opportunities


The New ESG: Using the Lessons of HPRP and Other Initiatives to Inform ESG Implementation
		January 10th, 2012
FEDERAL POLICY BRIEF \| 6 JAN 2012 AUTHOR: NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS FILES: PDF \| 329 KB \| 6 PAGES The new regulations for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program add rapid re-housing and more robust prevention to the traditional shelter and prevention activities that were part of the Emergency Shelter Grant. The new ESG program offers a great opportunity to improve homeless assistance — continuing some of the successful initiatives funded by HPRP and also developing community-wide rapid re-housing strategies. At the same time, it comes at a time of great fiscal challenges. To have a meaningful impact on homelessness, the new ESG program will have to be implemented carefully. The Alliance has been investigating how HPRP and other initiatives were implemented in numerous communities. This brief distills those findings into six recommendations for implementing the new ESG program: Small amounts of assistance can be extremely effective. It is better to stretch resources by providing smaller amounts of assistance to more people. Rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention work for people with many barriers to housing stability. Concerns about tenants being able to sustain their housing should be addressed through program design rather than by screening people out of assistance. The evidence for the effectiveness of rapid re-housing is strong and therefore rapid re-housing should be prioritized. Targeting prevention to people who are most likely to become homeless is critically important and extremely challenging, and it requires a focused effort. Successful prevention and rapid re-housing assistance programs rely on a community-wide performance and outcome measurement process. Ending homelessness requires a robust, community-wide system of rapid re-housing, and the new ESG funding should be combined with other resources to create that system. Click here to download the entire brief.