

Homeless outreach series#
The caller will be asked a series of questions to best locate the individual so an outreach worker can provide aid and/or other resources.What happens when I call the Homeless Information Line to report a homeless person in need of assistance? You should call 911 if the individual appears to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others or if there is criminal activity. You can also email and request outreach assistance. If you observe individuals who appear to be homeless and in need of assistance, please contact the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 24 and speak with an outreach specialist. What should I do if I see an individual or a group of individuals who appear to be homeless? Frequently Asked Questions About Outreach Services Based on vulnerability, persons are classified and connected to housing resources via the Coordinated Entry System (CES). The goal is to provide housing to those who need it. These outreach goals are met by meeting people where they are in order to build relationships and by establishing creative community partnerships that eliminate barriers to services. Document contact and collect needed documentation for referred programs and services.Report any changes to individual statuses, and.Refer and keep engaged individuals connected to services,.Identify, engage and assess individuals in need of services,.Using a collaborative approach to street outreach, providers within the Continuum of Care will be able to: The needs of the homeless vary to the extent that the cause of their homelessness varies.Montgomery County Outreach Programs are committed to transforming the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness through comprehensive street outreach that restores dignity and partners with individuals to reach their housing and life goals. A variety of problems increase a persons risk for homelessness including unemployment, poor physical health, mental illness, disability, substance abuse, domestic violence, or lack of affordable housing. There is seldom a single reason that a person, or a family, becomes homeless. Human Services now serves as the Lead Entity, coordinating the Homeless Continuum process. Palm Beach County Division of Human Services (‘Human Services’) was involved in the original application and continued to receive funding annually adding more programs and services. Because HUD had the preponderance of funds targeting comprehensive programs and services for homeless individuals and families with children, the HUD model called the Supportive Housing Program Continuum of Care was adopted each year since 1996, SHP applications have been written consistent with the Continuum of Care concept. Before this award, local funds from multiple sources supported small programs, but this 1996 HUD SHP award introduced federal HUD funds into the local equation. That was the first year a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Supportive Housing Programs (SHP) award was granted for a consolidated Palm Beach County application under the Stewart B. HistoryThe history of substantive federal, state, and local funding of coordinated homeless programs and services began in 1996. But the first step is to stop and ask, “How are you doing?” The team responds to need of the community, special request and known locations. Nothing is forced it is always the person’s choice whether he or she wishes to take advantage of public assistance. The friendly, non-threatening discussions build trust and rapport, enabling members to complete an assessment. Human Services has a team whose members go to places throughout the county where homeless people are known to congregate. One-to-one chats are conducted by a group known as the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). One of the most effective ways of determining what programs and services are most needed by homeless people is to ask them.
