What are effective resource and referral strategies for clients experiencing housing insecurity?

My response is based on fielding calls on IHFA's statewide Housing Hotline (created in1997). I'm one of 1000s of people answering calls from the Redwood Forests to the New York Island with one thing in common: people call when they are facing a housing crisis. The trigger may be a job loss, medical event, or rent hike. Other factors include divorce, abuse or abandonment. Listening and empathy are essential. I ask about the caller's location, sense of safety or urgency, most current housing situation, and ability to pay rent going forward. I ask them to share their research prior to calling me to avoid duplication. Our hotline has a simple goal: to connect callers to the most appropriate resources and providers in their area without delay.

1. Develop partnerships with local shelters, NGOs, and government agencies 2. Implement a comprehensive intake process 3.Provide education and guidance on navigating housing assistance programs and financial resources 4. Offer workshops and training sessions on budgeting, credit repair, and rental rights to empower clients 5. Establish a network of landlords willing to work with clients experiencing housing insecurity. 6. Utilize technology platforms and social media to disseminate information and connect clients with resources. 7. Create support groups or peer mentorship programs to foster community and provide emotional support 8. Continuously evaluate and adapt strategies based on client feedback and evolving community needs.

Begin with a comprehensive assessment of the client’s needs, including financial situation, family size, and any specific needs like accessibility or proximity to work. This tailored approach ensures that solutions are practical and sustainable

Based on the assessment, work collaboratively with the client to develop a personalized housing plan. This plan should outline steps towards securing stable housing, including short-term solutions (e.g., emergency shelters) and long-term goals (e.g., affordable housing applications).

When addressing housing insecurity for clients, providing effective resource and referral strategies is essential. Case managers should encourage transparent communication to accurately assess the needs or the client. The situation will dictate the intervention. Check the local legal aid, family services, DHS, and charities. I personally keep a list of every resource I come across to assist those facing housing concerns in different areas I work in.

Leverage a network of housing resources, including government programs, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Provide clients with direct referrals and assistance in applying for housing aid, rental assistance programs, and other relevant services.

Actively advocate for clients’ rights and access to housing. This may involve negotiating with landlords, appealing denials for housing programs, or connecting clients with legal resources to address discrimination or eviction proceedings.

Regularly review the client’s progress towards housing stability, evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. Be prepared to adjust plans as needed, responding to changing circumstances or emerging opportunities.

At a minimum you want a closed loop referral model where the originator ends up knowing the outcome of the referral. Where possible you want to bake metrics other than just counts into your overall case management approach. Years ago, I managed a program and the number one metric we tracked was disproportionate minority contact (DMC). It was a completely useless metric because the program had no say in the population they served. It was dictated by the court system. Many easy metrics are what I call "weather reports". They tell you what's happening for something you have no control over. Ideally you want metrics focused on client success. Find out what that means for your population.