Proactive Strategies for Housing Stability

San Diego County is implementing a person-centered outreach program designed to combat homelessness through proactive intervention and community-based solutions. The core of this initiative is a dedicated outreach team focused on prevention, diversion, and rapid resolution strategies.

Key Components of the Outreach Team

• Homeless Outreach Workers: A specialized team of three focuses on preventing homelessness, diverting individuals from entering the shelter system, and implementing rapid solution strategies.
• Housing Inventory Management: The team maintains an up-to-date inventory of available housing vacancies.
• Landlord Relations: Cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with local landlords is a priority.
• Housing Coordination: Assisting in coordinating housing placements for individuals ready to transition into stable living environments.

Intervention and Support Services

The program provides critical intervention for those at imminent risk of becoming homeless. This involves leveraging flexible funding to maintain current housing situations and supporting individuals in securing benefits and earned income.

Additional support includes:

• Mediation services
• Family reconnection assistance
• Roommate search and matching programs
• Tailored housing solutions identified by the clients themselves

Sustainability and Long-term Support

The program extends beyond initial placement, offering ongoing support for six months to establish housing sustainability plans. This includes intensive case management paired with individualized housing solutions for unsheltered individuals.

Comprehensive Resource Connections

Program participants receive connections to a wide array of essential services, ensuring holistic support:

• Primary care access
• Case management and engagement services
• Referrals and linkages to mental health treatment
• Substance abuse treatment options
• Health resources
• Educational services and benefits

Expert Perspective

the approach emphasizes client-centered solutions, recognizing that the most effective strategies are those developed in collaboration with the individuals themselves. This aligns with best practices in social work and homeless services, which prioritize empowerment and self-determination.

Tailoring creative housing solutions that are identified by the client themselves.