“Untangling the Web: Collaborations Between Housing Agencies and School Districts to Meet

HEARTH Act Requirements”

October 28, 2012How one model in Atlanta has worked and our

plans to expand and duplicate that model.

Presenters•Project Community Connections, Inc.•Fulton County Schools•Atlanta Public Schools

Practical Implications : Do Your Homework

HEARTH Act: Initial Assurances: 1. The Continuum of Care (CoC)Applicant must

demonstrate collaboration with education agencies.

2. The CoC must consider the educational needs of children and not disrupt children’s education.

3. Project applicants must demonstrate practices consistent with McKinney –Vento Act.

4. Applicants must designate staff to ensure children are enrolled in school and connected to services.

Practical Implications : Do Your Homework

The final rule on the Definition of Homeless for HUD in the HEARTH Act establishes four categories under which an individual or family may qualify as homeless. 

1.Literally Homeless2.Imminent Risk of Homelessness.3.Homeless under other Federal Statutes4.Fleeing/Attempting to Flee DV

Category 1 – Literally Homeless

1. Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning:

• Primary nighttime residence is a place not meant for human habitation• Sleeping on the streets• Sleeping in the car• Public buildings• Sleeping in parks

2. Is living in a shelter, transitional housing and hotels or motels paid for by a charitable organization or by federal, state and local government programs.

3. Is exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation before entering the institution.

•Release from jail, mental health hospital or medical hospital

Category 1 – Literally HomelessExamples

Example I: - Place not meant for Human HabitationMr. Hope provided a written observation letter from the school social worker or a similar agency. (or)Mr. Hope provided a written referral from a homeless provider agency. (or)Mr. Hope wrote a self declaration certifying that he was living on the streets or in a shelter. Example II: - Shelter Mr. Hope was found to be eligible under Category 1 of the Homeless Definition as defined by HUD. The client provided a homeless verification letter from the 24/7 Gateway Center. But for this assistance Mr. Hope will remain literally homeless. Example III: - Exiting an InstitutionMr. Hope was found to be eligible under Category 1 of the Homeless Definition as defined by HUD. Mr. Hope provided a copy of his discharge paperwork or written/oral referral. Intake worker verified that Mr. Hope resided in an institution for 90 days or less and he was residing in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation prior to entering the institution.

Primary Nighttime Residence Data : Homeless by DOE definition:

Dept. of Education (DOE) Homeless Definition

Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Definition

Doubled up with family or friends

Literally Homeless

Residing in hotels or motels Imminent Risk of Homelessness

Residing in an emergency shelter or transitional housing

Homeless under other Federal Statutes*

Unsheltered Fleeing and/or attempting to flee domestic violence

* Not funded under most HUD programs and need HUD permission.

Case Studies

Dept. of Education (DOE) Homeless Definition

Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Definition

Doubled up with family or friends

Literally Homeless

Residing in hotels or motels Imminent Risk of Homelessness

Residing in an emergency shelter or transitional housing

Homeless under other Federal Statutes

Unsheltered Fleeing and/or attempting to flee domestic violence

Practical Implications : Understand Your Environment

• “Think Globally …. Act Locally”• Participate in your local CoCs;• Attend NAEH and other Network

Meetings;• Have working knowledge of HUD

policy priorities;• Know your partners in the local

housing community;• Understand services they provide.

MODEL COMPONENTS: PROGRAM DESIGN

•One-stop shop concept where family needs can be addressed in individualized fashion. •Reduce redundancy in services, specialize in areas of expertise, and ensure more comprehensive approaches for clients.•Get/keep families stably housed and provide educational environment that has been shown to be important for good child outcomes.

Model Components: Key Partnerships

The Collaborative consists of 6 primary partnerswho work together on housing, employment andschooling issue to stabilize families and help

themregain independence : • PCCI – Re-Housing Agency• Decatur Cooperative Ministry - Shelter• First Step – Employment Agency• DeKalb County, Fulton County and Atlanta

Public Schools

Model Components: Key PartnershipsBuilding for Success

Other key partners – non direct service related:• Program design consultant;• Pro bono legal services;• Strategic planning;• Regional Commission – United Way• CoC;• Private funders.

Model Components: Targeted Population Building for Success

• Households must have school aged children in participating districts.

• Households must have income and be able to achieve self-sufficiency;

• Must be willing to participate in comprehensive intake and follow up case management;

• HUD defined homeless

Building for Success2010 -2012

Financial Success: 1.Seed funds from School Foundation2.Received over $285,000 to date and $200,000 Committed;3.Focus on private funding:4.Public Grants: Emergency Solutions Grants Program Success:1.Dramatic Increase in Successful Referrals and Placements;2.Stable housing and educational outcomes.