Prevention & Diversion
Preventing families from becoming homeless in the first place with Shelter Diversion and Rental Assistance programs.
With more than 40% of Americans a $400 expense away from financial distress, the threat of crisis looms closely for too many families. Preventing families from spiraling into homelessness is an essential part of the Family Promise mission.
PREVENTION
Homelessness prevention is a proactive solution, as it aims to keep a family stable in their own housing and avoid becoming homeless. We provide case management and one-time financial assistance to pay past-due rent; therefore, preventing eviction and homelessness.
SHELTER DIVERSION
Shelter Diversion supports families experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter to either a) restore housing, or b) identify a safe place to avoid entering shelter. At its core, the practice is trauma-informed, client-centered, and sees homelessness as a crisis that needs to be mediated. We provide case management and temporary financial assistance to secure permanent housing (security deposits, first month’s rent).
What services does the Diversion Program provide?
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Mediation services with family/friends and/or their landlord to extend permission to stay for up to 30 days;
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Agency referrals to secure other services, including health evaluation and treatment (physical/mental), job search, housing search, etc.;
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Advocacy with landlords to fight through barriers to housing; and
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Temporary financial assistance to secure permanent housing when needed
PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS
If a family living paycheck to paycheck suffers a major illness, car accident, or job loss, it can immediately destabilize their housing and security. Without one-time financial help, they will be unable to pay their rent, ultimately resulting in an eviction and the forced loss of their home. The cost of a single intervention to keep a family in their home is significantly less than the cost of rehousing them. In addition to the financial cost, the destabilization caused by losing a home can be traumatic for both children and adults. Losing their home can have a negative impact on children’s educational outcomes and mental health.
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Once a family becomes homeless, rehousing them becomes more difficult. If a family receives an eviction for not paying their rent, it will be on their record, making future landlords less likely to rent to them. They may end up owing large sums of money for legal and lease-breaking fees. Not having a home can also make keeping a stable job and income much more difficult. By stepping in and preventing the loss of a home, we can keep families safe and ensure that kids continue to wake up in their own beds.