Housing problem solving includes interventions to divert or rapidly exit people from homelessness.
Problem solving helps people identify possible pathways to resolve their current housing crisis without needing ongoing shelter or a housing resource from the homelessness response system (HRS). The foundation of problem solving is a creative, strengths-based conversation that helps people explore all safe housing options available to them – the person or household drives their own solutions. A problem solving resolution is achieved when a household has found a safe, indoor solution to their housing crisis outside of the HRS.
Eligibility
Any household experiencing homelessness in San Francisco is eligible for problem solving Interventions (refer to HSH’s definition of homelessness document here) who has an annual household income at the time of assistance no higher than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Interventions
Housing problem solving interventions include:
- Problem solving conversations: help identify real-time solutions to a housing crisis
- Housing location assistance: helps households with income but without an immediate housing plan locate a place to rent
- Includes shared housing placements to increase exits to housing
- Travel and relocation support outside San Francisco: travel and relocation assistance that results in a housing connection/safe housing plan in another community
- Reunification, mediation, and conflict resolution: helps households stay in a current or recent housing situation or new housing situation with mediation support
- Financial assistance: Flexible financial resources to cover specific costs that will assist households to stay in a safe, indoor place outside the HRS
- Connections to employment: currently a pilot with OEWD
- Referrals and links to a range of community services
Problem solving is offered at Coordinated Entry Access Points and family shelters.