Title
Supports and Strategies to Assist People Experiencing Homelessness with High Acuity - Citywide
Description
This report provides an overview of resources and current strategies being used to help assist people experiencing homelessness with high acuity to the Community Services and Education Subcommittee.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Background
The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) provides support for people experiencing homelessness and is committed to ending homelessness through a comprehensive, regional approach to shelter and heat relief, outreach, supportive and behavioral health services, homelessness prevention and supportive housing. OHS works with service providers and regional partners to implement solutions that address homelessness.The purpose of this report is to discuss some of the barriers to assisting people experiencing homelessness with high acuity and how OHS works to serve them.
There are many factors that contribute to homelessness. Acuity is defined as the level of care a person needs; an individual with high acuity has the most complex, severe and co-occurring health, behavioral or social needs. Providing support to individuals with high acuity experiencing homelessness involves understanding the severity of a person's needs, which helps determine the urgency and type of services they should receive. Many of those experiencing homelessness for long periods of time may be considered high acuity. It is also common for this segment of those experiencing homelessness to become highly resistant to services. Within this population, co-occurring substance use disorders, severe mental illness and complex physical health vulnerabilities create compounding barriers to stability. Because of prolonged trauma and past experiences with systemic gaps, this segment of those experiencing homelessness can become resistant to services requiring intensive, trust-building engagement over extended periods before accepting traditional shelter or treatment. Navigating substance use challenges is a critical component of homelessness services, as active addiction can accelerate housing instability.
OHS operates substantial outreach and engagement efforts to address the differing needs of people experiencing homelessness. In addition, the City invested to create significant shelter and housing solutions to serve individuals and families with the most need. Although many resources exist in the homeless services system now, that did not exist just a few short years ago, there is tremendous need in areas outside of City operations. Substantial investment by State and Federal partners is still needed. Gaps in the system include a sizable lack of permanent supportive housing for people with the highest acuity, easily accessible treatment programs and a lack of care coordination.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.