Boo Learns About Housing

Happy Halloween!

If you’ve been following along on our social media, you’ve already met the Balance of State Continuum of Care’s new bestie: Boo!

Boo has been on a steady journey to learn more about housing and what the IA BoS CoC really is after experiencing a small financial crisis. Boo was able to regain stability with support they connected with during their first episode of homelessness, so now Boo is able to connect with services in a new way.

After attending an Iowa Balance of State CoC Task Group meeting, Boo realized that “homeless services” isn’t just one program! It’s a network of support designed to meet people where they are.

Over the next week, Boo visited local agencies to learn more.

Prevention:
Boo's first stop this week is a prevention program. Boo met Sam, a caseworker who helps families on the brink of eviction. Sam explained that prevention programs focus on keeping people in their homes by covering rent arrears, negotiating with landlords, or connecting tenants to legal aid.
“It’s often cheaper and in the client's best interest to keep someone housed than to help them after they’ve lost everything. People prefer to be in their own housing, and it improves their wellbeing,” Sam said.

Diversion:
The next morning, Boo stops by a Coordinated Entry Access Point to volunteer with serving a hot breakfast. Boo knows the importance of diversion, and is able to facilitate a successful conversation with somebody who may be in need of shelter.
Boo listens actively, asking trauma informed and client centered questions about friends, family, or other safe places someone might stay. Boo stays solution focused and helps the individual think creatively.
“We’re not turning people away,” Boo tells another volunteer. “We’re helping them find a solution that avoids shelter when there are safe alternatives.”

Rapid Re-Housing:
Boo is visiting a Rapid Rehousing program that provides short-term rental assistance and case management. They learned how RRH helps people move quickly from homelessness to housing, with support that tapers off as stability grows.

Boo knows that people are connected to housing interventions like RRH through Coordinated Entry Access Points and assessments, and Boo feels excited knowing that Coordinated Entry is connecting those who need this intervention quickly!

Boo noted how empowering the case manager was when they said “It’s not just about a lease; it’s about building confidence and community supports.”

Permanent Supportive Housing:
Finally, Boo met residents in a Permanent Supportive Housing program. PSH combines housing with individualized, long-term case management designed for people who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Through conversations with residents and staff, Boo learned how PSH is about more than a place to live. PSH is about building a foundation for health, stability, and belonging. Each participant works alongside their case manager to create a voluntary, personalized support plan focused on goals like connecting with community, improving wellness, and maintaining housing.

Boo could see how PSH helps people overcome barriers that once felt impossible, offering both stability and a sense of hope.

What’s Next for You:
Connect with Iowa Balance of State CoC Staff to learn more!
Consider how your own industry or expertise could connect to housing and homelessness solutions in your community.