Navigating Solutions through Diversion: A Key Intervention in the Homeless Response System
Joe had been in stable housing for his whole life. When his landlord raised the rent right after Joe experienced a medical emergency with high bills, he thought he would have no choice but to end up in shelter. Feeling overwhelmed with the idea of entering a shelter, Joe was able to get in contact with his Coordinated Entry Access Point. The housing provider used a Diversion conversation as a starting point. The housing provider was able to assist Joe in calling his sister to ask if he could stay there for a few days and was able to connect Joe to a place he could apply for assistance in paying his medical bills. Joe moved in with his sister and brother-in-law while he continued to look for housing to call home. That connection helped him from entering the homeless response system entirely.
Before you learn about the specifics of diversion, take a minute to answer the question below!
Diversion is an approach used by homeless service providers to help people find safe alternatives to shelter. Diversion uses creative problem-solving, active listening, and empathetic connection so people can find stability in a way that’s meaningful to them.
Diversion is a collaborative conversation between a person in crisis and a service provider to explore safe alternatives to shelter. Conversely, it is not denying services or turning people away. Diversion is all about opening doors, not closing them!
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Diversion matters because it can:
Reduce homeless system inflow
Shorten a period of homelessness
Avoid emergency related costs of unsheltered homelessness
Most importantly, clients want to be in housing. Housing is more likely to improve a client’s wellbeing than any other intervention.
Diversion is a process. This intervention can take many phone calls, and best practices show that a typical conversation can take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Six Steps to a Diversion Conversation:
Frame the Conversation: Focus on setting an empowering environment that is client-centered.
Explore Recent Housing or Sleeping Situation: Identify prior safe housing or sleeping options.
Explore Social Supports and Relationships: Uncover natural supports that could be reconnected.
Identify Resources and Safe, Viable Options: Begin to brainstorm realistic and safe options.
Barriers and Problem Solving: Work through issues preventing safe alternatives.
Moving Forward: Follow through on action steps and clarify plan. Identify a backup plan.
But what if we miss somebody in crisis?
Its valid to worry about safety and clients in crisis! Diversion isn’t about walking away from a client, but moving with them and connecting the client with the right resources. This tool is meant to build a system of support and plant seeds for avoiding crisis in the future.
Here’s where the Balance of State CoC needs you! A call to action to improve diversion work across the CoC and steps you can take!
Ensure you or your team have capacity to take an upcoming training in Diversion. Sign up for training opportunities from our mailing list.
Contact your local Coordinated Entry Access Point to find out how you can support diversion conversations.
If you’re a community partner wanting to get involved, contact CoC Staff!
For additional information, check out the links below!
National Alliance to End Homelessness
