It’s Time.It’s Time.

Fargo’s Plan to End Long Term Fargo’s Plan to End Long Term HomelessnessHomelessness

August 17, 2006August 17, 2006

Purpose & MethodPurpose & Method

Develop a plan to end long term Develop a plan to end long term homelessness in 10 years. homelessness in 10 years. (Sept 2005)(Sept 2005)

Plan development to be guided by a Plan development to be guided by a working group made up of a cross-working group made up of a cross-section of community stakeholders section of community stakeholders and interested parties. and interested parties. (40 agencies)(40 agencies)

Specific strategies in the plan will Specific strategies in the plan will focus on what can be accomplished focus on what can be accomplished within the City of Fargo. within the City of Fargo.

About the ProcessAbout the Process Meeting #1: Framing the IssueMeeting #1: Framing the Issue, January 10, January 10

Understanding homelessnessUnderstanding homelessness Understanding the market Understanding the market Understanding the landscapeUnderstanding the landscape Begin to set directionBegin to set direction

Meeting #2: Brainstorming solutionsMeeting #2: Brainstorming solutions, February 22, February 22 Refine list of identified system strengths & weaknessesRefine list of identified system strengths & weaknesses Brainstorm ideas to fill local gaps and review peer solutions that Brainstorm ideas to fill local gaps and review peer solutions that

address gaps identified in FMaddress gaps identified in FM 1st attempt at prioritization - strategies we should pursue1st attempt at prioritization - strategies we should pursue Discuss performance measures- definition of “success”Discuss performance measures- definition of “success”

Meeting #3: Developing a Comprehensive StrategyMeeting #3: Developing a Comprehensive Strategy,, May 2May 2 Refine strategiesRefine strategies Explore feasibility – what will it take to make this plan a reality? Explore feasibility – what will it take to make this plan a reality?

FundingFunding Logistics (site, etc)Logistics (site, etc) Political will and community supportPolitical will and community support

Meeting #4: Reviewing the Direction SetMeeting #4: Reviewing the Direction Set,, July 12July 12 Carryover discussion from Mtg #3Carryover discussion from Mtg #3 Review draft planReview draft plan Plan the ReleasePlan the Release

A very specific goal…A very specific goal…

Preventing / ending chronic Preventing / ending chronic homelessness is not identical homelessness is not identical with ending poverty or with ending poverty or promoting economic self promoting economic self sufficiencysufficiency

Definition of “success”Definition of “success”

“Preventing Chronic Homelessness – What works?” Deborah Dennis, Policy Research Associates

What is Long Term What is Long Term Homelessness? (LTH)Homelessness? (LTH)

Homeless individual or familyHomeless individual or family With a disabling conditionWith a disabling condition Continuously homeless for at Continuously homeless for at

least 1 year least 1 year oror has experienced has experienced 4 or more episodes of 4 or more episodes of homelessness in the last 3 homelessness in the last 3 years.years.

Note: Local v. Federal DefinitionNote: Local v. Federal Definition

What is a “disabling” What is a “disabling” condition?condition?

Physical, mental or other health Physical, mental or other health conditions that limit the kind or conditions that limit the kind or amount of work you can do or amount of work you can do or that limit your daily activitiesthat limit your daily activities

Conditions that interfere with Conditions that interfere with memory or daily decision memory or daily decision makingmaking

Ending homelessness requires Ending homelessness requires different solutions for different different solutions for different subpopulationssubpopulations

Shelter days consumed Needed Solution

Chronically homeless

Stay for a “long time”2.27 stays for 637 days

Permanent supportive housing

Episodically homeless

4-5 stays (a lot of time but not in 1 block)4.85 stays for 263 days

“Low demand” or harm reduction modelsResidential treatment/transitional housing

Transitionally homeless

1-2 stays (2-60 days)1.36 stays for 58 days

PreventionHelp for a quick return to housing

Stats are based on cluster distribution of single homeless adults in New York, Corporation for Supportive Housing

Why end long term Why end long term homelessness?homelessness?

It’s expensive to do nothing - scarce It’s expensive to do nothing - scarce system resources are being system resources are being disproportionately used by small disproportionately used by small number of people.number of people.

Traditional homeless service system Traditional homeless service system does not work for this populationdoes not work for this population

Contribute to statewide effort to end Contribute to statewide effort to end long term homelessnesslong term homelessness

Unacceptable for a progressive Unacceptable for a progressive community to turn away from this community to turn away from this issueissue

About the Local About the Local Homeless PopulationHomeless Population

Homeless individuals in Fargo Homeless individuals in Fargo – recent data sources– recent data sources

2000 Wilder Survey - 199 2000 Wilder Survey - 199 2003 Wilder Survey – 2282003 Wilder Survey – 228 2005 Point in Time Survey – 249 2005 Point in Time Survey – 249

(chronic homeless – 66)(chronic homeless – 66)

2005 Annual Estimate – 905 2005 Annual Estimate – 905 (chronic homeless – 114)(chronic homeless – 114)

2006 Point in Time Survey – 253 2006 Point in Time Survey – 253 (chronic homeless – 79)(chronic homeless – 79)

Homelessness in Metro areaHomelessness in Metro areaFargo is home to 58 percent of homeless persons in Fargo MoorheadLocation and basic demographics by City, October 2003

80

52

35

37

11

13

46

35

44

32

6

2

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Sheltered - Men

Sheltered - Women

Sheltered - Children

Unsheltered - Men

Unsheltered - Women

Unsheltered - Children

Number of persons

Fargo

Moorhead

Wilder Research Center, November 2004

ND RegionsND Regions

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Reg 1 Reg 2 Reg 3 Reg 4 Reg 5 Reg 6 Reg 7 Reg 8

Total Population Total homeless Long term homeless

Almost half of the state’s long Almost half of the state’s long term homeless population lives in term homeless population lives in Fargo Fargo

One-third of the city's homeless population can be considered "long term homeless"Homeless population by chronic status, Fargo, 2006 ND Point in Time survey

Not Long-ter m homeless

69%

Long-ter m homeless

31%

Fargo’s homeless population Fargo’s homeless population

Basic characteristics of Basic characteristics of Fargo’s homeless populationFargo’s homeless population Age.Age. 2/3 are men, with an average age of 42.1. The 2/3 are men, with an average age of 42.1. The

average age of a homeless woman in Fargo is 33.6.average age of a homeless woman in Fargo is 33.6. Marital Status.Marital Status. Approximately half of those interviewed Approximately half of those interviewed

have never married.have never married. Veterans.Veterans. Veterans make up 29% of homeless males in Veterans make up 29% of homeless males in

Fargo.Fargo. Residency.Residency. 46% of homeless persons in Fargo have 46% of homeless persons in Fargo have

lived in ND for at least 2 years. The 54% that are more lived in ND for at least 2 years. The 54% that are more “recent” residents are most likely to come to ND from “recent” residents are most likely to come to ND from Minnesota (52%) or have lived in ND before (44%).Minnesota (52%) or have lived in ND before (44%).

Children.Children. 20% of the women in sheltered locations had 20% of the women in sheltered locations had at least one child with them.at least one child with them.

Race/Ethnicity.Race/Ethnicity. Fargo’s homeless population contains a Fargo’s homeless population contains a disproportionate number of persons of color. 28% of disproportionate number of persons of color. 28% of Fargo’s homeless adults are persons of color – 21% of Fargo’s homeless adults are persons of color – 21% of the total are American Indian.the total are American Indian.

Wilder Research Center, November 2004

Basic characteristics (cont.)Basic characteristics (cont.) Unsheltered.Unsheltered. Three out of four “unsheltered” homeless Three out of four “unsheltered” homeless

were men and almost half were American Indian. were men and almost half were American Indian. Duration of Homelessness.Duration of Homelessness. 60% of the unsheltered 60% of the unsheltered

homeless have been homeless for more than 6 months – homeless have been homeless for more than 6 months – 46% of those living in sheltered locations have been 46% of those living in sheltered locations have been homeless for that length of time.homeless for that length of time.

Education.Education. Almost 80% of Fargo’s homeless population Almost 80% of Fargo’s homeless population has a high school diploma or GED – 27% have attended has a high school diploma or GED – 27% have attended at least some college.at least some college.

Employment.Employment. 41% of homeless persons in Fargo are 41% of homeless persons in Fargo are employed – 18% in a full time status. For those who are employed – 18% in a full time status. For those who are not working, the most common barriers are not working, the most common barriers are

transportation (42%)transportation (42%) lack of housing (29%)lack of housing (29%) personal reasons (27%)personal reasons (27%) physical health problems (25%)physical health problems (25%) mental health problems (22%)mental health problems (22%)

Wilder Research Center, November 2004

Basic characteristics (cont.)Basic characteristics (cont.) Affordability of HousingAffordability of Housing

54% of homeless persons surveyed said they could 54% of homeless persons surveyed said they could pay something for rent but no more than $200 per pay something for rent but no more than $200 per month (including utilities). month (including utilities).

25% of people surveyed could not afford to pay 25% of people surveyed could not afford to pay anything for rent. anything for rent.

Only 6% could afford the typical rent for an apartment Only 6% could afford the typical rent for an apartment of the size they would need.of the size they would need.

Wilder Research Center, November 2004

Basic characteristics (cont.)Basic characteristics (cont.)

Health and well beingHealth and well being 41% of homeless adults in Fargo were told by a 41% of homeless adults in Fargo were told by a

doctor in the last two years that they have a serious doctor in the last two years that they have a serious mental illness.mental illness.[1][1]

50% of homeless adults report that they consider 50% of homeless adults report that they consider themselves to be alcoholic or chemically dependent. themselves to be alcoholic or chemically dependent.

28% of the homeless population in Fargo has 28% of the homeless population in Fargo has received in-patient drug/alcohol treatment in the last 2 received in-patient drug/alcohol treatment in the last 2 years. years.

27% of homeless adults have been dually diagnosed 27% of homeless adults have been dually diagnosed by a doctor in the last 2 years as having both a mental by a doctor in the last 2 years as having both a mental illness and a chemical dependency problem.illness and a chemical dependency problem.

[[1]1] Mental illness as referenced in this survey includes: schizophrenia, manic- Mental illness as referenced in this survey includes: schizophrenia, manic-depression or bipolar disorder, some other type of delusional disorder, depression or bipolar disorder, some other type of delusional disorder, major depression, anti-social personality disorder or post-traumatic stress major depression, anti-social personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.disorder.

Wilder Research Center, November 2004

Characteristics of Fargo Characteristics of Fargo homeless by chronic statushomeless by chronic status

Characteristic

Long term

Homeless

TotalHomeless Population

Can’t afford rent 71% 56%

History of substance abuse 65% 57%

Medical problems 57% 33%

Money management problems 55% 38%

Unemployed 52% 44%

Mental Illness 41% 31%

Veteran 32% 18%

Employed 28% 28%

2006 ND Point in Time survey

More than half of long term homeless households identify substance abuse as contributing to their homelessnessResponse to "Reason for my Homlessness", ND Point in Time survey January 2006

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Long term homeless Total Homeless population

Primary reasons for Primary reasons for homelessnesshomelessness

Economics and behavioral issues top the list of reasons homeless adults in Fargo left their last stable housing situationReason left last housing, Homeless adults, Fargo, October 2003

33%30%

27%

15%12%

32%

36%

32%

39%

29%32%

21%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Drinking/drugproblem

Lost job /had hours

cut

Couldn'tafford the

rent

Eviction Breakup w ithpartner

Relationshipproblems

Flee abusiverelationship

Reasons homeless adults cannot get housing

Men

Women

Credit problems are the number one reason homeless women in Fargo can't find housing; for men the primary reason is affordabilityReason cannot find housing, Homeless adults, Fargo, October 2003

45%

28%26%

21%19%

0%

24%

17%

43%

14%

32%

10%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Can't affordhousing

Criminalbackground

Credit problems No rentalhistory

Alcohol/druguse

Fleeing abuse

Reasons homeless adults cannot get housing

Men

Women

Persons in Poverty, 9,274

Persons in poverty likely to experience homelessness each

yr, 1,031

Population w ith income above poverty level,

80,494

Precariously housed – Precariously housed – Households Households At RiskAt Risk People at risk of becoming homeless People at risk of becoming homeless

represent the “front door” to represent the “front door” to homelessnesshomelessness

Approximately 10% of households with Approximately 10% of households with income at or below poverty level cycle income at or below poverty level cycle through the homeless system in a given through the homeless system in a given yearyear

Are there leading indicators?Are there leading indicators?

EvictionEviction ForeclosureForeclosure Food povertyFood poverty Energy assistanceEnergy assistance Other prevention servicesOther prevention services

Who is chronically homeless?Who is chronically homeless?

Primary contributing factorsPrimary contributing factors Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse Serious Mental Illness with inconsistent Serious Mental Illness with inconsistent

use of medications/treatmentuse of medications/treatment Unemployable or unable to keep a job Unemployable or unable to keep a job

because of disabilitybecause of disability Poor rental history or criminal Poor rental history or criminal

backgroundbackground

Wilder Research Center, FM Regional Survey, Nov 2004

Risk factors for chronic Risk factors for chronic homelessnesshomelessness Chronic health conditionChronic health condition Mental illnessMental illness Substance abuse disordersSubstance abuse disorders Limited or no social support networkLimited or no social support network Very low or no incomeVery low or no income Discharge from jail, prison, hospital, Discharge from jail, prison, hospital,

shelter, detox, treatment, foster careshelter, detox, treatment, foster care

“Preventing Chronic Homelessness – What works?” Deborah Dennis, Policy Research Associates

The Local Housing The Local Housing MarketMarket

The Housing Market

Public Housing

New or Existing?

Housing for Rent

Attached or Detached?

Which neighborhood?

“Move-up” Housing

Own or Rent?

Special Needs HousingStarter

Homes

Luxury Living

Subsidized or Market rate?

What can I afford?

How does this fit in the How does this fit in the Affordable Housing discussionAffordable Housing discussion

Workforce housingWorkforce housing Extremely low income Extremely low income

households (i.e., poverty level households (i.e., poverty level incomes)incomes)

Precariously housedPrecariously housed HomelessHomeless

Housing Affordability is a Housing Affordability is a relative conceptrelative concept 12% of households in Fargo report 12% of households in Fargo report

incomes below the poverty level (i.e., incomes below the poverty level (i.e., 30% AMI)30% AMI)

““Affordable” rent for 1 person Affordable” rent for 1 person household (earning 30% AMI) is household (earning 30% AMI) is $328, including utilities$328, including utilities

““Affordable” rent for person with SSI Affordable” rent for person with SSI as only income source – approx as only income source – approx $164/month $164/month (30% of the avg SSI pmt made in ND)(30% of the avg SSI pmt made in ND)

Fair Market Rent – 1 bedroom unit - Fair Market Rent – 1 bedroom unit - $443, 0 bedroom unit - $373$443, 0 bedroom unit - $373

Affordability for poverty level Affordability for poverty level households requires access to households requires access to “Deep Subsidy” Housing“Deep Subsidy” Housing

““Deep subsidy” – housing assistance Deep subsidy” – housing assistance that allows tenant to pay 30% of their that allows tenant to pay 30% of their income toward rent with the balance income toward rent with the balance covered from another source.covered from another source. Section 8 voucherSection 8 voucher Shelter Plus Care programShelter Plus Care program Public HousingPublic Housing OtherOther

Homeless Housing Beds by Homeless Housing Beds by type of occupancy, 2005type of occupancy, 2005

Type of Occupancy/

Project

Emerg Shelter

Men

Emerg Shelter

Women, Children

Trans Hous

Fam

Trans HousNon- fam

Perm Supp Hous Fam

Perm Hous Non-fam

SRO (S+C) 22

S+C (FHRA) 62 13

Sister’s Path (LIHTC, SHP)

33

Dakotah Pioneer (LIHTC)

31

Vets Manor (SHP) 1111

New Life Center 89 1 20

YWCA 65 35 2

Perry Center 10 13

Total89

(beds)65

(beds)46

(beds)66

(beds)95

(beds)46

(beds)

*The FHRA was awarded 11 additional S+C units in the 2005 CoC grant, expected online in 2006. *A 48 bed homeless veterans project is currently under development by Centre, Inc. and the VA.

Assisted Rental Housing, 2003Assisted Rental Housing, 2003Type of Occupancy/Project 0BR 1BR 2BR 3 BR 4BR Total

Vac Rate

General Occupancy

Low Inc Housing Tax Credit 0 136 430 221 10 797 6.3%

Public Housing 0 0 104 72 23 196 <1%

Sec 8 Mod Rehab 2 60 18 12 0 92 4.2%

HUD 236/Section 8 7 0 136 40 0 183 4.2%

Subtotal – General Occupancy

9 196 688 345 33 1,268

Senior & Disabled

Low Inc Housing Tax Credit 0 9 85 0 0 94 <1%

Public Housing 0 370 21 2 0 393 <1%

HUD 231/Section 8 0 90 0 0 0 90 2%

HUD 202/Section 8 75 0 0 0 0 75 2%

Sec 221(d)(4)/Section 8 0 39 2 0 0 41 2%

Subtotal – Senior & Disabled

75 508 108 2 0 693

Section 8 – Existing 1,104 n/a

Total 84 704 796 347 33 3,065Source: “Housing Study Update - City of Fargo”, Community Partners Research (April 2004)*Most of the projects in this table, except Low Income Housing Tax Credit, are considered “deep subsidy” units, meaning that rent is based on 30% of tenant income.

Provision of Support Provision of Support ServicesServices

Mainstream Systems: Mainstream Systems: Targeted v. Non-targetedTargeted v. Non-targeted Mainstream Systems are Mainstream Systems are

government-funded programs that government-funded programs that are intended to meet the critical are intended to meet the critical needs of low income people needs of low income people (services, housing and income (services, housing and income supports) supports) Non-Targeted programs: designed to Non-Targeted programs: designed to

serve low income people and/or people serve low income people and/or people with special needswith special needs

Targeted programs: designed to serve Targeted programs: designed to serve homeless people specificallyhomeless people specifically

Why mainstream resources?Why mainstream resources?

“…“…previous research shows that any previous research shows that any successful effort to end homelessness successful effort to end homelessness must include a combination of services, must include a combination of services,

income supports and housing. income supports and housing.

““The same research tells us that the most The same research tells us that the most important but under-utilized source of important but under-utilized source of

income, housing and services to people income, housing and services to people who are homeless or at-risk for who are homeless or at-risk for

homelessness are government-funded homelessness are government-funded programs designed to meet the needs of programs designed to meet the needs of

low income people (“mainstream low income people (“mainstream systems”).”systems”).”

Holes in the Safety Net: Mainstream Systems and Homelessness, Chalres and Helen Schwab Foundation, February 2003, page i.

The local arena – how are The local arena – how are services provided?services provided?

Emergency shelterEmergency shelter Transitional housingTransitional housing Permanent supportive housingPermanent supportive housing UnshelteredUnsheltered

Local service providers: Local service providers: PreventionPrevention Housing assistance & basic needsHousing assistance & basic needs

Cass County Social servicesCass County Social services Rape & Abuse Crisis CenterRape & Abuse Crisis Center SE ND Community Action AgencySE ND Community Action Agency Salvation ArmySalvation Army ND Assoc for DisabledND Assoc for Disabled SE Human Service CenterSE Human Service Center YWCA of FMYWCA of FM Emergency Food PantryEmergency Food Pantry Presentation Partners in HousingPresentation Partners in Housing Central Cities Ministry/Communal FundCentral Cities Ministry/Communal Fund

Local service providers: Local service providers: PreventionPrevention Education, Counseling & ReferralEducation, Counseling & Referral

SE Human Service CenterSE Human Service Center Mental Health AssociationMental Health Association Crisis Help Lines (211, First Link)Crisis Help Lines (211, First Link) Village Family Svc Center (Tenant Ed Village Family Svc Center (Tenant Ed

project)project) SE ND Community ActionSE ND Community Action

Local service providers: Local service providers: OutreachOutreach

Health Care for Homeless VeteransHealth Care for Homeless Veterans SE Human Service CenterSE Human Service Center YouthworksYouthworks Law Enforcement agenciesLaw Enforcement agencies Homeless Health ServicesHomeless Health Services Native American Christian MinistriesNative American Christian Ministries Native American ProgramsNative American Programs Rape & Abuse Crisis CenterRape & Abuse Crisis Center Salvation ArmySalvation Army

Local Service Providers: Local Service Providers: Supportive ServicesSupportive Services Case ManagementCase Management

SEHSC – PATH coordinatorsSEHSC – PATH coordinators SE ND Community ActionSE ND Community Action Salvation ArmySalvation Army YouthworksYouthworks ND Association for DisabledND Association for Disabled

Life SkillsLife Skills SE ND Community Action SE ND Community Action New Life CenterNew Life Center YouthworksYouthworks Re-entry for Violent OffendersRe-entry for Violent Offenders

Local Service Providers: Local Service Providers: Supportive ServicesSupportive Services Alcohol & Drug Abuse TreatmentAlcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment

SE Human Service CenterSE Human Service Center Off MainOff Main ShareHouse & Sister’s PathShareHouse & Sister’s Path

Mental Health TreatmentMental Health Treatment Mental Health AssociationMental Health Association SE Human Service CenterSE Human Service Center

Local Service Providers: Local Service Providers: Supportive ServicesSupportive Services EducationEducation

Public Schools – Educ program for Public Schools – Educ program for homeless children and youthhomeless children and youth

Adult Learning CentersAdult Learning Centers Feed the ChildrenFeed the Children YouthworksYouthworks Veterans Upward BoundVeterans Upward Bound

Employment AssistanceEmployment Assistance Job Service NDJob Service ND SE Human Service Center PATH coordSE Human Service Center PATH coord ND Vocational RehabND Vocational Rehab Job Club/Employment Dev (SENDCAA)Job Club/Employment Dev (SENDCAA)

Local Service Providers: Local Service Providers: Supportive ServicesSupportive Services Child CareChild Care

Cass County Social ServicesCass County Social Services SE ND Community ActionSE ND Community Action

TransportationTransportation ND Association for DisabledND Association for Disabled Job Service NDJob Service ND Veterans AdministrationVeterans Administration YouthworksYouthworks Metro Transportation InitiativeMetro Transportation Initiative

Health CareHealth Care Cass County Social ServicesCass County Social Services Homeless Health ClinicHomeless Health Clinic Family Health CareFamily Health Care Good Medicine Indian HealthGood Medicine Indian Health

The Local LandscapeThe Local Landscape

Coalitions working on this Coalitions working on this issueissue

Statewide effortsStatewide efforts Continuum of CareContinuum of Care Interagency Council on Interagency Council on

HomelessnessHomelessness Local effortsLocal efforts

FM Area Homeless CoalitionFM Area Homeless Coalition Jail Intervention Coordinating Jail Intervention Coordinating

CommitteeCommittee

Strengths – Housing marketStrengths – Housing market

Year round activity Rent levels are good relative to other

places Plentiful supply of housing Good access to transportation Good quality/code enforcement - well

maintained housing Dispersion of subsidized housing

throughout community Strong neighborhoods

Strengths – Service systemStrengths – Service system

Relationship between providers Creative programming Workers know the system - strong referral

network State line is less of an obstacle for support

services Strength of “hidden system” (faith

community) Participation of some attorneys who are

willing to help with guardianship issues Critical mass of advocates statewide

Weaknesses – Housing marketWeaknesses – Housing market

Background checks are a barrier Competing demand from student population Losing lowest cost housing to redevelopment Decentralization of City of Fargo Number of people with very low income who are not

eligible for or can’t access subsidies Shrinking availability of rent subsidy App of property tax to affordable housing projects NIMBY Construction of enough new on-campus housing to

meet student wants Housing that is available to youth aging out of foster

care Housing w/ harm reduction focus for substance abuse

Weaknesses – Service sectorWeaknesses – Service sector

Lack of coordinated Guardianship/Representative Payee System

Waiting lists to access services Connection between services and housing Support for youth aging out of foster care Complexity of eligibility/access Lack of services for “working poor” (people just

outside of eligibility guidelines) Funders’ preference for being “last money in” Adequate funding (Are the “cracks” systemic or

related to adequacy of funding?) Duplication of services? Opportunities for

consolidation?

““Going Home”Going Home”Fargo’s Plan to End Long Term Fargo’s Plan to End Long Term

HomelessnessHomelessness