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Changes to Coordinated Entry

In our August CoC Newsletter we shared that Washtenaw County’s Coordinated Entry system was going through transitions. We want to share updates on this process. A Request for Proposals (RFP) opened in September. The RFP outlined responsibilities handled by the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). SOS Community Services and the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) were the only applicants. There were no applications for the role of the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) or to oversee Housing Access for Washtenaw County (HAWC). The Office of Community & Economic Development (OCED) has assumed these roles by default.

HAWC transitioned to OCED in October. HAWC continues to operate as the first point of contact for those in a housing crisis. HAWC coordinates with SOS and SAWC to schedule appointments for resources. Please direct households to HAWC as the first point of entry.

Included in this transition was a new phone provider, Ring Central. New data is available through this provider (see below). More enhancements are planned as OCED continues to oversee this work. These enhancements will formalize roles between OCED, SAWC, SOS, and other housing partners. More details will follow in the coming months.

Do you have a policy question? Not sure if someone could be assisted or if ESG or CoC funds could be used in a certain way? Chances are, other people are wondering the same thing! Let us know and we’ll find an answer. We might feature the topic in a future newsletter so others can learn too.

CoC Updates

Tomorrow is Election Day. Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness answered some FAQs about voting while experiencing homelessness.

The City of Ann Arbor launched a new program, Supportive Connections. It aims to help people who are at-risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. The program focused on substance use, mental health, and housing issues. Participants must be over 18 and have a connection to the City of Ann Arbor. Participation is voluntary. Anyone can submit a referral, and the referral will remain confidential. Visit their website for more information or reach out to their office: (734) 794-6934.

We have some upcoming opportunities to get involved in the CoC!

• The CoC Board will meet next Wednesday, November 16th from 3-5pm. We will discuss these coordinated entry system transitions and the next steps in our CoC governance restructuring process. See you on zoom (Webinar ID: 921 4692 9162).

• The All Staff Training is November 17th from 9am-2pm. There will be sessions on equal access, housing problem solving, and securing documentation. RSVP if you haven’t already!

• The All Membership Meeting will happen on Thursday, December 8th. We plan to meet in person. Stay tuned for more information and a calendar invitation.

Our CoC recently submitted funding applications to HUD. The CoC Program funds most of our permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing. We usually receive funding from HUD to renew existing projects. SOS Community Services also submitted for a new funding for Coordinated Entry services. The CoC also applied for the Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity to Address Rural & Unsheltered Homelessness. If awarded, Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) & Avalon Housing will receive funding for new projects. SAWC applied for funding for a community health outreach worker and expansion of their recuperative care program. Avalon applied for rapid re-housing for non-chronic individuals who have experienced unsheltered homelessness. Our application materials contain detailed information about our CoC’s strategies. Check them out if you want to learn about our system of care and what we plan to improve in the next year!

Data Dive

HAWC shifted to a new phone system for the call center. This system provides data on calls that we can use to understand how many people are calling, when they are calling, and for what purpose. In October, HAWC received 1,830 calls. Higher call volume occurs in the second week of the month. Most calls are answered in less than 5 minutes, with an average wait time of 6 minutes. About one quarter of the callers were diverted and 23% received an intake/assessment. This information will be updated and shared monthly.

Spotlight on Winter Shelter

The Winter Shelter program starts today, November 7th. It will be open until around March 31st, 2023, depending on the weather. Nighttime shelter begins at 7pm. It is available at Delonis and other locations including Congregation partners. Daytime shelter in Ann Arbor is available at Delonis on weekends. Other locations, in partnership with MISSION, will open later this month. Daytime shelter in Ypsilanti is also available in partnership with the City of Ypsilanti. It is open Monday – Thursday 8am-6pm at the Freighthouse. You can get information about day shelter by calling 734-662-2829. They will tell you about the locations and when they’re open. Some daytime shelter will be available 7 days a week.

Access to shelter is still through HAWC. Call 734-961-1999 for a referral. If someone needs help after 5pm or on weekends, they can come to the Delonis Center.

Winter shelter programs keep people safe during the cold weather season. Public health protocols are in place to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Services will be available on-site, including meals, case management, and medical care. Importantly, the focus remains on finding safe, stable, and permanent housing.

Want to share a great story, staff shoutout, a new program, or something else exciting with everyone? Your organization could be next! Let us know: CoCnews@Washtenaw.org.