Referring people to services

An outreach worker should be prepared to support people who may have many needs and or a plethora of different service seekers with specific, individual needs such as a:

Here's how you would do it. The examples used in this article are for referring a person to housing services.

Establish a rapport with the unhoused person to build trust by introducing yourself and express your willingness to help. Listen actively to understand their needs and concerns. Validate their feelings and ask clarifying questions. Do more observing vs guiding to start off. Once you build rapport, or if the person asks, then you can afford advice as appropriate. Take notes during or following your meeting so you don't forget key information.

Assess the individual's immediate and long-term housing needs by asking about their current living situation and the challenges they face. Identify any specific requirements or preferences they may have for housing such as the region and budget. Inquire into if they are looking for housing for: families, seniors, people with physical or learning disabilities, etc.

Share details about available shelters and temporary housing options by providing information on local shelters, including their locations and contact details. Explain the eligibility criteria and any requirements for accessing shelter services. Offer the resources hotline 211, so they know they can call and ask for open beds.

Many existing Non-Profits and programs utilize the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for streamlined access to housing services. Explain the CES process and its role in matching individuals with appropriate housing resources. Assist in completing any necessary assessments or forms required by the CES. Consider using this system until more streamlined, better-organized options are available. If you don't have access to the CES, partner with non-profits or other organizations who do.

Help the person gather necessary documents, for example, for housing applications by assisting in obtaining identification documents and any other paperwork required. Ensure they have proof of homelessness if needed. Give them a check list to work on while they wait for a response from housing opportunities they've applied for. They will usually need: color photo of their ID, proof of Income, proof of disability, birth certificates, and SS cards for all minors in their family.

Guide the individual through the application processes for housing programs by assisting them in filling out application forms accurately. Ensure that all required information is provided to avoid delays. Get their contact info and check in with them at least monthly to support them towards their housing goals.

Investigate rapid re-housing programs for quicker housing solutions by inquiring about rapid re-housing programs that can provide temporary financial assistance for housing. Assist in contacting relevant agencies overseeing these programs. Build partnerships with these organizations over time by supporting those you refer through these programs. In Oakland, BACS, Roots, and BOSS currently offer financial move-in assistance. Know that funding fluctuates, but is usually most abundant in January/February each year.

Share details about supportive housing programs for individuals with specific needs by identifying supportive housing options tailored to the individual's circumstances (e.g., mental health or substance use support). Explain the services offered by supportive housing programs. Build relationships with these programs for a smoother referral process.

Connect with good quality emergency shelters if immediate housing is needed. Identify these emergency shelters in the area, and get familiar with the referral process, learn the criteria for entering and how long an individual can stay. Help coordinate access to emergency shelter services, if necessary.

Collaborate with local nonprofits and service providers. Reach out to organizations specializing in homelessness prevention and housing support. Explore partnerships that can enhance the range of available services.

Educate the individual about their rights and available resources by sharing information about tenant rights and fair housing laws. Provide details about legal aid services if needed. Encourage them to communicate with their landlord via email vs over the phone if they are having issues and need a paper trail. Provide guidance on effective communication with housing service providers.

Explore Transitional Housing Programs

Look into transitional housing options for a phased approach by identifying transitional housing programs that can provide a stepping stone toward permanent housing. Discuss the benefits and requirements of transitional housing with the individual. If they are not willing to share a room, let them know they can request a room if they have severe mental health challenges or opt into a wokforce development training program like LAO Family Community Development.

Respect the individual's privacy and confidentiality. Ensure that any personal information shared is kept confidential. Be clear with the housing services recipient that our goal is to keep their information private.

Assist with transportation to housing-related appointments. Provide information on public transportation options. If possible, accompany the person to housing-related meetings or appointments to add additional support.

Maintain regular contact to provide ongoing support by following up to check on the progress of housing applications. Encourage the individual to do the same. Offer assistance with any additional paperwork or requirements, and help them remember and manage their paperwork deadlines.

Regularly assess progress and adjust strategies as needed by monitoring the individual's progress in securing housing. Be flexible in adapting your approach based on changing circumstances.

Collaborate with Community Organizations

Collaborate with community organizations dedicated to homelessness prevention by engaging with local nonprofits, community centers, and faith-based organizations. Leverage their resources, rapport with individuals and networks to enhance support. Work in collaboration on shared goals.

Housing is a key service that most of your partners will be seeking, but that is only one part of a large puzzle of services they will need. Here are guidelines on additional services you may support with.

Educate on Budgeting and Financial Literacy

Provide information on budgeting and financial management by sharing resources on budgeting and financial literacy. Offer guidance on managing finances effectively for long-term housing stability. They should prioritize their rent, and basic needs like food, and health, before purchasing extras like clothing, electronics, and entertainment. Educate them on free resources that are available to them, so they can save money. Work with them on a monthly budget and incentivize them for staying on track.

Family services

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Food security

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Career placement

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Medical resources

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**Education **

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Community

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If applicable, involve mental health and substance use services by connecting the individual with organizations offering mental health or substance use support. Emphasize the importance of addressing these issues, through treatment and the individual learning/practicing healthy coping skills for better success in their housing stability process.

Encourage Positive Lifestyle Choices

Promote overall well-being and positive lifestyle choices by encouraging the person to prioritize their physical and mental health. Highlight the interconnectedness of well-being with housing stability. Encourage their participation and connection with a positive community that can foster a sense of belonging, and support them when facing difficult times.