Comparing outcomes of homeless programs in Pennsylvania
HUD homeless programs
(source: www.hudhre.info)
McKinney-Vento (SHP, S+C,
HPRP); Emergency Solutions;
HOME; CDBG
System Outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Length of time homeless
Recidivism (subsequent
return to homelessness)
Access/coverage
(thoroughness in
reaching persons who
are homeless)
Overall reduction in
number of persons who
experience homelessness
Job and income growth
for persons who are
homeless
Reduction in first time
homeless
Other accomplishments
related to reducing
homelessness
Program Outcomes: depends
on program’s intention, i.e.,
prevention, rapid rehousing,
transitional, services, etc.
Different programs will collect
data on outputs and outcomes.
Emergency Solutions Grant, PA DCED (see
“Substantial Amendment at
http://www.newpa.com/webfm_send/2216
HAP Client Report, DPW
Federal ESG program administered by PA
The following are known as outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Overall reduction in the number of
homeless households
Number of persons/households
assisted to move from ES and streets
to permanent housing
Success in reducing the number of
households who become homeless
Reduce the length of time households
remain homeless
Reduce households returning to
homelessness
Length of time providers took to
provide assistance – provider
performance
Reduction in number of first time
clients presenting for emergency
homeless assistance
Reports and data should be taken from
HMIS – therefore HMIS needs to be
able to report on measurements used
Prepared by People’s Emergency Center for HAPPN, February 2013
Proposed Block Grant
Outcomes for HAP
State general funds
The following are known as
outputs:
The following are known
as outcomes:
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Total number of
unduplicated families with
children served year-todate.
Numbers of adults and
Children served, and denied
service.
Total number of
unduplicated adult-only
households
How many adults resided in
these households?
How many were veterans?
How many unduplicated
adults were referred to or
from your agency or are
currently receiving MH
services?
How many unduplicated
adults were referred to or
from your agency or are
currently receiving D&A
services?
How many unduplicated
adults were referred to or
2.
Known
Destination for
clients upon exit
or verified
connection to
permanent
housing.
Increased
participation by
homeless
individuals in
mainstream
systems (health
care,
employment, etc.)
Comparing outcomes of homeless programs in Pennsylvania
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
from your agency or are
currently receiving Domestic
Violence services?
How many were employed
at the point of intake?
How many adults received
Rental Assistance for more
than one housing crisis
during their 24-month
period?
how many adults received a
combined Rental
Assistance/ESA payment?
Total number of adults &
children for which eviction
was resolved (nearhomeless served).
Total units of service
provided in Mass and
Individual Shelters.
Proposal to Make HAP Reporting Guidelines be Outcomes not Outputs and Make HAP reporting consistent with ESG and McKinney - Governor
Thomas Corbett broke a six-year trend by not proposing to cut the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP). Instead, he is proposing to “level-fund” HAP, i.e., provide the same
amount as the current fiscal year, which is $18.6 million. Since the Commonwealth is still having fiscal problems, we are not sure that a campaign to seek more funds would be
successful at this time. However, since the Administration still intends to fold HAP into the Human Services Development Block Grant, we should be very concerned about
DPW’s guidelines for the program.
Currently, providers send to their county the number of people served and other demographic data. Amazingly, PA does not require outcome data, unlike outcomes required by
ESG, McKinney Vento and other homeless programs. Without outcomes, neither the Commonwealth, the counties, and providers can demonstrate effective use of public
funds. Many of us think this is one reason why HAP is so easy to cut – no one can demonstrate that anything really bad happens. One way to avoid this is to require HAP to
produce measureable outcomes. Take a look at the attachments. One document compares outcomes in HAP, ESG, and McKinney, and then proposed outcomes for HAP.
Prepared by People’s Emergency Center for HAPPN, February 2013