Prevention and Diversion
Backed Into A Corner: How prevention and diversion methods help end homelessness when
community resources cannot.
Prevention/Diversion Strategies
Housing Crisis Level 1 – a serious event has occurred that could end in homelessness
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Examples of events that cause a Housing Crisis Level 1:
Loss of job
Medical leave from work
Laid off
Family crisis
Decrease in income
Seizure or garnishment of assets
Problems with landlord
Severe overcrowding
Incarceration or criminal charges
Physical or mental health problems
Violence or abuse occurring in the household
Alcohol or substance abuse issues
Other
Information needed for proper diversion/prevention methods:
 Description of the situation/circumstances
 Income sources
 Monthly housing costs
 Household demographics
 Landlord/Rental agency information
 Tenancy information (“Where did you stay last night?”)
◦ Duration at current dwelling
◦ Type of lease or living arrangement
◦ Type of dwelling (hotel, rental, mobile home, etc.)
◦ Late payment policy
◦ Consistency of timely rent or mortgage payments
◦ Relationship with landlord
◦ Nature of last communication with landlord
◦ Rental arrears, if any
 Employment status/information
 Location of current residence (city or county)
 Current community resources being utilized
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Prevention Methods - Housing Crisis Level 1:
 Gather necessary information
 Provide crisis resolution
 Educate service recipient about tenant rights/responsibilities
 Explain timeline and process of eviction
 Establish communication with landlord
 Refer to proper programs or resources
◦ Rental assistance
◦ Financial classes/coaching
◦ Community resources that reduce living costs
◦ Essential needs (food, clothing, transportation, etc.)
◦ Health services and/or treatment
◦ Employment or job training/education
◦ Sources of income
◦ Benefits or suspending luxuries to help offset income (“free up cash”)
◦ Legal aid/assistance
◦ Other
 Attempt to “buy time” for problem solving
 Empower service recipient to find alternative solutions
 Create a housing stability plan, rental repayment plan, etc.
 Advocate if necessary
 Create a plan for Housing Crisis Level 2
Housing Crisis Level 2 – a serious event has occurred that could end in homelessness AND a
notice has been given by the landlord/owner of the property
Examples of events that cause a Housing Crisis Level 2:
 Any of Housing Crisis Level 1 examples AND
 3 day notice to pay or vacate
 3 day notice for waste or nuisance
 10 day notice to comply or vacate
 20 day notice to terminate residency (“no-cause”)
 Summons and Complaint
 Unlawful Detainer/Lawsuit
 Foreclosure
 Housing has been condemned
Information needed for proper diversion/prevention methods:
 All of Housing Crisis Level 1 information AND
 Clarification of notice type and specifications
 Date notice was given
 Legal services utilized, if any
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Prevention Methods - Housing Crisis Level 2:
 Utilize prevention methods for Housing Crisis Level 1 as possible solutions
 Evaluate eligibility for programs, resources, benefits, income sources, etc. that require a
notice from the landlord/owner of the property
 Create a plan for Housing Crisis Level 3, including diversion
Housing Crisis Level 3– a serious event has occurred that is expected to end in homelessness
within 14 days (imminent risk of homelessness)
Examples of events that cause a Housing Crisis Level 3
 Any of Housing Crisis Level 1 and 2 examples AND
 Court ordered eviction (irreversible)
 Final foreclosure notice
 Release from jail, imprisonment, or inpatient facility
 Exit date from shelter or housing program
 Any other definite or final notice to vacate within 14 days
Information needed for proper diversion methods (prevention not applicable):
 All of Housing Crisis Level 1 and 2 information AND
 Exact date of release or exit into homelessness
Diversion Methods – Housing Crisis Level 3:
 Utilize prevention methods above as possible solutions
 Explore temporary housing solutions
◦ Emergency shelter
◦ Family/friends
◦ Conflict mediation
◦ Advocacy (include ways to contribute to family/friends’ living costs, maintenance, and/or
repairs)
◦ Written agreement
◦ Housing program
◦ Other
 Explore permanent housing solutions
o Fair market housing
◦ Refer to resources for housing location and application assistance
 Rental unit openings
 Sympathetic landlords
 Landlord approach etiquette
 First steps/starting point for locating housing
◦ Create landlord portfolio
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 References
 Explanation of barriers
 Plan for prevention of future evictions
- Programs or services
- Income generating sources/benefits
- Support system
o Permanent supportive housing
o Other
 Prepare for homelessness survival if needed
 Storage of possessions
 Alternative care of children or pets
 Access to supplies and survival resources
 Plan location of “campsite”
 Discuss safety and security measures
 Plan for engagement into services for the homeless
Eviction Information:
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If no lease (month to month), either party may give a 20 day “no cause notice at any
time
All notices must be served in person OR posted and mailed
Rent may be due at various times and there may be a grace period and/or late fees
involved
Eviction usually takes from 2 weeks to over 1 month, depending on court dates and
landlord follow-through
Landlords must give a notice for storage of possessions after evicting a tenant
The time it takes the sheriff to remove tenants after a decision against them in court is
5-10 days
“Hotels” and other similar types of housing have different rules and are not usually
bound by landlord-tenant laws
Mobile home parks and other “spaces for rent” follow different eviction processes than
“normal” rentals
Individuals “couch surfing” may not have any rights to remain and may have the police
call on them or may be served an Unlawful Detainer (lawsuit)
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