Challenge Purpose:
Successfully divert 30 households from experiencing homelessness in EACH of the four Anchor Communities in 30 days between May 20-June 20, 2021. So in total, communities would divert 120 households in 30 days
Biggest takeaways:
Culture Shift: communities went from saying “we can’t house any more young people than we already are…” to saying “How can we house more young people?!”
A lofty goal can be achievable: Who thought it would be possible to divert 30 households in 30 days? This challenge really showed us that when Anchor Communities set their mind to something, they can do it. And it doesn’t matter how small or large the community is, sheer willpower and tenacity can mean that the smallest Anchor Community (Walla Walla!) could house many more young people than they thought was possible.
Friendly competition can light fires: When communities started to see other communities catching up with them in the data, this lit a fire under them to do more diversions. Instilling a culture of “data for improvement,” not for shaming or judgment also helps with this.
Data is important! For tracking progress, regularly communicating wins, and keeping teams motivated. The simpler the data, the better.
The Data:
We sent all HPDF providers emails twice a week with up to date data on the number of diversions they were doing so that everyone could keep track in real time. We also included diversion tips and tricks, creative examples, and other motivational content.
The Results!
86 unique young people HOUSED, using $108,000 dollars
100 total HPDF requests
40% were youth of color, 27% were LGBQ, 1% were trans or nonbinary
Creative Diversions
After this youth was exited from a different homeless services program they were left unsheltered. A community member was able and willing to take the young person in. HPDF paid for move-in costs.
A pregnant young person who was staying in unstable and unsafe housing found a more stable and safe permanent housing solution with a friend. The young person had no income but the friend said that if they could get a one time payment for move-in costs they would house the youth. HPDF was used to make a one time payment to the friend for move-in costs. This led to a permanent housing situation for the young person and her unborn child.
This young person after staying in shelter was approved and accepted into an educational program in Indiana. HPDF was used to relocate the young person to Indiana to live with family and attend her new program.
Client was taken in by a school teacher after he was released from active duty and could not come back to live with his mom. His mom was evicted from her place and lived with her boyfriend so she couldn’t have her kids stay with her. Teacher agreed to continue letting the client stay with her for a one time payment to help out with bills and food costs.