Our work: Homelessness

Welcome to our newest addition to the blog - OUR WORK! Each month (or thereabouts), we will deep-dive into one aspect of our work and give you all the details. This might be a specific population of folks we work with, a specific service we provide, or a partnership that we have!

Our work is so varied, so multifaceted, and so individualized that it's often hard to be succinct! We're hoping these deep dives will give you a glimpse into how we operate and inspire you to ask questions and support our effort. ❤️

What happens when someone experiencing homelessness comes to see Thrive?

As with any initial meeting with Thrive, we start with getting to know each other and building a relationship. We find out what brought someone to see us, express gratitude to them for showing up for themselves in this way, and honor the bravery it took to seek help.

If they are experiencing homelessness and seeking housing, there are a few things we know we want to cover:

• Does their living situation qualify as Literally Homeless under the HUD definition? (If so, this may open up options for connections to programs with this requirement)

• Explain the Coordinated Entry System (CES). This is a centralized, community-wide intake process designed to quickly identify, assess, refer, and connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

• Conduct a Housing Equity Assessment Tool (HEAT) if they are interested in CES.

• Share and talk through our detailed Shelter Resource Sheets - if desired.

• Start a conversation about their long-term goals - do they want to start applying for affordable housing? Do they want help with employment or increasing their income? Do they need help connecting to health insurance?

This is just the tip of the iceberg, really! If folks talk to us about needing food, a safer place to stay, sunscreen, a tent, clothes, laundry, pet care - we go from there. We often also ask situational questions as well - "Are you able to get the food you need?" "Is there anything that could make your location safer for you?"

Oftentimes we aren't able to get to everything they want in one 30-minute drop-in. This is why building relationships first is so crucial! After an overview of what we can offer and assist with, folks are welcome to come back as soon as they like to keep working on their goals.

Want to find out more about what sustainable housing assistance with Thrive looks like? See our helpful graphic below.