The Behavioral Health Advisory Committee’s Housing Subcommittee hosted a meeting to discuss recommendations on how to improve 2-1-1. See the agenda and resources below
TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (BHAC) Housing Subcommittee:
2-1-1 Recommendations Workgroup
April 25, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Teleconference
& 701 W 51st Street, Austin, TX 78751 – Room 410E
Agenda
- Welcome……………………………………………………………………………… Danny Shea
- Review Initial Recommendations and Process to Date………………… Carissa Dougherty
- Defining Terms: “Transitional Housing” and “Semi-Independent Living Residences for Adults with Disabilities”…………………………………………………………… All Members
- Establishing Work Plan…………………………………………………………….. All Members
- Action Items/Next Steps……….…………………………………………………….. Danny Shea
Question: How can TIRN 2-1-1’s taxonomy terms be presented so that the general public can better understand these programs and how to access them?
| Taxonomy: Transitional Housing |
| Definition: Programs that provide extended shelter and supportive services primarily for homeless individuals and/or families with the goal of helping them live independently and transition into permanent housing. Some programs require that the individual/family be transitioning from a short-term emergency shelter. The length of stay varies considerably by program. It is generally longer than two weeks but typically 60 days or more and, in many cases, up to two years or more. The supportive services may be provided directly by the organization managing the housing or may be coordinated by them and provided by other public or private agencies. Transitional housing/shelter is generally provided in apartment style facilities with a higher degree of privacy than short-term homeless shelters; may be provided at no cost to the resident; and may be configured for specialized groups within the homeless population such as people with substance abuse problems, homeless mentally ill, homeless domestic violence victims, veterans or homeless people with AIDS/HIV. In some cases, a “transition in place” option allows families to continue living in the same complex (if not the same unit) where their transitional housing unit is located when they are ready to move to permanent housing. In other cases, the permanent housing option is either public housing or private rental housing supported by a tenant-based voucher subsidy. Included are post-domestic violence shelter housing programs that make affordable rental housing (or other accommodations) available to women, generally those who are coming directly out of a domestic violence shelter or other crisis shelter, often in apartment complexes owned by the shelter; and programs that provide transitional housing and support services for other targeted groups such as military and veteran families and others who need a temporary supportive living environment to maintain stability and begin to thrive. |
| Taxonomy: Semi-Independent Living Residences for Adults with Disabilities |
| Definition: Programs that provide housing in a group setting for adults with developmental disabilities, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities or multiple disabilities in facilities like small homes, apartment buildings, condominiums or agency-owned complexes which may be staffed to provide functional skills training and on-site supportive services. Residents generally have basic self-help skills or take responsibility for employing and supervising aides to assist them in meeting their personal needs. Staff may be available on a 24-hour basis or only occasionally depending on the specific needs of residents. Included are short-term transitional programs for people who are preparing for supported or totally independent living as well as long-term programs for people who may want to be permanent residents. |