The Q&A Corner: Problem Solving Access Points
This month’s most-asked questions.
Q: What is the goal of a Housing Problem Solving (HPS) conversation?
A: The goal of a Housing Problem Solving (HPS) conversation is to work collaboratively with the household to identify safe, individualized solutions that can quickly resolve their housing crisis. Through person-centered conversations, providers help households identify their strengths, support networks, available resources, and housing options to develop a plan that promotes housing stability.
Interested in learning more about the Housing Problem Solving approach? Visit our Housing Problem Solving Trainings webpage.
Q: How can I connect a household to Housing Problem Solving (HPS) support?
A: The Problem-Solving Access Point (PSAP) program is a partnership between Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF) and local nonprofit organizations that helps eligible households resolve their housing crisis through Housing Problem Solving (HPS) conversations. PSAP Navigators work collaboratively with households who are eligible based on the Coordinated Access System's Crisis Assessment to identify creative housing solutions, connect them to community resources, and determine whether financial assistance may be appropriate to support housing stability.
Depending on the household's unique circumstances, PSAP Navigators may explore options such as eviction avoidance, rental or security deposit assistance, family reunification, utility assistance, furniture and household essentials, and other housing stabilization resources.
To check for eligibility to a PSAP program, CAS Assessors can administer the Crisis Assessment to determine whether a household is eligible for referral. If eligible, the CAS Assessor will assist the household by calling 2-1-1 to initiate a referral to the PSAP program where the CAS Assessor collaborates with a PSAP Navigator. Households who are not connected with a CAS Assessor may also call 2-1-1 directly to explore available Housing Problem Solving support.
Q: Is Transitional Housing considered permanent housing?
A: No. Transitional Housing (TH) is a temporary housing intervention designed to provide stable housing and supportive services while participants work toward permanent housing. Lengths of stay typically range from 1 to 12 months, depending on the program.
Within the CAS, Transitional Housing programs generally fall into two categories:
- Programs that provide interim housing where participants do not pay rent.
- Programs that require participants to pay a reduced, below-market rent.
Both types of programs include supportive services, such as case management and life skills development, and referrals are made through the CAS referral process.
Q: If a CAS Referral Specialist contacts me about my client's documents, does that mean they are being considered for a housing opportunity?
A: Not necessarily. When a housing opportunity becomes available, CAS reviews clients in priority order and verifies that they meet the program's documentation requirements. If a client appears eligible but is missing required documents, a CAS Referral Specialist may contact the service provider to obtain them. While this means the client was reviewed, it does not guarantee a referral. We encourage providers to obtain the requested documents as soon as possible and notify CAS once they are complete so the Case Conferencing Tool can be updated with the client's current document status.
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