HEARTH Act

In preparation for the implementation of the HEARTH Act of 2009, TCHC has projects underway to prepare our CoC to meet the new goals. Read more about the HEARTH Act under Homeless Resources or a summary by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

FIRST 30 DAYS PROJECT

One of the goals of the HEARTH Act is "ensuring that no family is homeless for more than 30 days" ( http://www.endhomelessness.org/files/2098_file_HEARTH_Act_Summary_FINAL_6_8_09.pdf). Because this is a very high standard for our Continuum, we have begun looking at what the first 30 days of homelessness currently looks like in our community.

By analyzing the first 90 days of HMIS data for new homeless, we hope to identify key services, agencies, and demographics that translate to early success. We believe the data will also point out gaps in service and training. Some of the questions we are asking are:

• How can we enhance HMIS to accurately record services and minimize client duplication?
• How do agencies compare in number of services per client?
• What are predictors for housing within 30 days? Within 90 days?
• Do services decrease over time?
• How often do our clients receive case management? Does this depend on the agency? Is it a predictor for housing?
• Does the day of the month matter to number of client services?
• Does family size have an impact on services or housing?

The best practices that this research identifies will help us plan the steps that our CoC needs to take in order to meet HUD's goal.