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Low Barrier Shelter Report
Anne Mannix, Housing Matters, LLC
Betsy Benito, High Ground Partners, LLC
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Overview
Sources: National Alliance to End Homelessness, Interviews with existing Low Barrier Shelter Operators, Point in Time Count, Shelter Design Guidelines by BC Housing
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Low Barrier Basics
Creates flexible and predictable 24/7 access for people seeking shelter, specifically for people with active mental health or substance use conditions, who don’t easily access traditional
shelter
Services are designed to engage using Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care
Accommodates self-defined kinship groups and pets
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System Capacity for Low Barrier Shelter
Supports placement coordination with street outreach, healthcare, and local public safety partners
Responds to needs of individuals with more complex service needs
Aligns intake with coordinated entry and outreach services, identifying chronic and vulnerable individuals/families
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What is different about Low Barrier Shelter?
Low Barrier shelter
Traditional shelter
Access
Case Management and Services
Exit to PSH (addressing flow into and out of shelter)
Substance Use (behavioral expectations for those residing in the shelter)
Safety and Order
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Low Barrier Shelter Models
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Analysis of Need
Unmet Shelter Need Based on the Point in Time Count
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If a shelter is built, what are some characteristics to look for?
Workable site with at least 2-3 acres of
land.
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Design Characteristics
Beds – Avoid bunk beds.
Maximum of 4 beds per room.
Fewer residents per room reduces conflict, increases resident privacy and reduces stress.
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Community Spaces:
Community Room that is comfortable and easy to clean.
Storage lockers for resident belongings.
Kitchen – congregate meals.
Resident cooking area.
Pet crates.
Bed bug room
Office(s) with privacy. Copier. Locked file cabinets.
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Staffing Considerations
24-7 coverage of site manager
Case Manager – 1 per 20 residents, plus part-time program supervisor.
Prioritize assessment for Coordinated Entry
Maintenance and janitorial staff can be shared across multiple sites as applicable
Avoid formal security staff. If security is hired, they do not engage tenants as it can be threatening.
Train staff in de-escalation practices
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Safety management
Use front desk staff to monitor front doors with buzzers and security cameras.
Set clear expectations for residents on their rights and responsibilities
Have dedicated outdoor space for smoking and a break from congregate setting
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Timeline for Development or Rehab
Estimated 2 to 3 years
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Examples of Low Barrier Shelters:
Lafayette Engagement Center
First floor is the Engagement Center with a day shelter, 31 shelter beds and
40 units of permanent supportive housing on the upper floors.
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Lafayette Engagement Center Floor Plan
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Lafayette: Building Features
- 10 crisis beds in rooms of 5 beds each.
- 4 medical respite beds.
- 17 interim housing beds in pods with walls to don’t go all the way up to the ceiling and no doors.
Six individual bathrooms with shower, sink, toilet. Shared with the day center.
Service animals stay in crates in the owner’s rooms. Companion animals find other housing.
Families stay in hotel rooms.
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Lafayette Engagement Center: Staffing
2 case managers paid $34,000 per year + benefits. Additional staff for day shelter clients.
Front desk staff 24-7 plus one supervisor during the day.
Security officer to manage disputes from 3:00 to 11:00. Officer doesn’t put their hands on residents. Officer also available for area outside the shelter.
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2nd Example: Faith Mission, Elkhart
A Modified Housing First/Rescue Mission Approach
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Variety of Programs Offered
75 bed dormitory style low barrier shelter
72 bed program beds (dorm style being renovated to individual rooms.)
Twelve tiny house shelter units for those with special needs.
Women with children in eleven apartments
on an adjacent site. Another 11-unit apartment building being rehabbed.
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Housing First
Shelter
Characteristics
Entry Criteria
Behavioral characteristics.
Self care.
No open warrants.
Breathalyzer to avoid alcohol poisoning.
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Faith Mission: Shelter Housing First Characteristics
24-7 Entry
Services are available including referrals.
Walk-in meals.
Residents can transfer to the program area.
Mike Perez – “This is the best thing we ever did. This has strengthened our programs and gives people a choice. People in the program area really want to be there”
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Staffing
24-hour resident checkpoint staff person.
Six case managers for shelter beds and program beds.
Staff use de-escalation techniques and do not intervene directly.
Strong volunteer component.
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