This training will explore challenges and barriers that unhoused residents and providers that support them experience in accessing, transitioning into, and maintaining housing. Current data on homelessness as well as housing types and system navigation will be reviewed alongside strategies and tools providers need to work with client readiness for housing, matching housing types to client needs, and core housing landscape navigation skills. This training will explore considerations for supporting previously unhoused or unstably housed individuals in transitioning into and staying in housing. Housing retention needs, barriers, and strategies will be reviewed, informed by core clinical approaches of recovery-oriented care, trauma informed care, and harm reduction, as well as the Housing First model. It will review factors impacting premature exit from housing including social context, aging, boredom, and mental health and/or medical conditions. Biopsychosocial assessment, practical case management, and care coordination skills will be discussed with an emphasis on considerations such as housing types (e.g., motels, sober living, board and care homes, supportive housing, and independent or family situations), financial management, eviction prevention, and tenant rights. This training is intended for field-based mental health and outreach workers. 

This training was developed in partnership with LA County DMH and focuses on the LA County housing landscape. Providers from across the state may still find this training helpful as it explores general strategies applicable across regions. More training content on housing navigation across CA state will be available on the ACT and FACT Learning Center soon.