In 2021, the last Diversion Data Deep dive examined how Diversion and Rapid Resolution practices were performing in Connecticut. At this time, five years of data from 2016-2020 was available. With updated data through 2023, we can examine how the post-pandemic period may have affected systems and Diversion rates.
As explained in the previous article, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) has some of the most comprehensive data available on shelter diversion. Through their Data Dashboards statewide information is available, divided into seven Coordinated Access regions from 2016 until present. A regional map of the Coordinated Access regions can be found here. Connecticut’s data resources are chosen because it is the best quality and quantity of publicly available data on Diversion. This article is not intended to present Connecticut as an ideal approach, but instead answer what Diversion results may be possible over the long term.
Findings
In the post-pandemic landscape, many communities across Connecticut appear to have lost ground in the mission to end homelessness. As homelessness has ticked up in 2022 and 2023, the number of Coordinated Access Network (CAN) appointments, a central point for Diversion and Rapid Resolution conversations, has gone down significantly and, in turn, Diversion rates have also declined.
The consistency across regions adds to the confidence that these trends are beyond the efforts of any one region and have their roots in state-wide, national, and macroeconomic housing trends. From 2016 to 2020, Diversion rates had increased from 16.83% to 42.48%. Since 2020, the average Diversion rate across regions has declined to 29.74%. While this decrease of over 10% is concerning, overall a Diversion rate close to 30% still merits a significant accomplishment. The intervention still assists nearly a third of all people presenting for shelter to make alternative options possible.
The count’s methodology changed in 2021 because of the pandemic.
Chart: Ginny Monk / CT MirrorSource: Advancing CT Together Get the dataCreated with Datawrapper
Overall
Diversion & Rapid Resolution only happen when the system is organized to make time and space for the conversations. The Connecticut’s housing system and vulnerable populations, like those across the country, felt the loss of federal COVID aid. There are many reasons, such as funding cuts and demand surge, that might have led to a decline in the appointments where Diversion and Rapid Resolution take place. While lack of affordable housing plays a role, one clear change that occurred between 2022 and 2023 was the decline in hours offered by United Way’s 211 housing hotline from 24/7 to weekday business hours.4 As a result, the system no longer has a single “front door” and consistent Diversion data and successes may have fallen.
Perhaps these results reflect growing pains for a systemic change that will ultimately improve services across the state of Connecticut. Perhaps this will be an important indicator in support of the reversal of changes that ultimately led to a negative impact on ending homelessness in Connecticut. While it is challenging to explore changes when the costs affect so many vulnerable families and individuals, ultimately the passionate and dedicated advocates are helping to provide insights that may benefit communities across the country.
Investing in Diversion makes an impact, even in hard times. Rates aren’t always increasing and every system is vulnerable to shocks from policy changes and economic conditions. Despite these conditions, Diversion successes have assisted almost a third of people presenting for shelter to make other situations possible.
Provider Burnout. Hard times lead to more hard conversations. People fielding these tough conversations require not only training, but support to alleviate the emotional strain of these encounters. To have to explore every option with a family seeking safe shelter, but finding no alternative can be emotionally taxing for staff.
Looking to the Future…
Data Helps Guide Systems:
I am grateful to Connecticut for publicly providing long-run data that can help us understand Diversion and Rapid Resolution over time, across a diverse region. These resources help guide partners across the country to develop policies and systems around secondary prevention strategies as best practices develop. More communities should strive to make data systems transparent and promote shared learning.
Holistic System Solutions:
Time for a fresh pledge: The constant calls to “End Homelessness” can become a drone for anyone who has been part of the housing and homelessness landscape through the constant calls to build momentum. The focus of these efforts is often on housing people that are languishing in shelter, investing in housing those suffering from the most challenging circumstances such as being unsheltered or in encampments. While all efforts to alleviate the most acute suffering are important, these upstream solutions are essential to bringing down the number of people who become that vulnerable over time.
If you are aware of additional sources of publicly available data, please let us know!
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