We do not put people anywhere. Full stop. In our systems or outside of our systems, Diversion and Rapid Resolution intervention do not ask providers to put people anywhere.
Instead, we empower people struggling with their housing to evaluate their options, given their safety, needs, and preferences.
We are navigators. We can help people understand what the housing system really looks like from the inside. This includes a realistic view of shelter options, with all the pluses and minuses of helpful supports. but challenging rules and limited access.
We are listeners. Listening can have a deep impact on people often overlooked. This can help people deescalate, build trust, and evaluate their options through narrative.
We are advocates. Understanding someone’s goals, we can act as a teammate in figuring out strategies for their short and long term success. We can help someone overcome their personal challenges not by doing it for them, but by letting people guide us in how we can help.
We are mediators. Taking a step back to value both the person we are working with and the needs and priorities of the person they are in conflict with, we can act as a neutral party in navigating complicated financial and social relationships for win-win solutions.
All of these roles center on empowerment. We do not put people anywhere. We help people decide where they want to go and then see if we can support them, financially or otherwise, to put the plan into action.