PROBLEM SOLVING INTERVENTION
WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING?
Housing Problem-Solving is a person-centered, housing-focused approach that is a creative, flexible, safe, and cost-effective solution to quickly resolving a housing crisis. It uses conversation as an empowerment tool to explore a household’s capabilities, strengths, and natural supports. During a problem-solving conversation, the aim is to explore the household’s social supports, resources, and human capital to prevent or quickly resolve their episode of homelessness, without the need for further support from the Coordinated Entry System.
STRATEGIES IN PROBLEM-SOLVING:
- Active Listening
- Conflict Mediation (with landlord or friends/family)
- Reality Testing
- Thinking outside the box
- Problem-Solving Assistance Funds
5 TYPES OF PROBLEM SOLVING OUTCOMES
The goal of Problem-Solving is to have an organic conversation with the household in attempt to identify a quick/creative resolution, or to connect to the most appropriate resource. Problem-Solving conversations explore whether a household can:
- Maintain their unit
- Move in with friends/family temporarily
- Move in with friends/family permanently
- Reunify to a safe place out of town
- Move into a new, sustainable unit
PROBLEM-SOLVING ASSISTANCE FUNDS (PSAF)
The goal of the Problem-Solving Intervention is to use the least amount of financial assistance to support the housing crisis. Problem-Solving taps into the strengths and resources of the household first. One-time financial assistance is available to support households in identifying a Problem-Solving outcome. PSAF are only eligible for literally homeless, imminently at risk, or households fleeing domestic/intimate partner violence within Area Median Income that can identify a Problem Solving outcome. Financial assistance categories include:
- Rental arrears
- Rental assistance
- Security deposit
- Car repair
- Utility assistance
- Host Household Assistance
- Miscellaneous (creativity is encouraged!)
WHO CAN ACCESS PSAF?
Homeless service case managers and key partner staff trained by LAHSA’s Problem-Solving Team. There is a pathway for staff to request for financial assistance on behalf of participants through and outside of HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). Staff are trained at elected offices, small non-profits, schools/colleges, faith-based organizations, etc.
PROBLEM-SOLVING IS NOT
- A program
- Ongoing financial support
- A barrier to the coordinated entry system
- Going to resolve every household’s housing crisis
WHY IS PROBLEM-SOLVING IMPORTANT?
There are many pathways into homelessness and many pathways out of homelessness. Not all households need the same amount of assistance to prevent or exit homelessness. There are not enough housing resources for the crisis in Los Angeles County. There are limited subsidies and housing is incredibly unaffordable. Problem-Solving is a strengths-based and cost-effective strategy to support households from needing ongoing resources. This saves available resources for those who have no alternatives and prevents households from experiencing the unintentional trauma caused by the Coordinated Entry System.
WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE?
Join us for Housing Problem Solving Trainings each month to learn how to use problem solving strategies in your community.
LINK: LAHSA CENTRALIZED TRAINING ACADEMY
*Community partners without HMIS access, please join us for Problem Solving for Key Partners (non-HMIS users) training using the link above.
CONTACT US: problem-solving@lahsa.org
NOTE: Contact information is for service providers only.