A new homelessness response system has launched in Idaho, giving priority to those in greatest need rather than the previous first-come, first-serve approach.
The network that engaged last month gives those in need of housing the ability to call an access point in their region and undergo a screening process over the phone or in person to determine the level of need.
Each of the state’s six regions has an access point. Sojourners’ Alliance in Moscow serves as the access point in Region 2, which includes Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Idaho, and Lewis counties.
Officials say the purpose of the new system is to connect homeless people to the right service in an objective manner using point values.
The priority population to be served would be chronically homeless individuals and families who have been homeless continuously for at least 24 consecutive months. A person fitting that description would earn 30 points during the screening process, whereas a non-chronically homeless person who has been homeless for 90 days would earn five points, or the sixth and lowest priority.
Each access point will work to coordinate referrals with a network of community providers who offer housing and other essential services. (Moscow-Pullman Daily News, picture – Chris Blakely/Flickr Creative Commons)
