Shelter Diversion: Finding Safe and Immediate Housing Solutions

“The moment a shelter client comes to us for help, we’re talking to them about housing.” – Carlo

As our Intake and Diversion case manager, Carlo works with anyone new to our shelter. He assesses each client’s unique situation, and, if possible, safely diverts them to alternative housing so that they might only need to spend a night or two at The Mission, if any at all.

Carlo opens his office door and says with a smile: “I just diverted someone.”

Stepping into his office, he explains that a man had arrived looking for a bed. Currently living in a crowded rooming house, the man believed that staying at The Mission was the only way he could access our resources to find better housing.

Once Carlo explained that he could still receive Mission housing supports from afar via our community drop-in hours, the man departed, feeling relieved. This was a positive outcome for all – keeping the available bed free for someone with less housing options, while preventing this individual from needlessly entering the shelter system.

“I told him, keep the housing you have now. We’ll still help you find a more suitable apartment. You can count on us.”

Successfully exiting or avoiding homelessness isn’t a one-solution-fits-all scenario. The Mission has been diverting clients for the past several years. Carlo and Frontline staff are trained to divert people from our shelter when it’s safe and responsible. But those with complex needs or without safe support systems cannot simply be diverted since it may place them at risk. Thanks to your support, we can still help.

A glance around Carlo’s office demonstrates just how much additional help you provide. Mission program brochures are laid out offering addiction and trauma support, education, healthcare, job training, and much more.

As needed, Carlo connects new clients with these impactful programs. Many individuals may first need help obtaining identification or accessing social assistance before they can apply for housing. Others may self-identify as needing addiction and trauma support, while others may have already exhausted all other housing options before coming to The Mission. Carlo’s job is not to judge. It’s to assess the situation and provide the unique support required.

Thank you for helping us provide safe and sustainable exits from homelessness, no matter the person, their situation, or their unique needs.