Homelessness Program Model Comparisons

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Housing (DOH), Office of Homeless Initiatives (OHI) works with local, state, and federal stakeholders to build, promote, and support collaborative approaches to make homelessness rare, brief, and one-time in Colorado. OHI’s vision is to advance a broad continuum of solutions that combines affordable housing with accessible services so no one languishes in homelessness. This OHI document describes program models, parameters, and priorities for responding to and resolving homelessness. DOH and OHI use this document to guide funding opportunities and decisions, as applicable based on funding eligibility and availability. The document is a live document and will be edited periodically.

Our Approach to All Program Models

OHI’s approach to implementing any homelessness program is rooted in evidence-based philosophies and guidelines, including:

• Utilize Housing-Focused Models: Housing-focused models recognize housing as a prerequisite to stability and health. The model adheres to Housing First, which prioritizes housing and voluntary supportive services. The approach is guided by the understanding that basic needs, such as food and housing, are a platform upon which individuals can achieve personal goals. Housing First is not just an individual or agency philosophy. It is also a coordinated, systems-wide approach. Unlike “Housing Ready”, “Housing Next”, or “Treatment First”, Housing First positions housing as an immediate priority for individuals experiencing homelessness. Numerous models or strategies complement Housing First, such as low-barrier programming, trauma-informed approaches, harm reduction, individual choice, and others. 
• Apply Real-Time, Quality Data: Real-time, quality data allows organizations and communities to understand the scale of homelessness, determine whether strategies are driving down the number of people experiencing homelessness, and improve programs, policies, and systems. Additionally, real-time, quality data can capture information regarding inequities and disparities; improve accountability and transparency; create a shared understanding of individual housing needs, housing options, and strategic resource allocation; allow organizations to understand how their services interact with each other and with other systems (e.g., inflow into homelessness and outflow out of homelessness); streamline access to services and service delivery; prevent inefficiencies, such as retroactive data entry and data user errors; and be leveraged to build cross-sector partnerships.
• Advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility: Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) are terms related to outreach to and inclusion of diverse communities, organizations, and individuals who identify with diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to ethnicity, race, language, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and ability. In alignment with IDEA efforts, OHI is committed to undoing inequities that create and perpetuate disparate outcomes that are evident among homelessness in Colorado. OHI promotes programs that center lived experiences of homelessness and related systems in leadership and decision-making, program development, and program implementation.
• Encourage Community-Wide Collaboration: Collaboration is central to making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time for those who experience it. For that reason, OHI partners with non-profits, local governments, Continuum of Care entities (CoCs), and a variety of internal and external stakeholders. OHI encourages collaboration within communities and across regions, including coordination of services and active partnerships with CoCs. Additionally, most OHI programs require participation in the local Coordinated Entry System and the use of the statewide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).