In November 2020, the CoC Board approved a Rapid Access to Problem Solving (RAPS) pilot project using state homelessness funding. RAPS is comprised of three main elements, which are 1) enhanced 2-1-1 services and staff to conduct assessments and make referrals to problem-solving access points; 2) increased SSF staff to support problem-solving access points and process problem-solving funding requests; and 3) problem-solving funds provided to four organizations through a competitive application process. The RAPS components were launched in phases, with the goal of completing each phase by June 2021.
In April 2021, SSF entered into contract with 2-1-1 to serve as a dedicated “front door” for people experiencing homelessness by providing a variety of new triage and housing assessments. 2-1-1 is utilizing a progressive assessment process, connecting callers to the most appropriate resource. The assessment process can result in referrals to shelter, domestic violence and/or human trafficking services, and problem-solving access points. If needed, 2-1-1 staff can also complete the VI-SPDAT assessment over the phone.
Based on 211 call data from June 1-30, 2021:
- 811 RAPS calls handled
- 76 callers referred to problem-solving access points
- 38 callers referred to an emergency shelter (Meadowview or The Grove)
- 8 callers referred to a victim service provider
With the RAPS pilot, SSF added a RAPS Specialist to the Coordinated Entry System (CES) team, dedicated to supporting the cohort of problem-solving access points with training, technical assistance, and other needs and to process problem-solving funding requests. Funding also supports the CES Analyst who aids with RAPS integration into the other CES team efforts.
Additionally, the problem-solving access points (PSAPs) began accepting appointments in June 2021. Each of the four agencies received approximately $33,000 annually to provide problem-solving resources to people who are experiencing homelessness or who meet the HUD definition of at-risk of homelessness. As of June 30, 2021, the following problem-solving funds have been used to help clients at the following agencies:
- Sacramento LGBTQ Center: $3,200 (four households)
- Sacramento Self Help Housing: $2,875 (one household)
- South Sacramento Homeless Assistance Resource Team: $6,406 (five households)
- WEAVE: $2,452 (two households)
A set of metrics evaluating the components of the RAPS pilot were developed by the CES Committee (CESC). In October 2021, staff will report to the CESC on the first two quarters of the pilot (April 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021), followed by presentation of this data and information to the full CoC Board in November 2021.
See our CoC Board meeting packet from August 13, 2021 to learn more about this project!