Page 13 - LTHC Publics Catalog, Spring 2018 Update

LTHC and COORDINATED ENTRY

Situational Homelessness Chronic Homelessness

When guests first arrive at LTHC, they complete an assessment process that includes an examination of
their vulnerability index. The higher the score, the further to the right on the spectrum that guest is, and vice versa.
Where an individual or family lands on the continuum determines which type of approach the staff of LTHC will
take in working to rehouse that person or family.

Rapid rehousing is the most viable option for those nearer
the Situational Homelessness end of the continuum. LTHC
defines the situationally homeless person as just that, someone
whose current situation means that they are currently experienc-
ing homelessness or are living in a state of the imminent threat
of homelessness. These are the individuals who are typically able
to financially and emotionally support themselves in their every
day lives, including providing housing. However, when unexpect-
ed circumstances occur, sometimes individuals face a harder fi-
nancial hit than they can take or have saved up for. In cases of
emergency, the unforeseen hospital bill or the cost of repairing a vehicle after a crash might push someone to face
the potential of homelessness. These individuals typically spend less time with LTHC Homeless Services than their
chronic counterparts, and once they successfully completed their individualized service plan with an LTHC Homeless
Services Case Manager, they are equipped with the skills and resources to get back on their feet and maintain a new
housing situation.

On the other end of the spectrum, people who are experiencing chronic homelessness have character traits,
physical or mental disabilities, and other socially and financially inhibiting characteristics that keep them
from being able to support themselves on a regular basis. While these individuals are chronically in need of
homeless assistance, they are also often in need of assistance with day-to-day maintenance functions such as managing
finances, dealing with addiction, interviewing for and keeping employment, learning to pay rent and other bills, etc.
More often than not, people in chronic states of homelessness are those who struggle with mental or physical health,
addictions and dependencies, and do not have the means or the ability on their own to break the cycle of poverty and
homelessness. These individuals, scoring the highest on the vulnerability index and typically unsuccessful in
the rapid rehousing program, qualify for LTHC Homeless Services’ permanent supportive housing.

LTHC’s three permanent supportive housing locations.

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