Adopt an inclusive emphasis to broaden "Opening Doors" homeless assistance portfolio to recognize transitional housing as a viable option
While this idea has broad implications, it specifically relates to homeless individuals who suffer from substance addictions, mental health disorders and/or co-occurring disorders ("special needs" population).
Ann Oliva (HUD) authored an article (September 2013), which appeared in the SNAPS Weekly Focus: What About Transitional Housing? In that article, Ms. Oliva stated, "HUD does not advocate the wholesale removal of one type of homeless resource in a community (like emergency shelter or transitional housing) with the replacement of another (like rapid re-housing). That would be short-sighted, and does not take into account the specific needs of communities. Transitional housing is an eligible component of the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program and can be a necessary part of a CoC's homeless assistance portfolio."
The interagency Council On Homelessness has done a good job promoting permanent housing as a resource to end homelessness. However, "Opening Doors" should consider a more inclusive emphasis in broadening its homeless assistance portfolio to encourage federal funding for other types of housing (like transitional housing) as a vital resource in the effort to end homelessness.
Promote the importance of transitional housing as a vital resource for homeless individuals who suffer from substance abuse and mental health disorders ("Special Needs" population emphasis).
Develop statistical research relative to the "special needs" population -- the correlation between homelessness and substance addictions and mental health disorders: Collaborate with SAMHSA to gather statistical research (the correlation of length of stay in treatment and recovery support with recidivism to homelessness).