Homeless Treatment Program - SSG/HOPICS proposes the Homeless Treatment Program (HTP) to provide SUD/COD treatment for single adults experiencing homelessness in the South region of Los Angeles County. HTP will provide evidence-based, trauma-informed SUD/COD treatment and recovery support in the field – integrated with case management, harm reduction, and housing services – to address the high rate of SUD/COD among the population of focus and bridge existing service gaps.
HTP will target single adults (18+) with substance use disorders (SUD) or co-occurring disorders (COD) who are experiencing homelessness, prioritizing those who are unsheltered and living in encampments. These adults will be predominately Black and Latino, approximately 60% male and 40% female, very low-income, and have experienced a myriad of risks and trauma associated with homelessness and behavioral health disorders, including but not limited to overdose, infectious disease, chronic homelessness, victimization and abuse, and criminal justice system involvement.
The project will conduct people-centered, progressive outreach and engagement throughout homeless encampments in the region, as well as at local interim housing sites. As part of outreach and engagement, HTP will provide evidence-based harm reduction such as syringe exchange, overdose prevention education, and naloxone distribution and training. The project will conduct screening for eligibility and comprehensive assessment to guide enrollment and treatment planning. Eligible individuals will be enrolled in SUD/COD treatment services, as well as case management, housing services, and other recovery support. HTP will utilize the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) as the SUD/COD treatment intervention. SSG/HOPICS will also leverage its regional leadership role in homeless services to establish a project Steering Committee that is integrated into an existing Community Design Team.
HTP will serve 35 individuals in year 1 and 45 per year in years 2-5, for a total of 215 served over the five-year project. The project aims to achieve the following goals and associated objectives by the end of year 5:
1. Increase connections to and participation in behavioral health, harm reduction, and supportive services through outreach and engagement. HTP will provide outreach and engagement to 1,375 individuals experiencing homelessness, harm reduction services for 640 individuals, and referrals to needed resources for 100% of individuals engaged during outreach.
2. Expand access to evidence-based, culturally competent SUD/COD treatment. HTP will screen 700 individuals for SUDs and/or CODs, provide evidence-based SUD/COD treatment to 215 individuals, and link all eligible clients to additional treatment services, including MAT. Among clients who participate in TREM, at least 50% will report reduced substance use, at least 70% will report enhanced coping skills, and at least 70% will report a reduction in mental health/trauma symptoms.
3. Promote recovery, health, and housing stability through case management and housing navigation services. Among clients who participate in TREM, 100% will be enrolled in the local Coordinated Entry System for housing support, will be offered case management services that support recovery, and will be offered housing navigation services. Of these clients, at least 40% will have secured permanent and stable housing within 12 months of enrollment; and at least 80% of those not already connected to benefits will be enrolled in appropriate programs at discharge.