Housing Initiative Program (HIP)
The Coordinating Center works in a cooperative arrangement with Montgomery County, Maryland's Department of Housing and Human Services (DHHS) to provide service coordination and supportive services to formerly homeless individuals through the Housing Initiative Program (HIP). HIP uses a “Housing First” model, providing immediate access to permanent supported housing directly from a shelter setting. HIP is person-centered and is part of Montgomery County’s strategic plan to end chronic homelessness.
All referrals are received from Montgomery County DHHS. Individuals housed through the HIP program are offered choices in the types and frequency of services. To apply for services individuals must meet certain technical and financial requirements. Participation in the program continues for as long as an individual chooses, provided they continue to meet basic eligibility requirements and they meet basic rental requirements. These include:
- Paying rent on time
- Maintaining the property
- Living on the property
The county provides a subsidy to help the individual with paying rent. The amount of the subsidy is based on a generous formula that is related to the person`s income. Sources of income include public funding, such as SSI and traditional Social Security.
Population Served and Eligibility Criteria
The people who are served through HIP generally have chronic healthcare needs. People may experience such diagnoses as asthma, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and diabetes. Regardless of the cause, the primary issue is homelessness. By working with a Service Coordinator, the individual has an opportunity to overcome barriers to successful tenancy and to become self-sufficient in accessing medical care and community resources.
Services Provided
- Good Tenant Training
- Intensive community-based care coordinating to assist the member in accessing all appropriate medical, health and social services.
- Resource coordination and the development of relationships with helping organizations for assistance with basic needs like food, household furnishings and transportation.
- Linking the individual to community supports of their choosing, providing opportunities for continued growth and success.
- Helping the individual to learn again how to be fully included in their community.
Street to Home Program
Street to Home Program is an innovative housing-first collaboration linking service coordination, outreach, and medical service providers directly with those who have been considered as difficult or unable to be housed, with the goal of quickly moving from unsheltered to permanent supportive housing living.
Howard County Permanent Supportive Housing Program
For additional information about the Coordinated Entry System of Homeless Services, contact Alexandra Hartfield the Coordinated Entry Manager at 410-313-0224 (voice/relay) or ahartfield@howardcountymd.gov.
For additional information, contact HIP Program Director, Priscilla Lissik at 410-987-1048 .
Let us know how we can help!
If you have questions about services or programs of The Coordinating Center please contact us at any time. Our staff are ready to assist you.
