Definitions

On our website, you might find phrases or terms you are unfamiliar with. In this section, you can find definitions to help you better understand the systems, services, and practices put to use by our community.
Systems-Level Definitions will provide a better understanding of terms relevant for providers and others who are facilitating systems-level work.
Best Practices Definitions describe ideal approaches for providing services to people experiencing homelessness.
General Definitions help the public to better understand the different services people experiencing homelessness may receive from providers.

Systems-Level Definitions

Case Management

Housing-focused case management is a method of providing personalized support to individuals, couples, or families facing urgent housing challenges. The staff collaborates with clients to identify and connect them with additional resources available in the community, such as mainstream services, benefit services, food assistance programs, and childcare resources. The services offered are voluntary, centered around housing needs, and tailored to suit the unique needs of each household. If more services are required to achieve housing stability, services can be progressively increased through continuous engagement.

Chronically Homeless

There are three categories of people who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of chronically homeless.

A homeless individual with a disability who:
1. Lives in a place not meant for human habitation or in an emergency shelter; and
a. Has been homeless (as described above) continuously for at least 12 months or on at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years where the combined occasions must total at least 12 months.
b. Occasions separated by a break of at least seven nights.
c. Stays in an institution of fewer than 90 days do not constitute a break.
2. An individual who has been residing in an institutional care facility for fewer than 90 days and met all of the criteria in paragraph (1) of this definition, before entering that facility; or
3. A family with an adult head of household (or if there is no adult in the family, a minor head of household) who meets all of the criteria in (1) or (2) of this definition, including a family whose composition has fluctuated while the head of household has been homeless.

Continuum of Care (CoC)

A federally required organization that coordinates federal funding and ensures compliance with federal law. The CoC lead agency in Memphis and Shelby County is Community Alliance for the Homeless. Our CoC is overseen by a governing council, and carries out the primary responsibilities of a CoC as identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Title 24 of the federal code of regulations:

1. Ensure collection of homeless system performance data (a “Homeless Management Information System” or HMIS)
2. Establish and operate a coordinated needs assessment and referral process (“Coordinated Entry”)
3. Perform analysis to identify gaps in regional homeless services needs.

Coordinated Entry System (CES)

A collaborative community response to anyone experiencing homelessness. In Memphis & Shelby County, it provides streamlined and equitable access to housing interventions for people experiencing homelessness.

HMIS: Homeless Management Information System

A software application accessible through the internet. The primary function of HMIS is to capture and maintain individual-level data related to the service needs and history of households experiencing homelessness within a Continuum of Care jurisdiction. This system is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist in the provision of housing and services to those experiencing homelessness. The information collected through HMIS is used to track and coordinate services, measure performance, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs aimed at ending homelessness.

NOFO

Notice of funding opportunity. This is the alert that will make potential applicants aware that funding opportunities have become available.

Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

An annual count of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on a single night in January.

Self-Resolved

Clients who have located a housing solution on their own accord and no longer require ongoing support or access to community resources.

Best Practice Definitions

Diversion

Diversion refers to an approach that aims to prevent long-term homelessness by diverting individuals from emergency shelter and addressing their immediate needs. This intervention involves using flexible financial resources, such as funds for back rent, transportation, utilities, and deposits, to help individuals overcome their current housing crisis and avoid entering emergency shelter. The goal is to provide timely assistance that can stabilize their housing situation and prevent the need for prolonged shelter stays.

Housing First

Housing First is a research-backed strategy that acknowledges the importance of stable housing in addressing an individual’s underlying medical, mental health, or addiction concerns. Rather than providing housing as a reward for progress made in other areas, Housing First recognizes that safe and secure housing is a fundamental necessity for overall well-being. The approach prioritizes addressing the most pressing need for safety and stability, and then providing access to supportive services, such as healthcare, addiction treatment, employment, and education. This approach aims to help individuals become self-sufficient and improve their overall quality of life.

Low Barrier

Refers to an approach that reduces or eliminates obstacles, such as paperwork, waiting lists, eligibility requirements, and assessments, which may hinder clients from accessing necessary services. In the context of emergency shelters, a low-barrier shelter does not require clients to meet certain criteria to stay there, such as criminal background checks, credit checks, income verification, program participation, sobriety, or identification. This approach recognizes that individuals experiencing homelessness may face numerous challenges and barriers, and aims to provide immediate and essential support without additional hurdles.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is an approach to social services and housing that recognizes and responds to the widespread impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. This approach is grounded in an understanding of the physical, psychological, and emotional effects of trauma, and is characterized by a focus on safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. Providers of trauma-informed care prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment, establishing clear boundaries and expectations, and offering opportunities for clients to actively participate in their own care. They also seek to avoid re-traumatization by avoiding practices that may trigger traumatic memories or responses. Overall, trauma-informed care is an effort to promote healing and recovery, while honoring the dignity and resilience of those who have experienced trauma.

General Definitions

By Name List

A By-Name List is a type of data tool that helps in identifying individuals by their names and specific needs. This tool enables more efficient planning of cases, matching of services, and placement of housing for people who are experiencing homelessness. Building trusting relationships is essential in collecting real-time and accurate data for the By-Name List. RHA Systems Advocates and partners in the field intentionally establish these relationships. The concept of By-Name List has been successfully implemented in other communities to address youth homelessness and by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to tackle veterans homelessness.

Case Management

Chronically Homeless

Congregate Shelter

A traditional and temporary type of shelter that provides overnight accommodations in facilities that have large open spaces where multiple bunks, cots, or mats are placed for sleeping.
These shelters typically operate with limited hours and may have a curfew at night, requiring guests to exit in the morning. Access to services may or may not be provided at these shelters.

Emergency Housing

Temporary indoor lodging and accommodations for individuals or families who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, intended to address the basic health, food, clothing, and personal hygiene needs of individuals or families. Usually does not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement.

Emergency Shelter

Temporary lodging provided to individuals experiencing homelessness, without requiring them to sign a lease. Shelters can be classified as “congregate” or “non-congregate.” Congregate shelters typically have communal spaces where several cots or mats are provided in one large room, while non-congregate shelters offer individual spaces with walls, such as rooms or Tiny House Villages. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a push to offer more non-congregate options.

Emergency shelters often cater to specific populations, such as single adults (with gender separation and limited options for trans or non-binary individuals), youth and young adults, or families with children. Pets may not be allowed in many shelters, and storage for personal belongings may not be provided. Some shelters may have limited hours and require occupants to leave by a specific time. Some shelters may have eligibility criteria that must be met before a person can stay there. Many shelters are considered “enhanced,” providing access to supportive services.

Housing Navigator

A housing navigator is a professional who assists in finding and securing suitable housing. This may include helping service providers and clients navigate the complex process of searching for and applying for housing, connecting them with resources such as rental assistance programs, and providing support finding representation during evictions or other issues with housing providers.. Housing navigators may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies, and typically have expertise in housing policies, rental markets, and tenant rights. The goal of a housing navigator is to help clients overcome barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing, and to promote stability and self-sufficiency.

Lived Experience

Refers to the personal and direct experience of an individual who has faced challenges related to housing instability, obstacles in obtaining housing, or difficulties navigating health, housing, or service systems that were not designed to meet their needs. It implies that the individual has personally lived through the circumstances they are referring to and brings a unique perspective and insights to discussions and decision-making processes related to these issues.

Non-Congregate Shelter

Refers to a type of housing or shelter where each individual or family has a living space that offers a degree of privacy, such as a hotel or motel. Unlike a congregate setting, where individuals share communal spaces such as sleeping areas, bathrooms, and dining areas, non-congregate housing provides separate living spaces for each household. This type of housing recognizes the importance of privacy and autonomy for individuals and families, while still providing access to necessary support services.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Permanent Supportive Housing is a type of housing that provides both long-term housing and supportive services to individuals who need them. The housing component typically consists of long-term leases or rental assistance, while the supportive services may include a range of services such as case management, education services, employment assistance and job training, food, child care, legal services, mental health services, behavioral health services, substance use disorder services, and transportation.

Rapid Re-Housing (RRH)

Rapid Re-Housing is a category of program that offers temporary rental assistance and supportive services to individuals and families without imposing preconditions or requirements such as employment, income, criminal record, or sobriety. The program is designed to meet the unique needs of each participant, providing personalized support to help them secure safe and stable housing.

Transitional Housing

A temporary living arrangement that offers a variety of voluntary support services aimed at helping individuals and families transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing. This type of housing is often referred to as “emergency housing” or “lodging.” The program is designed to serve as a bridge, providing a safe and stable environment where participants can access the support and resources they need to achieve long-term housing stability. The support services offered are voluntary, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or family.

Outreach

Outreach is a service that aims to establish trust with people experiencing homelessness and connect them with services. Outreach workers typically engage in face-to-face interactions with individuals and families living in unsheltered locations, such as cars, RVs, parks, encampments, and abandoned buildings. They make persistent efforts to establish a relationship with clients in a flexible, empathetic, respectful, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed manner. Many outreach workers have personal experience with homelessness, and they may receive training in de-escalation techniques. While outreach workers help to meet basic needs and connect people with shelters, housing, and support services, they are not case managers.

Acronyms

AIG: Action Plan Implementation Grant

APR: Annual Performance Report

CAFTH: Community Alliance for the Homeless

CH: Chronic Homelessness

CoC: Continuum of Care Program

CPD: Community Planning and Development

DCS: Department of Children’s Services

DHS: Department of Human Services

DV: Domestic Violence

ES: Emergency Shelter

ESG: Emergency Solutions Grant

FMR: Fair Market Rent

HF: Housing First

HOPWA: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS

HMIS: Homeless Management Information System

HPRP: Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing

HQS: Housing Quality Standards

HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

MCO: Managed Care Organization

MUM: Memphis Union Mission

NOFA: Notice of Funding Availability

PRBA: Project Based Rental Assistance

PH: Permanent Housing

PHC: Project Homeless Connect

PIT: Point in Time Count

PSH: Permanent Supportive Housing

ROI: Release of Information

RRH: Rapid Re-housing

RHY: Runaway and Homeless Youth

S+C: Shelter plus Care

SSVF: Supportive Services for Veteran Families

SAMHSA: US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency

SRO: Single Room Occupancy

SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance Program

SSI: Supplemental Security Income Benefit

TA: Technical Assistance

TANF: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Cash welfare program

TAY VI-SPDAT: Transition Age Youth – Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (Youth 18-24)

TBRA: Tenant Based Rental Assistance housing program

TH: Transitional Housing VA: Department of Veterans Affairs

VAMC: Veteran Affairs Medical Center

VASH: Veterans Administration Supportive Housing

VAWA: Violence Against Women Act

VI-SPDAT: Vulnerability Index Service Priority Determination Assessment Tool

WIA: Workforce Investment Act

WIN: Workforce Investment Network