Solution Focused Street Outreach (SFSO)
United Way’s Homeless Services programming launched in April of 2020 to develop an evidence-based, person-centered process to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring in Harrison County, West Virginia. United Way has since developed and implemented the following programming to facilitate permanent, stable housing placement and link individuals to customized supports that foster resilience and housing stability.
Our Solution Focused Street Outreach Program is operated by trained street outreach staff who connect with individuals experiencing outdoor homelessness where they are and work to link them to permanent, stable housing, behavioral healthcare, medical care and addiction treatment as applicable. Our street outreach staff also connect individuals experiencing homelessness to emergency shelter and inpatient treatment options. Though, we do not have an emergency shelter in operation in Harrison County at this time. Our staff works closely with emergency shelters throughout the region to connect people to a safe place to stay while working toward housing.
What is Solution Focused Street Outreach (SFSO)?
- Assertive, intensive and housing-focused
- Outreach to the unsheltered homeless population and others who may be alienated from other mainstream services
- United Way’s outreach workers abide by standards of service. Outreach staff understand and practice ethical considerations in engagement
- Solution Focused Street Outreach outcomes are documented, measurable and driven by data
- A connection to permanent, stable housing and/ or emergency shelter
Accessing Solution Focused Street Outreach Services:
- Walk-in to the United Way office (located at 445 W. Main Street, Suite X Clarksburg, WV) every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm
- Walk-in to the First United Methodist Church (located at 117 North 2nd Street, Clarksburg, WV) every Thursday from 10am to 1pm
- Engage with a street outreach worker outside in Harrison County
- Call or Text Marissa at 304-203-1252 to request services
- Call Coordinated Entry at 833-722-2014 to request services
- Email mrexroad@unitedwayhdc.org to request services
Rapid Rehousing (RRH)
United Way’s Rapid Rehousing program launched in October 2020 to quickly connect individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent, stable housing and provide customized support services through intensive housing-focused case management.
What is Rapid Rehousing?
- Short to medium term rental and utility assistance
- Intensive housing-focused case management designed to foster housing stabilization and self-sufficiency among formerly homeless households
- An evidence-based intervention designed to facilitate quick exits from homelessness and ensure long-term housing stability
Accessing Rapid Rehousing at United Way:
- To access Rapid Rehousing, an individual must be experiencing homelessness and be actionable on Coordinated Entry’s housing prioritization guide.
- Referrals to Rapid Rehousing come only through Coordinated Entry operated by the Balance of State Continuum of Care.
- Individuals may access Rapid Rehousing by enrolling in United Way’s Street Outreach program or by calling Coordinated Entry at 833-722-2014.