Crisis Response Program

The CRP is a short-term program that provides case management and support to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

If a consumer requires medium to long-term support we will look to refer to an appropriate SAAP program and/or other case management service as soon as is practicable and/or possible.

The primary focus of the CRP is assisting our clients to build the support networks necessary to maintain long -term secure, appropriate housing.

We utilize a team case management approach, as opposed to a key worker model, where we all have input into the case plan and ongoing work with the client. The case plan is developed in partnership with the client and is “owned” by the client.

At the first opportunity after receiving a referral we will meet with the client and complete a comprehensive assessment of the clients needs and support issues.

We will:

1. Look to alleviate and reduce the immediate stressors (eg health issues, need for material aid, childcare)

2. Prioritize, in partnership with the client, the most pressing issues/needs

3. Develop a case plan, in partnership with the client, that addresses the issues that impact on their capacity to obtain and maintain appropriate, secure accommodation

4. Provide short term case management and support

5. Make appropriate referrals and linkages

6. Provide client with relevant information about services, agencies and support networks

7. If other services and supports are in place we will contact them. If there is no service providing case management we will coordinate the services and supports ie:  provide case management

8. (Nb: to avoid duplication of services if another service is case managing the client our role would be limited to providing relevant information to the client and/or case manager)

Who we support - i.e. eligibility criteria
As noted above we provide case management and support to people who are in a housing related crisis. The key eligibility criteria is someone who is homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness and wants assistance to address the barriers to obtaining, but more significantly maintaining, appropriate accommodation.

We work with people in a range of accommodation settings - private rental, rooming houses, caravan parks, staying temporarily with friends and/or family - and with people who are transient. We work with people with a range of support needs –from low support needs through to more complex support issues.

How to access the program - who can refer and what is the process of referral
The program uses a “front door” model. Our referrals come from the regional THM's. We take the majority of our referrals from North East Housing Service (NEHS). We also take referrals from Argyle Street Housing Service (ASHS) for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Yarra or for families or singles they HEF into the North East region.

If an agency wanted to make a direct referral to our program for case management and there is a valid reason why the consumer can't go to NEHS or ASHS (eg conflict or have previously been there) they can call the CRP and discuss the situation.

The other referral pathway into the CRP is self-referral by previous consumers. We make a commitment to people who have been supported by our program that they can re-refer themselves at any time should they require further support and many people do so.

Area Serviced - LGA coverage
The CRP is funded to work in the North East region which Banyule, Whittlesea, Nillimbik and Darebin. We also have a limited capacity to work with families in Yarra and Moreland. That said if someone is referred to our program and has been HEF'd out of region (eg to Blue Gum Caravan Park) we will accept referral and provided support.

Staff
The CRP has five team members: Ian Gough, Natascha Botulism, Kate Burns, Liam O'Neil and Tim Cotton. Ian Gough is the team leader

Location and Contact details
The CRP is located at the MOSS Northcote office. The contact is as follows:

Address:      9 Langwells Parade, Northcote 3071
Telephone:   9482 3488
Fax:             9482 3119