Transitional Outreach Support Team (TOST)

What we do

The program provides support to single women and men and to families who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in both an office based and outreach case management capacity within a short to medium term plan.

TOST

• works with people to develop goals toward maintaining and obtaining long term housing options that are safe, secure and affordable;

• assists people to gain specialist health and social support services;

• provides advocacy and referrals in conjunction with individuals to other agencies in the community; and

• provides practical and emotional support to people to enhance the quality of peoples lives. We offer outreach case management services which focus on life skill building to assist clients to be self sustaining and autonomous.

Who we support.
We assist single men and women, families and young people aged 17 years and older.

How to make referrals:  Our entry points to our program are via the Crisis Response Program or direct entry from Indigenous services in the Northern region.

Download Referral Form Here

Changes to entry points and referral pathways at MOSS

In 2005 MOSS completed an internal evaluation and review using the Homelessness Assistance Standards (HAS) self-assessment process. This self-evaluation informed subsequent Strategic Planning activities. One of the key areas reviewed was Merri's entry points and referral pathways both internal and external.

As a result of this process MOSS will be streamlining internal pathways, the referral pathways into the agency and reducing entry points into our SAAP program - Transitional Outreach Support Team (TOST).

What are the changes?

Historically TOST has had an open referral policy, i.e. multiple entry points. However they will now only be accepting referrals from:

• Elizabeth Hoffman House,
• Margaret Tucker Hostel
• W.T Onus Hostel
• Internally from the Crisis Response Program (CRP)

In the event these programs are not able to provide an appropriate referral TOST will advertise the vacancy more widely and accept referrals from other agencies or individuals.

The CRP will continue to use the “fixed entry point” model with NEHS our main referral source (with ASHS referring families in Yarra and people they HEF into our region).

Why the changes?

As noted above the changes are a direct result of Merri's HAS self- assessment and strategic planning process undertaken in 2005.

The key reasons for the change are:

• It is a response to the direction of the Victorian Homeless Strategy, particularly in regard to streamlining entry points and pathways in the Homeless Service System (HSS)

• It mirrors the changes currently underway in the HSS in regard to entry points and pathways

• Taking referrals directly from indigenous services reflects the commitment MOSS has made to ensure the Indigenous community has equitable access to MOSS resources and services.

• It is also an acknowledgement of the systemic barriers in accessing mainstream services the Indigenous community face

• MOSS wants to build on the great work done by the Young Women's Crisis Initiative pilot program, particularly in regard to building relationships and partnerships with indigenous services

• The CRP will be better able to refer clients on to a medium term support program and consequently enhance our capacity at MOSS to provide a streamlined, comprehensive service.

For more information contact us at:
9 Langwells Parade,
Northcote, 3070
Ph: 9482-3488 Fax: 9482-3119

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