Community Partnerships: Training Case Managers Working with Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness

Abstract

Background: Homelessness is a chronic problem across the United States, with approximately 25% of homeless people located in California. In 2012, the United States Interagency Council to end Homelessness developed guidelines to implement Housing First initiatives and training for case managers. Launched in February 2017, Sacramento’s Flexible Supportive Rehousing Program, a permanent Housing First initiative, was adapted from Los Angeles County’s Housing for Health. Methods: A comprehensive training academy for case managers working with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness was developed, implemented, and evaluated. Goals were to improve case managers’ ability to keep clients in housing, and to improve health outcomes as indicated by the Social Determinants of Health. Results: Knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) objectives were provided for each training module. Case managers demonstrated knowledge and skills acquisition by presenting case studies following a provided rubric. Attitude changes were assessed using an adaptation of a validated tool. Evaluation of progress toward longer-term goals is ongoing.