Facing Homelessness in Savannah
•
2 likes•595 views
Social Innovation project for Homeless Authority in Savannah. This project was a co-creation with our clients who were different organizations helping the homeless in Savannah (congregational, non-profits and governmental). With two other classmates, I led the first co-creation session which we used to present our research and get more information on personas. After 4 co-creation sessions, we came up with proposals which could benefit the homeless: - an identification system for homeless people, preferably an RFID bracelet to avoid loss (this would enable access to all services including food, clothing, shelter, transportation…) - a shared information data system between all organizations (non profit, congregational and governmental) - a digital interface available at bus stops mostly which would give information (such as directions) about available services in the city - a housing first model (which is what our main client had been trying to push)
Recommended
Recommended
More Related Content
What's hot
What's hot (9)
Viewers also liked
Viewers also liked (17)
Similar to Facing Homelessness in Savannah
Similar to Facing Homelessness in Savannah (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Facing Homelessness in Savannah
- 3. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Gian F. Villalta Andrew Fulp Aniela Chertavian Andre Thelwell Jeannie Fung Charlotte Terrien Emi Knight Tom Mather Brady Du Yuri Corrêa Molly Werner Professor Baker SERV 311 // SPRING 2014
- 4. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER OUR CLIENTS Cindy Kelley Homeless Authority Patty Organization Name Frank Veterans for Peace Occugardens Janet J. Lee First African Baptist Church Deloris Daniels 50th St. Church of Christ Unknown Organization Name Unknown Organization Name Selena Kelly Union Mission Jeanette Ortiz Union Mission Marvin Homelessness In Savannah
- 5. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Project Vision Our project vision is to develop a coordinated entry system in Savannah to address the needs of subgroups within homeless. Goals • Develop a framework for future implementation • Create system for assimilation • Create a viable reproducible and relevant model
- 6. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Discover Define Develop Deliver Beginning Midterm Final Co-Creation & Design MethodsPROJECT SCOPE
- 7. DISCOVER We guided the first co-creation, which was about presenting our primary research and gathering deeper insights about the general overview of systems and organizations currently existing for homeless people. We also wanted to become acquainted with everyone as we would all be collaborating with each other.
- 8. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Stakeholders, Needs, & Focal Jobs The User • Homeless Person Needs • Get off the streets & receive support Focal Jobs • Work towards goals • Aim for employment Directly Involved • Marvin Heery (HIS) • Andrea Mamalakis Epting (HUGS/Housing First) • Savannah Food Truck • Volunteers • Chatham Savannah • Authority for the Homeless • Chatham Memorial Hospital Needs • Get as many people possible, off the street Focal Jobs • Interact with the homeless and give them the desire to want a house to live in and turn their life around. Indirectly Involved • National Housing Trust Fund • Donors • HUGS (other members) • Faith Community • Tommy Linston (Housing First) • Design Services • Operation Services • Recovery & Renewal Services • Development Services • Job Training Services • Construction Services Needs • Supply support for those interacting with the homeless. • Supply tangible and intangible things for the executors to use in the process of trying to get the homeless people off the streets. Focal Jobs • Attain partners and donate to the cause. • Build homes for the homeless Beneficiaries Executors Overseers
- 9. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER 35% Loss of Job 13% Evicted by Family Member 11% Abuse at Home 11% Incarcerated 10% Disabled / Mentally Ill 10% Change in Family Status 9% Drug & Alcohol 15% Bills Higher than Earnings Causes / Triggers
- 10. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Personas Cause Cause Hobbies Hobbies Context Context Personality Personality Not applicable. Nick is a paycheck away from being homeless but does not realize it. Evicted by family and mentally ill. Video games Fishing Comics Smoking Movies Watching TV Cooking Reading Nick has been working for the same company for the last 12 years and didn’t get any promotion over time. Nick has never learned how to put money aside for savings. After coming back from war John had no one to go to and found himself alone. Reported as being treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder he is considered mentally unstable to find a job. Nick Diaz Age 36 years old Age 52 years old Education English degree from community college Education High School graduate Marital Status Single Marital Status Single Location Charleston, SC Location Savannah, GA Nick Diaz John Miller Introverted Dependent Caring about others Gentle Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Introverted Dependent Caring about others Gentle Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Cause Cause Hobbies Hobbies Context Context Personality Personality Not applicable. Nick is a paycheck away from being homeless but does not realize it. Evicted by family and mentally ill. Video games Fishing Comics Smoking Movies Watching TV Cooking Reading Nick has been working for the same company for the last 12 years and didn’t get any promotion over time. Nick has never learned how to put money aside for savings. After coming back from war John had no one to go to and found himself alone. Reported as being treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder he is considered mentally unstable to find a job. Nick Diaz Age 36 years old Age 52 years old Education English degree from community college Education High School graduate Marital Status Single Marital Status Single Location Charleston, SC Location Savannah, GA Nick Diaz John Miller Introverted Dependent Caring about others Gentle Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Introverted Dependent Caring about others Gentle Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Cause Cause Hobbies Hobbies Context Context Personality Personality Abuse at home environment and drug issues. Evicted by family. Drawing Outdoor activities Introverted Watching series Parties Dependent Blogging Hanging out with friends Caring about others Listening to music Painting Gentle Jena’s father died when she was 3, and her mother Sara raised her by herself. Her mother has alcohol issues and constantly gets aggressive. She used to yell at her daughter and sometimes even hit her in the face. Raised in catholic environment, Mariah got pregnant and her family was against abortion. She stayed home as a single mother. After a while her family couldn’t afford them anymore and she decided to leave with her son. Age 16 years old Age 22 and 04 years old Education Public School Student Education High School dropout Marital Status Single Marital Status Single Location Savannah, GA Location Savannah, GA Jena Johnson Mariah and Billy Hall Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Introverted Dependent Caring about others Gentle Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Cause Cause Hobbies Hobbies Context Context Personality Personality Abuse at home environment and drug issues. Evicted by family. Drawing Outdoor activities Introverted Watching series Parties Dependent Blogging Hanging out with friends Caring about others Listening to music Painting Gentle Jena’s father died when she was 3, and her mother Sara raised her by herself. Her mother has alcohol issues and constantly gets aggressive. She used to yell at her daughter and sometimes even hit her in the face. Raised in catholic environment, Mariah got pregnant and her family was against abortion. She stayed home as a single mother. After a while her family couldn’t afford them anymore and she decided to leave with her son. Age 16 years old Age 22 and 04 years old Education Public School Student Education High School dropout Marital Status Single Marital Status Single Location Savannah, GA Location Savannah, GA Jena Johnson Mariah and Billy Hall Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared Introverted Dependent Caring about others Gentle Positive Brave Self-centered Focused Aggresive Extroverted Independent Negative Distracted Scared
- 11. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Development of Research We presented our wall chart which included the purpose, project vision, and goals of the project. This also included the risks, social scenario, and constraints we had. We wanted to focus on the areas we were heading into, which where causes and phases of homelessness, and a stakeholder map. ACTIVITY 1
- 12. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Persona Insights We asked the class to get into groups and choose one of four personas presented. This is so we could understand each persona’s typical day, when they choose to get involved with organizations. ACTIVITY 2
- 13. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER • Understanding people as individuals is key to helping them grow and change to a better life. • Although we need to understand individuals, it is hard to meet each and everyone’s exact needs and wants. • The system should not be a one-size-fits-all concept. • People are not knowledgeable about available resources. Savannah has so many resources that can help most needs but they do not promote themselves very well. • The coordination of services should be arranged so that they are more easily navigable. • We should adopt best practices from other communities and organizations, such as 100,000 Homes. • A coordinated assessment system and database would benefit greatly. • There is an opportunity for Savannah service organizations (congregational, nonprofits, and governmental), to work together to create an coordinated entry system. Individual Needs Create a Coordinated Database Adopt Proven Concepts Increase Awareness of Services Available Insights
- 14. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER • Incentivize local businesses to hire and train local businesses • Not enough day centers for homeless people—have nowhere to go in the daytime • Government funds have stagnated over the past 5 years • Service providers must meet all the homeless person’s needs, not just what they offer • There are many rules imposed on them and not enough emphasis on recover • Services need to be tailored to individual needs • Every homeless person’s needs are different • Too many “stumbling blocks” between finding employment and securing housing • Housing provides the foundation for self-sufficiency and mental stability 1-on-1 Interviews Insights Marvin Heery HOMELESS ADVOCATE Homelessness in Savannah • Many people are living on the edge—a preventative approach is necessary • Not every group participates (HMIS) because there is an annual fee and a lot of accounting work • Surprisingly, many homeless people have day jobs but cannot afford housing • We need creative solutions for different types of affordable housing • Impact the larger core problem and not simply sustain the status quo • Cost of living is a fundamental problem and cause for homelessness • It costs more to keep the homeless people on the streets then to house them • Housing homeless people would have a significant economic impact Cindy Kelley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Homeless Authority
- 15. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER • Emergency shelters only last for 90 days, unless you show commitment towards independence (eligible for 2 year housing program Beyond Grace) • Will not serve sex offenders as mandated by Federal Law • Agency is focused on employment for the homeless population • Federal regulation create a lengthy screening process for homeless individuals • All documentation and paperwork must be submitted to HMIS • Continuum of Care stamps approval for a homeless person’s “status” (verification) • Works with “No Wrong Door” which provide counseling, and mental therapy • Process: 1. Identification 2. Homeless Verification 3. Screening/History 4. Orientation/Rules • Triggers: lack of affordable housing, poverty breeds drug abuse, symptom of war • Method: build self-esteem, encouragement, build positive attitude, provide direction, and educate Jeanette Ortiz PROGRAM MANAGER Union Mission • Since establishment of Homeless Authority, services have been much more coordinated and different agencies work better with each other • Process always begins with assessment: What are their short-term and long-term needs? What is most important to them? What programs or services would best suit their needs? • Secondly, demographic information and personal information is obtained • Thirdly, they are directed to the appropriate resources and services based on their needs • Consistently work with people who are from out of the state (occasionally get SCAD students) • Through the years, priorities have changed and therefore some programs and services are emphasized (and funded) more than others (e.g., permanent housing) • Homeless Authority work with faith-based groups; however, they are not part of the C.O.C, HMIS, and therefore don’t receive federal funding have a limited scope of help Carlos Baker CASE MANAGER The Homeless Authority
- 16. DEFINE The goal of this co-creation was to further define the problem we were trying to solve, and facilitate transformative ideas.
- 17. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Service Package Enhancing Services • Long-Term Stability • Job Placement • Permanent Housing • Educational programs • Long-term support network • Family Reconnection Supporting Services • Counseling • Life-Skill Development • Job Training Programs • Transportation • Transitional Housing • Case Managers Core Services • Food Security • Emergency Shelter • Health Services • Safety
- 18. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Defining the Demographic During our first activity we wanted to define the Homeless sub-populations in Savannah. We handed out empty pie charts and asked our clients to fill them in to the best of their abilities. ACTIVITY 1 Idea Generation The goal of this exercise was to expose stakeholders to possibilities without boundaries and generate solutions. They produced concepts for present, near-future, and future applications using our proposed questions. ACTIVITY 2
- 19. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Ideal System Maps During our last activity we asked our stakeholders to create journey maps for an ideal, holistic journey that a homeless person would take to get their life back on track. ACTIVITY 3
- 20. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER 24% of the homeless population in Savannah, GA is chronic. In a 2013 census, there were 5,120 homeless people living in Savannah, GA. 7% of the homeless population in Savannah, GA are army veterans. Statistics provided by the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless
- 21. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Statistics provided by the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless Insights 69% African American 28% White 1% Hispanic 2% Other RaceAdult Adult Youth Youth 62% Male 38% Female
- 22. DEVELOP This session was designed to let the class gain valuable insight into our clients opinions and ideologies. During this session we created three key steps; ideation, deliberation, and collaboration. We used these steps to build solid concepts as a group.
- 23. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Brainstorming and Affinitizing This exercise allowed our clients to create creative ideas and to briefly affinitize them based on how long-term the solution was. Each group created over twenty ideas in forty-five minutes. We then grouped similar ideas, and each table proposed around seven concepts. Activities ACTIVITY 1
- 24. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER The Decision Matrix We presented each idea to the group and rated them on a scale of one to five based on three key criterias. Was it new? Was it useful? Was it feasible? Out of these scores we developed several solid concepts. ACTIVITY 2
- 25. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER • Feasibility was a hard characteristic to judge without any bias from the creators of the idea. • Thinking transformation is much more difficult than giving optimizing ideas. • It was difficult not to judge ideas early on in the brainstorming exercise which led to debate within the groups. Insights • Each table developed its own “language” when writing ideas on the chart, which made describing them to the group a more difficult challenge than anticipated. • Good ideas came from every table, and, more importantly, from every organization represented in the co-creation session.
- 26. DELIVER Our aim is to create a holistic and long-term solution to homelessness in Savannah through a unified system, job placement, an awareness campaign, and stable housing opportunities.
- 27. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER 1. Identification System Problem There is no method for quickly verifying whether an individual is actually homeless. Solution Makes identification and verification easy, fast, and simple. Connected to Transportation general accessibility for involved organizations for better communication and planning Minimizes Paperwork Stores the homeless person’s information on the device so that they do not have to fill out repetetive paperwork. Benefits
- 28. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER How it Works Arrive at Homeless Authority Get assigned a caseworker Confidence Booster Support System, Success Stories, Mentor, etc. Rehabilitation Process Treating Illnesses, Therapy, Job Search, etc. Use Wristband/ID for Services Transportation, Food, Housing, etc. Basic Assessment Name, DOB, Race, Gender, etc. Skills Assessment Reading, Writing, Construction etc. Photo Taken When feeling confident Receive Preliminary Aid Healthcare, Shelter, Hygiene etc. Receive Wristband or ID Encoded with data
- 29. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Bus Can be activated or deactivated by the Homeless Authority. Bike Share ID or Bracelet would function as pass within the city: ID Card Present Concept Affordable Easy to Understand Wristband Near-Future Concept Not easily lost Integrated with society (wearable electronics)
- 30. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Interconnected Accessibility for involved organizations for better communication and planning Important Record Backups Electronic backup of documentations for both homeless clients and organizations to aid any registration process Concrete Data quantitative data to support future decision making & accurate statistics for government documentation Holistic Viewpoint Instant reference to background and nature of a homeless client with possibly experience or skills 2. Alternative Database Problem HMIS requires an annual fee and extensive paperwork required by the Federal Government. Solution Design a universally accessible database to benefit all service providers. Benefits
- 34. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Problem Many homeless people are not aware of the resources available to them. Solution Utilize technology to reach out to homeless people in need of services. 3. Interactive Kiosk Free & Easy, Educational Educate the homeless on available resources with real- time services in Savannah. Risk-Free risk free, casual, and un- judgmental opportunity to seek aid Self-Sufficient Funding advertised and funded by integrated public advertisements to the general public and homeless Benefits
- 37. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER • Provide a foundation for achieving self-sufficiency • Grants mental stability for homeless individual • Gives the homeless person an opportunity to regain their sense of normalcy • Creates a centralized location to access resources and services • Saves substantial money for tax payers Problem Many individuals relapse into homelessness once they leave the shelters. Solution Provide long-term support by housing individuals first, then assess their specific needs. 4. Housing First Initiative (plan) Benefits
- 38. PROJECT SCOPE DISCOVER DEFINE DEVELOP DELIVER Phase 1 Phase 3Phase 2 Phase 4 ... Convince and raise awareness of homelessness in Savannah Raise funding through Savannah’s community culture • Public Campaigns: Focusing on false perception of the homeless • Benefit concert/ festival • Kickstarter fundings • Biking Charity • Pub crawl charity event • Habitat for Humanity & Homeless • SCAD Building Arts & Service Design collaboration for smaller scale housing first plan Implement small model to show effectiveness of housing first plan Build Savannah into a bigger homelessness model Ideal: Homeless with Homes Realistic Implementation
- 39. THANK YOU!