Core Functions of Advanced Care Providers

The Mission and Purpose of the advanced care level of the Continuum of Care is two-fold:

(1) to provide access to supported housing for those homeless individuals and families with special needs (i.e. permanent disability, the frail or elderly) and

(2) to assist those homeless individuals and families capable of maintaining independent living with minimal initial support to secure housing in the affordable housing market. Advanced care may be accessed by homeless individuals and families from any stage of the Continuum of Care, provided that the individual or family meets the eligibility criteria of the particular Advanced Care Provider.

Core Functions
Advanced care providers shall provide the following core functions to their clients:

• Housing - For those homeless individuals and families in need of permanent supported housing, the provision of housing appropriate to the needs of the homeless individual or family (e.g. assisted community living facilities, single room occupancy, boarding or nursing home or group home) with supportive services necessary to maintain residential and personal stability (e.g. subsidized rent, case management services, nursing care, mental health care management).
  
  For those homeless individuals or families seeking housing in the affordable housing market, assistance shall include, but is not limited to, assisting the client in locating suitable housing, assistance with housing applications and lease negotiation, application fees, first and last month's rent, short-term rental subsidies, furniture stipends, utility deposits, back payments, emergency payments, start-up household supplies and furnishings, start-up food and grocery supplies, and clothing, when necessary or applicable. Such assistance shall also include follow-up case management services for at least ninety (90) days following the date of housing placement.

• Case Management Services shall include Comprehensive Assessment of current social, health (including mental health and substance use/abuse), and employment/education conditions and Development of Individualized Continuum of Care Plan describing a client's needs for supportive services and establishing a service/referral plan, if an assessment and/or care plan was not performed or developed, as the case may be, while in the care of another provider as well as Linkage/Referral to external supportive services including, but not limited to, benefit programs, care and/or support services related to physical or mental health, including substance abuse, education/vocational opportunities, job counseling, training and placement, child care and transportation necessary to maintain permanent housing.