FAQ
What is Chronic Homelessness?
Chronic Homeless is defined as individuals who are experiencing homelessness and who meet at least one (1) of the following criteria: - Have been unhoused for at least 6 months (180 days) over the past year - Experienced homelessness recurrently over the past 3 years, with a cumulative duration of at least 18 months (546 days)
In What Situation (s) Would Someone Be Considered Chronically Homeless?
Chronic homelessness includes time spent in the following contexts: Unsheltered locations (public or private spaces without consent, contract, or places not intended for permanent human habitation) Emergency shelters including: Overnight shelters Shelters for specific populations (eg: youth, families, and newcomers) Shelters for individuals impacted by family violence Emergency shelters in the case of a natural disaster A temporary stay with others (without guarantee of continued residency, immediate prospects for accessing permanent housing, or short-term rental accommodations without security of tenure)
What is HIFIS?
The Homeless Individual and Families Information System (HIFIS) is a secure database of all people experiencing homelessness and connected to a homelessness service organization. In the province of Nova Scotia HIFIS is hosted by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS). The database allows relevant information to be shared with Partner Organizations working to prevent and reduce homelessness locally. If you work at a local Service Provider and need more information about HIFIS, please see our training information page, or email HIFIS@ahans.ca.
What is Coordinated Access?
Coordinated Access is defined as a way for communities to bring consistency, equity, and efficiency to the process of accessing services, housing and related resources for individuals and families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness within a geographic area. Coordinated Access fosters a consistent team approach to services and care across agencies. Unlike in traditional siloed settings, Coordinated Access is meant to support organizations to work together with a standardized methodology to reduce and/or eliminate barriers that individuals and families may experience. When agencies work together in this way, clients can access the resources and support they need to secure and maintain housing without having to go from place to place to get their needs met. A system where clients are asked to do one intake also helps to reduce the impacts of trauma as clients do not have to keep retelling their story. Coordinated processes also reduce duplication of services across agencies; clients are “known” in a system rather than in a silo and the services they receive can be tracked and streamlined accordingly. In the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Coordinated Access System consists of the By Name List and the Matching & Referral process.
What is the By Name List?
The By Name List (BNL) is an up-to-date list of all individuals and families experiencing homelessness and who would benefit from being matched to dedicated housing and support services. With consent, a Partner Organization can add an individual or family to the BNL. People identified as being at the greatest risk are prioritized for available housing services and supports first. When housing options are not readily available, Partner Organizations will explore existing services and supports to assist and keep people safe while looking for housing solutions.
What is Matching & Referral?
Matching & Referral is a recurring, problem solving meeting, which brings key Partner Organizations together to collaborate on ways to remove barriers, increase supports and house participants faster. It is also an opportunity for Partner Organizations to identify any upcoming new housing opportunities or vacancies that they may have, and what the criteria for the space(s) will be so that individuals and families who would be suited to those opportunities can be identified.