DIVERSION HUB, NORWALK

The Fairfield County Coordinated Access Network (FFC CAN) continues to learn and adapt, implementing new strategies to help the homeless and those at risk for homelessness gain access to services. For many people who struggle with their mental health or alcohol/substance misuse, a housing crisis can easily become overwhelming and force a fragile person onto the streets. Diversion is a strategy designed to collaborate with clients to identify immediate, alternative housing options to divert them from entering the shelter system. A severe lack of affordable housing in Fairfield County is the primary cause of this trend. To increase our support for this growing population we’ve recently opened a new office in Norwalk dedicated to Diversion Services.

These services are designed to divert clients from entering the shelter system by collaborating with them to identify immediate, alternative housing. We have hired wonderful new staff, including a social worker, to oversee this work. Homes with Hope’s staff make every effort to divert clients to other housing solutions at their first contact with the homeless response system. We are very proud of this accomplishment and excited to have an extra presence to support the homeless system in Norwalk.