The Homelessness Diversion Program is a critical resource in the homeless crisis response system. This grant provides funding for Diversion services at by and for organizations. The purpose of the funding is to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations to provide Diversion services.
• Expand the capacity of local organizations to provide Diversion services to communities and populations traditionally underserved and disproportionally impacted by homelessness.
• Prioritize service to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) populations across the state, which are disproportionately impacted by homelessness.
• Reduce in-flow to the homeless crisis response system, including reducing waitlist placements.
• Understand the barriers and solutions regarding incorporating Diversion strategies.

Research shows us that people living unhoused or experiencing a housing crisis become stably housed when the system is:

• Low barrier, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and Housing First oriented;
• Focused on problem-solving and personal advocacy to help people identify practical solutions based on their own available resources.  

To that end, we expect Commerce grantees to be leaders in their homeless crisis response systems, facilitating partnerships among service organizations and promoting evidence-based, anti-racist practices.

Grantees must respond to the disproportionality in access to services, service provision and outcomes and cannot simply rely on standard business practices to address inequity. Grantees are responsible for ensuring all people eligible for services receive support and are served with dignity, respect, and compassion regardless of circumstance, ability, or identity.