The Haven Emergency Shelter for Older Adults

The Haven is a 130-unit, low-barrier, closed campus that provides emergency shelter to adults ages 55 and up. The purpose of this shelter is to provide a space for aging adults to have a temporary place to remediate barriers and identify a pathway forward into housing. Through case management services, staff and clients work with partner providers to accomplish this goal in an efficient and expedient manner.

Program Overview
The Haven implements a holistic, trauma-informed, client-centered approach to homeless solutions, providing age-appropriate services and a facility meant for this population to thrive in. Through case management services, staff and clients work with partner providers to address identified goals by focusing on housing and stabilization barriers.

Problem Statement
In Arizona, individuals aged 55 and older are the fastest-growing homeless sub-population, driven by economic factors such as rising rental costs, a lack of affordable housing, long waitlists for senior-subsidized housing, and decreased job retention rates. This demographic faces unique challenges, including medical and mobility issues that limit their ability to access or thrive in traditional shelters. Additionally, their heightened vulnerability to infectious diseases and health risks makes congregate shelters an unsafe option, underscoring the need for targeted, senior-specific solutions.

Target Population
The Haven’s target population includes individuals who are 55 years old and older who are experiencing literal homelessness. Additionally, The Haven aims to prioritize individuals that:
• Are experiencing unsheltered homelessness;
• Are referrals from congregate emergency shelters;
• Are referrals from institutions like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and medical respite.

Services Provided
The Haven provides three primary services, the first of which is emergency shelter. As an emergency shelter provider, The Haven allows seniors experiencing homelessness to have refuge from the streets, a consistent place to sleep, keep their belongings, and be a part of a community. The provision of emergency shelter is the first and most crucial step in bringing stability to an individual’s life, so that they can begin to resolve their homelessness. The Haven’s Shelter Support Staff work together to create a dignified and supportive environment for clients by providing them essential basic-needs items, serving meals throughout the day, and lending a listening ear when they may be experiencing difficult moments. Older adults will have their own unit with a microwave and refrigerator, ADA compliant bathroom and shower, and adjustable bed designed for those with mobility challenges.

Second, The Haven provides intensive case management services to all clients staying in the shelter. These case management services provide in-house navigation of the homeless services system, helping clients understand and navigate what resources exist to help them resolve their homelessness. Case management services start with the Client Advocates, who provide a whole-person perspective by using an innovative assessment based on the Social Determinants of Health, a screen for cognitive decline, and an assessment of mobility concerns.

Additionally, Case Managers provide referrals to partner services when clients need services not immediately available within The Haven. This includes but is not limited to healthcare services, behavioral health services, legal support, employment support, training and education, and housing interventions. In collaboration with outside agencies, Case Managers at The Haven support their clients in overcoming barriers to housing and income.

Third, The Haven strives to create a sense of community among its residents by providing client programming through a mix of social events and external partnerships. Homelessness can be isolating, especially for seniors, and The Haven combats this by creating a space for clients to interact and build meaningful relationships. In addition to The Haven’s person-centered approach, the design of the facility was created with The Haven’s specific population in mind. Each floor is painted in a separate color to help clients easily remember which floor they are located on. The furniture was designed to provide ease of access and comfortability to the aging population of The Haven. With the support of the Custodial staff, The Haven maintains and provides a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for its clients to spend time together and build a community.