Sunday, February 1, 2026

Qualitative Study of QOL & Housing & Living Arrangements by Keith Torkelson, MS, BS

 


Index of Key Concepts (Elimination)

 

  • Living Arrangements Operators (Owners)
  • Living Arrangements Housing Bed Sales
  • Physical QOL Factors
  • QOL Associated Products
  • Quality of Life and Housing – Product Exploration Index
  • Quality of Life Indicators - Measuring Quality Of Life
  • Query “Quality of Life and Housing” Hits
  • Housing Solutions Bundle > Ask for Help > Find > Get > Assess > Keep
  • Placement
  • End-of-life Concerns and Activities

 

Housing Solutions Bundle - Algorithm



Associated Studies > Metadata >

Quality of Life (QOL) is the function, and others are the variables

 

QOL…

 

  • Bed Quality Assessment
  • Definitions Content_23082610_Notes
  • Housing and Intimacy
  • Housing Eclectic_23072904_Notes
  • Housing LA_Sex_23060902_Notes
  • Housing Public_Health_Efforts_and_Entities_23072905_Notes
  • LA Rate_Your_Housing_18102601_Resources_Specialists
  • Loss Management_23072205_Notes
  • Noise 23061002_Notes
  • Populations_23072206_Notes
  • QOL Housing_Eclectic_LxE_23072904_Notes
  • Roommate Matching
  • Self-sufficiency Dependency_23062501_Notes
  • SEQOL COTS_23072907_Notes
  • Spirit
  • Taking Action Housing_Items_23072207_Notes
  • Wellbeing


Functions

Housing (QOL)

Housing as a function for Quality of Life

Housing is a fundamental function for Quality of Life (QOL) because it meets basic needs for shelter and security, but its impact extends to physical and mental health, social well-being, and economic stability. Factors like housing satisfaction, stability, affordability, and quality of the physical structure and surrounding environment all influence QOL. Conversely, poor housing conditions and high costs can negatively affect health outcomes and overall life satisfaction.

Housing (QOL Variable)

Housing as a function of Variable QOL

Housing is a significant variable in Quality of Life (QOL), where housing quality and stability positively impact QOL. As a function of QOL, stable housing, particularly permanent supportive housing models like Housing First, is associated with higher QOL, while factors like poor housing conditions (e.g., lead, mold, [Bedbugs]), overcrowding, and homelessness are linked to negative health and well-being outcomes. The relationship is also influenced by other factors, such as social integration, meeting needs, and individual health.

QOL as a function of Housing

Housing is a key determinant of quality of life (QOL), as its quality and environment influence physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning. Factors like physical attributes (heat, noise, [Light]), biological hazards (mold), chemical exposures, and social environment (crime, social exclusion) are all linked to housing conditions and directly impact an individual's perceived well-being.

Function

A "function" can refer to the purpose or role of a person, thing, or institution, the mathematical relationship where each input has a single output, or a social gathering. In common language, it describes what something is for (e.g., a heart's function is to pump blood). In math and science, a function is a specific rule that takes an input (like (x)) and produces a unique output (like (f(x)).

Housing and QOL – Housing (QOL)

Housing is a fundamental component of Quality of Life (QOL), impacting both physical and mental well-being through its stability, quality, and the surrounding environment. High-quality, stable, and affordable housing positively influences overall life satisfaction, while poor housing conditions are linked to health issues, social exclusion, and a lower quality of life. Key aspects include the physical condition of the dwelling, factors like safety and noise, and the availability of neighborhood services and green spaces.

What does quality of housing mean?

Housing quality refers to the physical conditions of a person's home as well as the quality of the social and physical environment in which the home is located. Poor-quality housing is associated with various negative health outcomes.

Aside - Character Counts - What is the meaning of Character Counts?

Character Counts! is a character development framework based on shared beliefs and consensus values concerning qualities and traits associated with good character. These values transcend cultural, socio-economic, and religious differences. Character education is all about a way of life for children and adults.

Query “Quality Of Life and Housing” - Hits

Quality of Life Housing

Metadata >

LA_Housing_Bed_Sales_and_Operators_23082609_Notes

Public Housing

Public housing, also known as social housing, refers to housing units owned and managed by a government or non-profit organization, designed to provide affordable rental options for low-income individuals and families. It differs from Section 8 housing, where the property is privately owned, but the tenant receives rental assistance.

Housing Quality and Public Health

Access to affordable and quality housing is a crucial social determinant of health and well-being. Variations in housing access and quality contribute significantly to disparities in quality of life across different populations. Addressing these disparities through policies and initiatives that promote affordable, accessible, and adequate housing is essential for improving public health and promoting equity.

Affordable Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines “affordable housing” as housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities. Jan 8, 2024

Factors of Housing Satisfaction

Housing satisfaction refers to the level of contentment individuals feel about their living environment, encompassing both the dwelling itself and its surrounding neighborhood. It's a key aspect of overall life satisfaction and is influenced by various factors, including physical characteristics of the home, social aspects of the neighborhood, and the individual's personal needs and preferences.

Housing and Health

Housing is a fundamental social determinant of health, significantly impacting physical and mental well-being. Housing stability, quality, and affordability all play a crucial role in health outcomes, while factors like neighborhood safety and access to resources also contribute. Poor housing conditions can lead to a range of health issues, including chronic diseases, injuries, and mental health problems, while stable and healthy housing can promote well-being and prevent long-term health issues.

Dental

To budget for affordable dental care, prioritize preventive care, explore low-cost or free clinics, and consider dental insurance plans or discount dental plans. You can also inquire about payment plans, use FSA/HSA funds, and look for community resources like dental schools or non-profit organizations.

Transportation

Transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another using various means and infrastructure. This movement can be accomplished through different modes like land (cars, trains), water (ships), and air (airplanes), and is supported by a complex system of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports.

Retirement

Retirement signifies the end of one's active working life, often occurring in later years or due to health issues. It involves withdrawing from one's occupation or active working life, potentially with reduced work hours or workload (semi-retirement). Retirement planning involves considering various factors like Social Security benefits, savings goals, and health considerations.

Assisted Living (AL)

Assisted living provides housing and support services for seniors who need help with daily tasks but do not require the intensive care of a nursing home. It offers a balance of independence and assistance, allowing residents to maintain a level of autonomy while receiving support with activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management.

AL Waiver

The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program in California is a Medicaid HCBS waiver that allows eligible Medi-Cal recipients needing nursing facility-level care to receive services in a less restrictive, community-based setting like an assisted living facility or subsidized housing. This program aims to provide an alternative to nursing home care, offering a more comfortable and familiar environment for individuals while also potentially reducing costs for the state.
Quality Of Life and Housing – Notes

Share with (Metadata) 05_DA_QOL_Housing_18101401_Develop
Share with Housing Advisory Board (HAB)
Epidemiology – Quality Of Life (QOL) About Housing
People and Things



Associated Study > Metadata >

13_Tech_MyCorder_24022002_Notes V2025

Reasons to go to the Psych Ward

People go to the psych ward (inpatient mental health facility) for severe crises like suicidal/homicidal thoughts, severe psychosis ((*)hallucinations/delusions), extreme mood swings (mania/severe depression), inability to care for self, or dangerous substance withdrawal, requiring 24/7 stabilization, medication management, and safety when outpatient care isn't enough to prevent harm. It's for acute stabilization when someone is a danger to themselves or others, or severely impaired.

(*)

Presenting Problems

  • Sleep Disorder
  • Anxiety


Epidemiology – Persons and Populations
Quality Of Life (QOL) About Housing
Things


Aside - Solutions for Transitional Aged Youth
Sample Program Keeping Good Statistics
From Formal Presentation - Casa Youth Shelter
2011 Fall Quarter – Cypress College

 

Mission Statement

“The purpose of Casa Youth Shelter is to provide temporary shelter for runaways and youth in crisis, enabling them to come through the crisis with increased personal strength and a sense of renewal while in a supportive environment with family reunification as the primary goal.”



https://casayouthshelter.org/impact/

Aside (2026)

Buster in Spanish - Have a nice day

que tenga un lindo día

Myra - Responded: “I love you.”

 

Associated Study > Metadata >
Share with 05_DA_QOL_Housing_18101401_Develop
Table – Housing and QOL
QOL Centered About Housing - Indicated by (Brief List)
Share with Housing Advisory Board (HAB)



Peace in Death, Disease, Disaster over Time (P4D)

The question is a bit ambiguous, but it seems to be asking about finding peace in the face of death, disease, and disaster, potentially over time. One approach to finding such peace is through a faith-based perspective, as explored in the book "Death, Disease, Disaster, & Despicable Evil: Finding Peace in the Face of Tragedy" by Dr. Michael Messina. The book combines psychological principles with biblical wisdom to offer guidance on navigating life's toughest challenges. It suggests that while tragedy is inevitable, overwhelming emotions don't have to be, and that finding peace can be achieved by reshaping thoughts and responses through a Christ-centered perspective, according to ThriftBooks and Cokesbury.

Summary

Examining the interplay of death, disease, and disaster over time reveals a complex and evolving relationship with societal peace and conflict.  In summary, death, disease, and disaster can trigger social disruptions and exacerbate existing conflicts. However, they also present opportunities for cooperation, empathy, and peacebuilding if societies prioritize inclusive recovery efforts, strengthen institutions, and address underlying vulnerabilities.

Continuum of Care

A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a planning body that coordinates housing and service funding to address homelessness within a specific geographic area. It's a community-wide effort involving various stakeholders like nonprofits, government agencies, and advocates to provide a range of services to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness transition into stable housing.

 

Aside – Board of Supervisors

https://d1.ocgov.com/


Wiki – Content – WikiContent - QOL

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_life

QOL Overview

Quality of life (QoL) is a concept that aims to capture the well-being of a population or individual regarding both positive and negative elements within the entirety of their existence at a specific point in time.

Quantitative measurement

Quantitative measurement refers to the process of determining the quantity or amount of something using numerical values. It involves using numbers to represent and analyze data, allowing for objective comparison and statistical analysis. Essentially, it's about measuring "how much" or "how many".

Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a metric developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to measure a country's level of development across three key dimensions: health (life expectancy), education (average and expected years of schooling), and living standards (GNI per capita). It uses a score between 0 and 1, with higher scores indicating greater development.

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report is the world's foremost publication on global well-being and how to improve it. We combine well-being data from over 140 countries with high-quality analysis by world-leading researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines.

Other measures Such as Satisfaction

Measuring satisfaction, whether it's customer satisfaction or employee satisfaction, is a crucial aspect of business and organizational success. It provides valuable insights into how people perceive your product, service, brand, or workplace, helping you understand what's working well and what needs improvement.

Aside - Context of Assisted Living (AL)

Customer Churn Rate

Customer churn rate is a key performance indicator (KPI) that measures the percentage of customers who discontinue their service or relationship with a business over a specific period. It's a crucial metric for understanding customer retention and identifying potential issues that may be impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Customer Retention Rate

Customer retention rate (CRR) measures how well a business keeps its existing customers over a specific period. It's a crucial metric for assessing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and the overall health of a business. A higher CRR generally indicates greater customer loyalty and potentially lower customer acquisition costs.

Online Rating/Reviews

Online ratings and reviews are crucial in today's digital landscape, influencing consumer decisions, business reputation, and search engine optimization (SEO). They encompass feedback and ratings left by customers on various platforms like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and more. Businesses across industries leverage these platforms to gather insights, build credibility, and ultimately drive growth.

Social Media Sentiment

Social media sentiment refers to the overall feeling or attitude expressed by people about a specific topic, brand, product, or service on social media platforms. It's a key metric used to gauge public opinion and understand how people perceive a particular entity online. Sentiment analysis, often done through tools, helps categorize this information as positive, negative, or neutral, and can reveal deeper emotional tones

Livability

Livability refers to the quality of a place, encompassing factors like safety, affordable housing, and accessible transportation that support the long-term well-being of residents. It includes community features and services such as parks, education, healthcare, and opportunities for social and civic engagement, ensuring residents can thrive regardless of age, background, or ability. Ultimately, a livable community enhances residents' personal independence and allows them to age in place.

QOL and Crimes

Quality of Life (QOL) and crime are interconnected, with both crime and perceptions of disorder negatively impacting residents' QOL. Specifically, increased violent crime can decrease QOL, while addressing "quality of life" (QOL) crimes like public disorder can improve it.

Popsicle Index

The Popsicle Index is a simple way to assess the safety and walkability of a neighborhood, particularly for children. It's based on the question: Can an 8-year-old child safely walk to a store, buy a popsicle, and return home before it melts? The index doesn't rank neighborhoods numerically, but rather serves as a qualitative measure of safety and accessibility.

QOL and Healthcare - AI Overview

Quality of Life (QOL) in healthcare refers to an individual's overall sense of well-being and satisfaction with their life, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and functional aspects. It's a crucial concept in healthcare because it acknowledges that health outcomes are not solely defined by disease or treatment but also by how these impact a person's overall life experience.

QOL Defined (Wikipedia)

“Quality of life (QOL) is defined by the World Health Organization as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns".”

Standard Indicators of QOL

“Standard indicators of the quality of life include wealth, employment, the environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, social belonging, religious beliefs, safety, security, and freedom.  QOL has a wide range of contexts, including the fields of international development, healthcare, politics, and employment. Health-related QOL (HRQOL) is an evaluation of QOL and its relationship with health.”

What is the true meaning of suffering?

Suffering - Wikipedia

Suffering, or pain in a broad sense, may be an experience of unpleasantness or aversion, possibly associated with the perception of harm or threat of harm in an individual. Suffering is the basic element that makes up the negative valence of affective phenomena. The opposite of suffering is pleasure or happiness.

In the next ten years, what will California be like?

In the next decade, California will likely experience an increase in climate change impacts like extreme heat, severe drought, and intense flooding, alongside ongoing economic shifts driven by its transition to a green economy and technological advancements. The state may face budget deficits, and the housing crisis is expected to continue, potentially widening the gap between income levels. To address these issues, the state is focusing on climate adaptation strategies and workforce development to prepare for changes in technology and the job market.

Options

How is it Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the act of a third party, typically a healthcare provider, intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, often by administering a lethal injection. It differs from physician-assisted suicide, where the patient self-administers a lethal drug prescribed by a physician. Euthanasia can be voluntary (with patient consent), non-voluntary (when the patient is unable to consent), or involuntary (against the patient's will).

Practical - How is it Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD)?

Your doctor writes the prescription for the (medical) aid-in-dying drug, and you sign a consent form for the prescription to be sent to the pharmacy. You (or a caregiver or loved one) retrieve the drug from the pharmacy. You ingest the aid-in-dying drug according to the instructions.

 

FYI - California End of Life Option Act (EOLOA)

UCLA Health

https://www.uclahealth.org/patient-resources/support-information/patient-education/california-end-life-option-act-eoloa

Introduction to the California End of Life Option Act (EOLOA)

The California End of Life Option Act (EOLOA) allows a terminally ill adult with a life expectancy of six months or less to end their life with an aid-in-dying drug. The terminally ill person must be a California resident and must request the drug from their physician. Participating in this end-of-life option is voluntary for both patients and physicians.  People who choose to end their lives this way are not considered to have died by suicide if they carefully follow the steps of the law. Physicians who prescribe the aid-in-dying drug are not subject to legal liability or professional sanction if they follow all the steps outlined in the law.

Promotions

Death with Dignity

https://deathwithdignity.org/states/

Death with Dignity National Center is a 501 nonpartisan nonprofit organization, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, that has led the legal defense of and education about Death with Dignity laws throughout the United States for more than 25 years.

 

End-of-Life Choices California

https://endoflifechoicesca.org/

Transparency
Group Home – Featuring – Gloria’s Guest Home AKA Shanks Truck Stop
Dying Old Men (DOM) and those that Died Too Young (DTY)





Monday, January 5, 2026

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) – Published

 

Title

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) – Published

Centered about a dedicated Housing Help Line


Context

Innovation (INN): The dedicated INN funding component is removed. Innovation projects can now be integrated as "Innovative Behavioral Health Pilots and Projects" within the BHSS component.

 

OCHCA BHSA Project Idea Plan (PIP)

Housing Project Idea (HPI)

 

Submitted Via Email

 

1st Submission – 2023 March 29

Told to be “patient”

New Revision and Submission – 2026 January

 

Means to Submit (Via Email)

OCHCA

 

mhsa@ochca.com

or

bhsa@ochca.com

 

By Mail

HCA MHSA / BHSA Coordinator

600 W. Santa Ana Blvd. Suite 510, Santa Ana, CA 92701


Metadata >MSG-Base >Search “HSB HPI”

 

06_MHSA_BHSA_HSB_HPI_25040801_V_Submit V2025

06_MHSA_BHSA_HSB_HPI_25040801_V_Pub2026

Image Up Front

 

Capturing Our Community Outreach Work


Homeless Older Adult February 13, 2023 (M)

Santa Ana, California - Bristol & Warner

Photo Credit – Keith Torkelson MS


Principal Writer’s Mini-Bios

Torkelson received his B.S. in Avian Science (Bird Biology), graduating with honors from UC Davis, and later received his M.S. in Comparative Pathology from UC Davis.  Additionally, he attended the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.  This was when Torkelson fell ill.  Later, he attended Cal State University @ Fullerton Secondary Teaching Credential Program with a concentration in Science.  He held an Emergency Teaching Credential for three consecutive years.  He has been “Helping” the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) since 2009.  Currently, he is a Housing and Living Arrangement Advocate.  He has substantial lived experience working in call centers.  He is promoting a dedicated Housing Call Center or Housing Help Line (HHL) as part of a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB).


Challenging

For many, staying trained for prolonged periods on housing the disadvantaged can be a bit challenging.  On and off, we have appealed to others for inspiration.  Just in the nick of time, Dr. Casey Dorman OCHCA Retired (2023) writes:



Circa 2010, Dr. Dorman Attends (On the Right)

OCHCA MHSA WET Funded Consumer Training Program

To Create Mental Health Worker Paraprofessionals Graduation



Key Events & Chronology


SECTION I

PROJECT ELEMENTS








2023_0322-W: Insert – Executive Summary (ES)

With the guidance of Dr. Casey Dorman (OCHCA Retired)

 

ES - Resources & Peers with Lived Experience

After this Executive Summary (ES) our proposal here follows closely a Standardized MHSA Innovations Project Idea format.  In addition, we selected to use single line spacing for the published version.  A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) in part addresses the need of providing guidance and services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in securing the highest quality housing for their individual needs. In this proposal certified peer support specialists as housing assistants…will use their knowledge of available housing options to guide clients with securing suitable housing.  The project is also designed to serve those with criminal justice involvement, Substance Use issues, and those hospitalized.

 

ES - Housing - An “Unfulfilled Need”

Many studies indicate that there are hurdles to overcome with respect to housing our disadvantaged peoples including our homeless are facing.  Presently, helpers such as social workers and family members find it terribly difficult to place a loved one in a safe and secure bed that meets their individual needs.  In addition, this stands true with respect to Consumers that place themselves.  The basic need is finding a proven Good Bed (GoodBed).  We propose a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) to meet the demand for efficient Bed Finding and follow-up.  We predict a HSB will save money, especially, by securing a bed for someone who is hospitalized, costing approximately $4,000 per day. Standardized methods will be employed at every stage in a housing-centered process to fill numerous gaps.  The HSB is assessment-driven in that somewhere around half of a dozen or so evaluations will support the HSB process.  Of the HSB staff, we propose about a quarter to be Certified Peer Support Specialists with a unique understanding of Consumer housing needs.  In addition, the peer specialists’ with lived experience might better empathize about their clients’ during this challenging stage in their recovery.

 

ES - Peers and Standards

At the core of a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) are the peer specialists that staff the five HSB elements: Housing Help Line, Housing Work Group, Housing Advisory, the Technological Infrastructure and project metrics.  Again, it would be beneficial if the peer specialist had lived experience with challenges about housing our disadvantaged including the homeless.  In addition, the peers might best have Call Center experience.  In the project’s first year there is considerable training to put forth.  This plan also asks the Consumers as well as bed owning providers to participate about longitudinal assessment.  One of the basic measures is capturing how and in what manner the providers, users and Consumers are helped by this Housing Solution Bundle (HSB) experiment.  Overall we need to determine how much a HSB benefited the system of care and our community versus the costs.  Costs and benefits will be logged for the purposing of formative and summative reporting.  The project is designed to capture break-even statistics.

 

ES - Assessment Brief

In order to determine that the Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) was a success, we need to collect some performance data.  Data will be collected using existing (standardized) and derived assessment: Instruments, measures, tools, etc.  Some pre-implementation statistics will be researched and recorded. We have the beginnings on a cost / benefit analysis.  The project is carried by placing those in the hospital.  The performance of this project will be determined on the population level, individual level, the provider level and about the project as a whole.  Of importance is capturing the Consumers’ experiences.  We include more details about measurement in the outcome measures section.

 

ES - Setting a Standard for Perfection

The results of this project can be repurposed for other counties to fast-track their own HSB.  The HSB is expected to improve conditions, particularly situations centered on securing a Good Bed for our Mentally Ill / Behaviorally Challenged including the homeless, hospitalized and those incarcerated.  Re-purposing the Final Report (FR), funding streams such as Behavioral Health Service Act (BHSA) the final Bundle may be a sustained and shared practice.  After Orange County tests its’ HSB and proves the concept as a promising practice, other counties will be invited to implement it using available monies.  There is a chance that other counties could use BHSA monies for their HSB.

 

ES - HSB Money Matters

We estimate a startup cost for the first year of a HSB to fall near $3,000,000.  This cost is based on the adjusted annual (2023) operating cost for the local MHSA-funded call center service called OC-LINKS.  OC-LINKS is a referral service, whereas a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) is not.  The HSB is a closed-loop service.  After some one-time purchases we estimate a decrease [in annual] cost.  It may be advantageous to find a server that the county already owns on which to piggyback.  Insider news has it that the Warmline’s server may be freed up.

  

D.        Impetus

Housing for the seriously Behaviorally Challenged has been and remains a substantial concern in California and abroad.  Within our Orange County community, there are tens of facilities that provide short and long term Beds for Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill (SPMI) – Seriously and Persistently Behaviorally Challenged (SPBC) peoples. One of the most important services the Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) helpers of our SPMI and our SPBC citizens provide is Bed Finding (BedFind).  People including the SPMI & SPBC Homeless find it hard to trust the Housing System of Care.  For many due to not securing a Good Bed their conditions deteriorate.  “When an individual or a family develops a mental health problem, particularly a severe one, such as one requiring psychiatric hospitalization or involving law enforcement, they are faced with the question of whom to turn for finding assistance and resources.”  A Housing Solutions Bundle will assistance them and provide resources for helping them place in a Good Bed (GoodBed) if not the elusive Great Bed.

 

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB)

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will fix many problems with Housing.  When the HSB elements mesh the HSB will constitute a Solution.  A HSB includes five (5) elements, a: Housing Advisory Board, Housing Help Line, Housing Work Group, a Technological Needs Infrastructure, and project Metrics.  These together form a scaffold for a number of community providers, families, and individuals to collaborate for delivering the person in need into a pre-screened GoodBed.  With a GoodBed the Consumers will be less likely to: Opt for going Homeless, call “911”, end up in jail, take more risks, act out or die prematurely.


Figure – “Venn Diagram” – Homeless Landscape (Beta)

HAB = Housing Advisory

The center circle represents those in need for securing a Rent a Shared Room bed

 

E.         Project Description

 

Five Elements

For each Consumer in need a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will mature into a three day effort from first contact to gathering a Bed Folio for: Community-based services, families, and / or individuals in need of a Better Bed (BetterBed).  It will serve members in the community coping with Behavioral Health Challenges, substance use issues (SUD), and other behavioral health concerns such as criminality.  We propose that homelessness is a behavioral health issue as is depression.  A HSB will be staffed with workers divided about five different fronts (elements): Housing Advisory Board, Housing Help Line, Housing Work Group, Technological Needs Infrastructure and project Metrics.  All fronts are supported with a state-of-the-art custom Technologic Needs Infrastructure.  Many of the HSB workers will be Certified Peer Support Specialists.  Certified Peer Support Specialists provide housing centered: Service, support and resource management. 

 

Housing Network

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will assist family members in strengthening communication and efficiency about finding their loved one in need a Good Bed.  A HSB will improve navigating the existing Housing System of Care (H-SOC or SOC-H)).  A HSB will improve responses to situational crises and reduce the number of crises centered about Housing.  Eventually the HSB will reduce the number of 911 calls.  If the consumer knows they can’t return to where they are living, pre-hospitalization, they might best call the HSB Housing Help Line before they call “911”.  By this route their bed portfolio (BedPort) can be ready and applied upon release.  In creating a superior Housing centered network Consumers and Families will discover more empowerment with finding solutions to for their non-housing concerns.  Housing First: Four of the priority populations to serve are our: Older Adults, in-patients, incarcerated, substance users, homeless.

 

F.         Innovation 

Placement Challenge

While many services offer direct services to individuals suffering from mental illness and behavioral challenges, a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) is an Innovative program that focuses specifically on the Righting Action Plan (RAP) Process (Model) securing for those in need a Good Bed.  The “Bed is the bedrock for other services and supports such as therapy, medication and case management”.  Many case managers indicate that one of the most frustrating parts with their work is finding a Bed period for their charges.  Some people are put on LPS Conservatorship while they wait for a Good Bed.  In addition, frustration holds true for family members trying to secure a Bed for their loved ones with behavioral health and social concerns.  A HSB takes many existing processes about housing and integrates them into a unique (Innovative) product (HSB) as well as introduces some new procedures that do not presently exist in public mental health. 


Certified Peer Specialists

As an additional innovative component, a HSB is provided by Certified Peer Support Specialists who “utilize their lived experience to build trust, empower families, instill hope, and model Righting (the Righting Action Plan Process) for HSB participants and their loved ones”.  Housing-centered Certified Peer Providers will augment services with lived experience about mental health and Housing.  These peer providers are expected to increase overall access to Good Beds for those in need including our homeless about the community.

 

G.     Research & Like Programs 

    Keith Torkelson MS, BS is the principal researcher and writer on this proposal.  We have searched within the Orange County Healthcare Agency (HCA) Directory, consulted with individuals familiar with mental health services in Orange County, and contacted 2-1-1 OC for similar programs.  We also conducted an internet (Google and Bing) search for local, statewide, and national programs, using search terms related to this Housing Project Idea proposal and a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) in general.  Our research found programs similar in label yet not identical in content to this HSB idea. 

 

Housing Help Line (HHL) - Uniqueness

         The most online hits we scored were associated with the Housing Advisory Board (HAB) element.  Next in frequency are a few hits about the Housing Work Group (HWG) element.  When it comes to a dedicated Housing Help Line (HHL) there appears, on the Internet, to be nothing like it locally, regionally, nationally or globally.  Various local programs engage with Housing Help provided by Housing Helpers.  One example is the Mental Health Association of Orange County (MHAOC).  Although the MHAOC provides help with housing, the MHAOC’s seasoned program isn’t very strong as reflected in Orange County’s homeless.

 

Empowerment

       A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will progressively bridge more and more gaps for getting our Consumers in need into a Good Bed.  Many Housing Helpers underutilize the family as a resource while placing a Consumer into a Good Bed.  Family members will be encouraged to use the HHL.  In this way family members may enjoy an elevated level of empowerment.  Certified Peer Support Specialists with substantial experience with Housing and the Rent a Shared Room (RASR) environment can offer a superior empathic approach.

 

Navigation

       Our research indicates that there is nothing like a comprehensive housing program driven by a passionate Housing Work Group combined with a state-off-the-art dedicated Housing Help Line.  The Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will help Consumers, family members; those helping Consumers and [families] navigate the housing tangle then support and move the Consumer forward into a Good Bed.  The HSB will consider stepping the bed down.

 

Novel Aspects of a Housing Solutions Bundle

Goals: On the way to the ultimate goal, securing a Great Bed, each objective step is a Fix.  Putting it all together equates to a Solution.  Note: All Consumers and / or their helpers will not need all provisions available for Anything It Takes or Housing First.

  

Like Programs

There are programs offering some of the housing centered aspects listed below, yet, none come close to integrating and delivering the whole “Bundle”

·       72-Hour turnaround target

·       Assessment Driven (Metrics)

·       Bed Portfolio (BedPort) = 3 Choices

·       Call Interceptors & Profilers - Certified Peer Housing Specialists

·       Champion Older Adults

·       Best Bed Approach (BBA)

 

Cost / Benefit Tracking – Tendency towards Breaking Even

Create and Maintain Facility & Bed Directory (OC Navigator)

Dedicated Housing Help Line

Defend the (Vulnerable) Consumer’s Position

Effective Consumer Housing Centered System of Care & Housing Education


·       Housing Advocacy for the Consumer

·       Move Insurance (Separate Effort)

·       Open Sharing of Resources [Duplication is a measure of success]

 

Reduce Homelessness

Reduce Jail Revolving

Reduce Referrals

Reduce Premature Deaths

Save on Hospital Costs


·       Reduce “911” calls for housing issues

·       Save Money

·       Etc.

  

New Service – New Value

In the next few pages, we revisit the research we completed to determine that this project is unique, innovative and needed in the field of behavioral health.  Of the some odd dozen features we listed above describing a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) we find that the majority are unique.  We take an existing model for a call-center and apply it to a dire need: Helping the disadvantaged including the homeless and hospitalized with securing a Good Bed in the community.  Many with behavioral health issues need aid in securing a GoodBed on their journey to the Best Bed.  A HSB is the practical implementation of an idea that introduces a new service.  A HSB is innovative in that it is “a new entity realizing value”.

 

Where did you look?

The Search Engines we used are: Microsoft Bing (Web Browser Edge) and Google Basic (Web Browser Chrome).  We were looking specifically for information that demonstrates our Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) is in part or totally being offered anywhere.  While doing our research we accessed the following: Bed Owners, Brand New Day a Special Needs insurer, Conferences and Fairs including the Meeting of the Minds, and our Department of Health Care Services online materials.  We also reviewed Hard Copies of Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) handouts, Mental Health Association materials, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) database, OC-LINKS (Call Center), OCHCA Websites and virtual materials, Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) materials, 211, and the Warmline Call Center.  We researched relying on word of mouth from: Consumers, Housing Specialists and Bed Owners.  We watched a few You Tube videos including one where Dr. Clayton Lon Chau then OCHCA Director briefly discusses Housing and Housing needs.

 

What did you find?

The deeper you explore, one will find that there is no service (product) that even comes close to a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB).  A HSB project is different for the aspects listed above as well as those below.

  

Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) Elements - Like Programs Version

            We decided to look for similar services and or programs using key search phrases.  We also investigated housing centered programs within and about the OC Health Care Agency (HCA).  Below is a table that clarifies a Housing Solutions Bundle’s (HSB’s) novelty or uniqueness.  After reviewing the literature we find that there are far more unique features and differences to a HSB than are similarities with other programs and services.

 

HSB Uniqueness – Helps Clarify the Nature of a HSB


Element

Housing…

 

Like (Similar)

Uniqueness

Tech Infrastructure

Hardware

Training

Call Centers

Software - Housing centered applications

BedFind Algorithm - Tracking Costs and Benefits – Build metrics into software

 

Help Line

Fielding calls from eligible Consumers - Screen considering Eligibility Criteria - Call center - Incoming

Collect information about a standardized housing centered E-format - Transfer this Consumer profile information within the same provider (OCBeds) - No Referring away of those in dire need to solve their Housing Concern(s) - Surveying

 

Work Group

Make the calls to find Beds (BedFind) - Call Center – Outgoing calls to Bed Owners, consumers and others

 

Take case handoff directly from the Housing Help Line (Call center) - A handoff and not a referral - Generate a BedCall List

Deliver the Bed Portfolio (BedPort) - Offer 3 choices - Turnaround time target 72-Hours - Arrange free transportation if needed - Measurements

 

Advisory

Others Housing Advisories exist in name only

 

Advocate for those using the service and those in need - Report Cost-Benefit- Educate community – Market the service to the community - Reporting PRN - Author Formative and Summative Implementation Reports - Sell the Product OCBeds - Assessments

 

Metrics

Team Metrics

Decide on and improve measurement tools – Including performance metrics collected about the Help Line and Work Group [More on Metrics later on]


Like Programs: Orange County Housing Services Screening

Test - Contact Each by Telephone as ask:




Reference Only

Programs centered about the OCHCA MHSA for meeting Local Housing Needs.  In the face of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), much of this information is subject to change.

Acro

Code

 

Program

Contact Info

PEI

 

BHS Outreach and Engagement

800-364-2221

CSS

Bridge Housing for the Homeless

Bridges at Kraemer Place Homeless Shelter

(714) 836-7188

 

CSS

CHS Jail to Community Re-Entry

Correctional Health Services

(714) 834-2178

 

*H

 

Housing Support

Promotes OCLINKS and OC Navigator

CSS

 

MHSA/CSS Housing Program

Directs to a short report

CSS

MHA-OC Multi-Service Center for Homeless Adults

Phone (714) 668-1530

PEI

 

 

 

OC-LINKS

Mental Health and Recovery Services & Clinics

(855) OC-Links (625-4657)

CSS

Services for the Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program

855-895-4468

Mental Health Residential TX Program

for Young Adults Ages 18–32

 

CSS

 

Year-Round Emergency Shelter

Contact Pending


Research - Search Phrases – Using Google

Addressing similar services and programs


Query Phrase

 

Hits by Name

Hits by Concept

Dedicated Housing Help Line

 

No Hits

Closest thing would be 211OC

Housing Solutions

Informative Hit

Weingart Center

 

No Help Line element - Scope of mission greater than a HSB

Housing Advisory Board

LA County

Ours is Moderately Unique - LA has some odd 20 members – Their role is different than our Housing Advisory Element

 

Housing Work Group

Many Hits

Ours is Moderately Unique - Yet none perform the work group roles as specified in a Housing Solutions Bundle

 

Housing Help Line

Many Hits

Ours is Utterly Unique - Existing services are not in scope serving the needs that our HSB will

 

Housing Help Line TechInfrastructure

 

No Hits

None

Call Center Infrastructure

Many Hits

Of the eight types of call centers the Housing Help Line is mostly an Inbound-Outbound Call Center - Much of the HSB’s infrastructure could mimic OC-LINKS

 

Call Centers in Orange County

No hits

Existing call centers are primarily referral - Yet their business models can be used as templates - It would be nice to piggyback the HSB on an existing server to save money

 


H.        Learning and Evaluation

 

Section I – Item H - Learning and Evaluation

 

Evaluation/Outcome Measurement - Instructions

“How will you track or measure what you are planning to learn?  Think about what needs to be measured to learn what you want to learn?  "For each learning question, list one or more outcome measures that could be tracked.”

 

Figure – Nature of Assessment – An Assessment Framework Reference





Commercial-of-the-shelf V Created V Combination

A Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) assessment tool or instrument is one that exists in a form that is implemented in a hardcopy (or electronic) form without substantial modifications.  A created assessment tool or intrument is one where there isn’t an existing COTS tool and therefore has to be written.  A Combination assessment tool or instrument is one that is written built around one of more existing tools as a template.  Tools for capturing the Consumer’s bed-centered experience such as roommate Matching may likely require creating.  Summative assessments with the Consumer will vary with individual, time and place.  Some Consumers will be satisfied with little work from a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) whereas others will not be satisfied when the project comes to a close.  Applying the Whatever It Takes model the Housing Solutions Bundle will stick with the consumer until they are measureably Satisfied with their: Bed, roommate, Sleep, etc.  It would be prudent to write the measurment tools into the software.  The following are four tables regarding measurement.  Only a select few need be implemented.  The cost / benefit study is at the core of the HSB Project (Product, Service).

Learning and Evaluation –Alpha of 4

Learning Question(s)/Goal(s)

 

Evaluation/Outcome Measurement

Can bed quality be measured?

Consumer and family member testimonies

Quantitative bed quality measurement instrument(s) such as Roommate Matching

 

Can a well-trained Consumer and/or family member be an effective housing specific call center operator?

 

Number of call records (profiles) completed correctly as gauged by Housing Work Group staff – Call center performance measures will be included in the software

 

What is the overall effectiveness of the Housing Solutions Bundle service?

 

Conversion of work group cases to GoodBed placements - Number Served: Older Adults, incarcerated, SUD, in-patients & homeless – Criteria will be expanded

 

Did the participants experience a reduction of their symptoms related to their individual housing centered survival, security and safety needs?

 

COTS Anxiety measure - COTS Health measure such as Health Risk Assessment – Severity of Symptoms Assessment

Did participants experience improved Quality Of Life?

 

 

 

World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) to measure overall satisfaction in various domains - Professional Quality Of Life (ProQOL) for staff

 

After being served how would the Consumer rate the quality of their bed?

 

Formulated Bed Quality Assessment (BQA) - Formulated Sleep Quality Assessment (SQA)

 

First Generated: 20230323-TH: Last Reviewed: 20250521-W:

COTS = Commercial-off-the-shelf


Table - Evaluation/Outcome Measurement

Formative and Summative Assessment

 

Learning and Evaluation –Beta of 4

 

Learning Question(s) / Goal(s)

 

Evalution / Outcome Measurement

Can a well-trained Consumer and/or family member be effective in resolving Housing Issues that include yet are not limited to homelessness and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

 

Staff Evaluation of Peer Satisfaction Survey

Project Satisfaction Survey

Program Satisfaction Survey

Can a fully trained Certified Peer Housing Specialist be effective in resolving Housing Issues that include yet are not limited to the homeless and SUD?

 

Placement rates - Turnaround times - Reduction in homelessness rates – Reduced “911” calls - Reduced hospitalizations – Shortened hospital stays

What is the overall effectiveness of the project?

Various Counts - Consumer & User Satisfaction - Benefits exceed costs – Staff Satisfaction

 

Did participants experience a reduction of their symptoms

 

 

 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Protective Factors for measuring Resiliency

Mental Status Exam (MSE)

Conditional Health Fitness Score (CHFS)

 

First Generated: 20230302-TH: Last Reviewed: 20250401-TU:


Learning and Evaluation – Gamma of 4

Summative Assessments

 

Learning Question(s) / Goal(s)

 

Evalution / Outcome Measurement

Long Term

Will people flock to the OC to solve their HOUSING concerns

 

Housing Flux Count - Homeless Immigration Count & Rate

SPBC (Seriously and Persitently Behariorally Challenged) Immigration Count & Rate

 

Will a state-of-the-art Housing Solutions Bundle including the Housing Help Line reduce housing related suicides

 

General suicide count measure

Housing specific suicide count measure

Are the Consumers more satisfied with their Housing situation

 

Housing Satisfaction Assessment

Formulated Bed Quality Assessment (BQA)

Formulated Sleep Quality Assessment (SQA)

 

After being served are the Consumers more satisfied with their lives in general

 

Satisfaction with life in general survey

 

First Generated: 20230302-TH:Last Reviewed: 20250521-W:

Many of these measurement tools need to be created anew.

 

Learning and Evaluation – Delta of 4

Summative Counts for Proof of Concept (POC)

 

Learning Question(s) / Goal(s)

 

Evaluation / Outcome Measurement

At what point will the concept become proven?

A majority of favorable numbers

Benefits exceed costs

 

1 - Benefits far exceed costs

2 - Reduction in suicides

3 - Reduction in re-incarceration

4 – Reduction in hospitalizations

 

Average savings

Average turnaround time

Move Insurance Policies Sold (*)

Number bettered

Number more hopeful about Bed situation

Number of placements

Number served

Project Performance Earned Value

Substantial number of Rent a Shared Room GoodBeds identified

 

 

First Generated: 20230302-TH: Last Reviewed: 20250521-W

(*) Move Insurance (MoveIns) is a separate effort.

 

Aside - Move Insurance Policies Sold (MoveIns*)

Move Insurance is actually a separate project idea.  Many Consumers when they move end up paying rent on more than one bed.  Bed owners are often not forgiving with either Consumer separation or the pro-rating of rent (refund) that needs to occur.  Those people on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and even others cannot afford paying for more than one bed at a time.  Some opt for homelessness, panhandling, the hospital or even jail.  Jail may require the consumer to pay for their jail bed while at the same time pay for your bed on the outside.  On top, few of the beds the bed owners’ are renting qualify as Good Beds.  Move Insurance would help Consumers, Consumers’ families and other helpers immeasurably.  The same as homeowners feel they need homeowners insurance Consumers need Move Insurance (MoveIns). 

 

I.          Timeline

 

Modeled after an OCHCA MHSA INN Project previously delivered

Project Year Milestones / Key Activities – Example 1 of 2




A Sample Gantt Chart



Project Timeline V Service Timeline

The revised start date for this effort is March 29, 2026.  We now have to take into consideration the Behavioral Health Service Act (BHSA).  We expect it to take no longer than five (5) years to fully develop this concept, share this Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) idea, submit this idea, receive acknowledgement, obtain county approval, submission and approval if need be by the Behavioral Health Service Oversight and Accountability Commision (BHSOAC), execute and implement the approved plan, build the service, sustain the service, answer the study questions, stablize the service, evaluate the service, have the winning contractor submit a Final Project Report (FPR), sell the mature project for replication, sell for continuance, and coummunicate results both to speciality and general stakeholder groups.

 

Timelines - Breakdown by Elements and Years

For the timeline we model quite a bit after the OC-LINKS project idea when it was in development.  We plan to submit at least one addendum document concentrating about greater granularity and addressing new findings such as costs and benefits.  Addendum items will be submitted separately and progressively.  Some of the addendum items we plan to address include: Statistics, cost / benefit, risk management, project metrics, and project management.

Key Events and Milestones – Example 2 of 2



(*) Last time we checked Cerner is the contractor that built and maintains the OCHCA Electronic Health Record hardware and software.

 

J.         Services

 

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will offer brief individual, family, and helper services with the overarching goal to place the Consumer in a Good Bed (GoodBed).  Certified Peer Housing Support Specialists will deliver in part on each element of the HSB.  The Housing Help Line (HHL) will intercept and capture cases (profiling) over the phone and hot transfer the Consumer Housing Profile (CHP) to the Housing Work Group (HWG).  In other words, The HHL will transfer standardized call capture information to the HWG.  Next the HWG will actually track down three bed options (3Beds) per case based on the profile.  A target time for turnaround on each bed finding (BedFind) effort is seventy-two (72) hours from when a valid call was first received.  The Housing Advisory Board (HAB) element will process overall project information and deliver on interim reports and the Final Project Report (FPR).  A key element in the FPR is the benefit-cost material that will support this projects Proving its’ Concept (POC).  We recommend the FPR be shared both with the BHSOAC and locally.

 

Branding and Criteria for Services

            A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will offer an intensive housing service we call Bed Find.  A HSB is not designed to be a referral service because all aspects of finding a Good Bed will be handled by the same contracted organization or the Health Care Agency itself.  We suggest this experimental innovative HSB effort be branded as OCBeds.  The Housing Advisory Board element will educate the community including Consumers about housing those with behavioral health challenges.  This includes our homeless (*), older adult populations, substance users, in-patients and those incarcerated.  (*) We propose that homelessness is a behavioral health disorder in and of itself.  This concept might find its’ way into an addendum for further discussion.

 

Rule Making

What is the rule making process?

“The informal rulemaking process, which often is referred to as “notice-and-comment rulemaking,” requires that an agency first issue a notice of proposed rulemaking and provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposal before it can issue a final rule.”

 

Supports - Advocacy

Advocacy is an area where community input will come in handy.  Some rules and policies need to be ironed out in order to make a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) highly effective without excessive scope.  Many agencies and organizations while describing their services and supports: List “Housing”.  Often is the case, many entities concentrate about one cookie cutter mold such as Section 8 and don’t focus so much on bed quality or the huge diversity of both Consumer needs and bed quality.  As far as comprehensive supportive services a HSB is not designed deliver on many.  The primary ongoing support is Housing Advocacy and Bed Finding.

 

Services Provided with a Housing Solutions Bundle

Foremost is finding a GoodBed (GoodBed) for the: Consumers of Behavioral Health Services. The service also targets those: With Substance Use Issues, residing in the Orange County Jails, homeless or at risk, and going to or are in a hospital. Again, a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will provide minimal supportive services.  The supports it will provide center about The Bed Continuum (BetterBed, GoodBed and BestBed).  When the Consumer is overwhelmed, in crisis and have exhausted most of their coping tools they may have to ask for help finding a Good Bed.  In this helping capacity: A HSB offers a degree of Crisis Intervention.  In general the intervention is finding the Consumer a Better Bed and eventually securing a Good Bed.  A HSB will advocate and arrange between the Bed Owner and the Consumer.  As far medications only those that have a measureble impact on the bed, sleep and the room will be considered.  For example the Consumer may require sleep medication.  Consumers who take their own meds and those who can’t will be discovered in the Help Line intercept / triage / profiling phase.

 

Luck – Matching and Turnover

Some Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) supports for the Consumer are: Bed Find, transportation, housing advocacy, improving Consumer awareness via assessment including measurement, and sustaining a position to advocate for and defend the Consumer.  This includes support and services to divert the Consumer from the “911” route to the hospital when the Consumeris overwelmed with their Bed / Room issue.  Note: Just because you reside in a Good Bed this month doesn’t guarentee it will persist.  The process of room turnover (RoomTurn) can severely disrupt the equilibrium and hard earned harmony.  Sometimes it is just plain luck when the Consumer lands in a Good Bed.  We have a roommate matching process including quantitative assessment in the works.

 

Indicator = Sleep & SleepAbility

If a Consumer suffers problematic sleep three nights in a row & are on the verge of calling 911 they qualify for immediate elgibility for Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) assitance and service.  They stand a good chance of needing temporary placement (TPlace) in a transitional bed.  The projects goal is to place them in a semi-permanent bed within 72 hours.  Additionally, they will be offered three beds fitting their profile to choose from.  This comes in the form of their individualized bed portfolio (BedPort).  The Housing Work Group (HWG) researches and assembles the bed portfolio.  The HWG will very likely if need be provide transportation management.  Intuitively, if the HSB can’t provide a sound solution another support such as the Centralized Assessment Team (CAT) might be called in to divert from “911” calls over housing issues.  Often is the case, the Consumer has to repurpose their bed for extended activities of daily living (E-ADLs) such as watching media and / or working with their Smartphone or laptop.  These Consumer needs might best come into consideration with the placement using Bed Finder (BedFind).  If a Consumers medication, money, glasses, dentures, keys or other essential or prized belongings get stolen: They are immediately eligible for HSB assistance.  If the Consumer gets beaten up in their room they are immediately eligible for HSB assistance.  The writing of rules, regarding criteria to qualify for HSB services and supports, need authoring.  Note: Remember on average we spend about 1/3 of our lives trying to get a good night’s sleep.  Sleep is a high weight indicator of a Shared Roommate Match.

 

Transistional Beds

One of the pre-eminent resources that the Housing Work Group and Housing Advisory Board (And possibly OC Navigator) will develop and maintain are locations and numbers for a substantial portion of all transitional beds in the OC.  We are hoping to sell OC Navigator, via their request shared on their website, to develop housing resource materials in advance.  Transitional beds might best be free for the Consumer.  This is an aspect of Move Insurance (MoveIns).  With free transistional beds the Consumeris less likely to be burdened by paying for two or more beds as the same time.  Moving in and about the Rent a Shared Room (RASR) environment is nearly always: An ordeal and adjustment.  We need to help the Consumer as much as is reasonably possible.  The consumer's first move into the Rent a Shared Room (RASR) environment is a critical control point (CCP).  Roommate matching will be evaluated using a derived measurement tool.

 

Waiting Lists

Any Beds that have waiting lists such as Section 8 and Permanent Supportive Housing are not fair game for a collaboration with a Housing Solutions Bundle.  The project will address criteria in the rule making effort.

Housing Solutions Bundle Elements - Services Version


K.        Target Population

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) is a generalized term for addressing this Health and Human Service Project Idea or Concept.  We first tried to sell this concept as BedBusters.  BedBusters did not go over well.  For example, back in late 2020 Dr. Clayton Chau thought BedBusters was unremarkable.  Again, we suggest the HSB brand be called OCBeds or something really remarkable and exciting.  A HSB will serve a few priority populations: Older Adults (60+), our homeless, those incarcerated, substance users and those exiting the Psych Ward.  The program will serve Consumers that find themselves chronically unserved and underserved, particularly when it comes to Housing.  The HSB Project will take some time to gear up for serving identified threshold communities such as: Iranian, Korean, Latino and Vietnamese.  Third year services may also be extended to Orange County residents with various demographic backgrounds, including: U.S. Veteran or family member, those suffering dementia, physically disabled, and LGBTIQ.

 

L.         Number Served

 

Number Served – Reference Model (OC-LINKS)

Estimated Number of People Served per Year using OC-LINKS as model versus and an alternative Build up model. 

 

We have a separate study: 04_HHL_Number_Served_20022207_Notes V2023: Source OCHealthInfo: OC-LINKS Years 1, 2 and 3


Rough Estimate 10,000 Total Calls per Year: Target number served is less than yet close to the number of total calls.

 

Number Served – Build Up Model

“What is the estimated number of people to be served per year.”

If we served only the homeless – 2019 OC Count Approximately 6860 (LA Times, 2019).  The definition of “Served” needs working out.  It might best be when the Consumer secures a measured Good Bed.



M.        Community Partners

A Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) will collaborate closely with OC-LINKS and the Warmline.  News as of April 2, 2025 indicates that the Warmline may be shutting down.  The National Alliance on Mental Illness Orange County (NAMI-OC) might be leveraged as one agency to promote the HSB service.  Through active promoting of program services, via a NAMI-OC route, a HSB can receive consistent referrals from: The OC Warmline, OC-LINKS, Family-to-Family groups and other support groups.  In turn, HSB service participants unfamiliar with Community Housing Resources will discover direction in helping them or their loved one place in a (Certified) Good Bed.  The Housing Advisory Group element will teach members of the community and other stakeholders the Bed Find process. 

 

Marketing Penetration

Using Behavioral Health Service Act (BHSA) funds we deem it prudent to offer a class at the BHSA supported Recovery Education Institute (REI) that addresses only Housing.  REI may facilitate with workshops with the goal of increasing the knowledge about the impact that housing has on Aging, Behavioral Health, Hospitalization, Substance Use and Crime.  Program brochures can be placed regularly at REI and other locations to increase knowledge of a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB).  A HSB might best be presented at the annual Mental Health Associations (MHA-OC) Meeting of the Minds (MOMs).  This is one effort for the Housing Advisory Board. The program / service can also partner with the MHSA BHSA Wellness Centers for the purpose of building a housing centered support network for family members and Consumers in the Behavioral Health Community (BHC). 

 

Collaboration

A HSB program Housing Advisory Peer Specialist or Certified Peer Housing Specialist can regularly staff events at the MHSA BHSA supported Wellness Centers promoting services to active members.  A HSB can also partner with (was OC-BHS) the now Mental Health & Recovery Services (MHRS) through collaboration with the Centralized Assessment Team (CAT) during crises associated with Housing such as: Harm-to-self, harm-to-others, and grave disability.  This collaboration can result in regular housing centered case management and coordination to increase the quality of Bed Finds and placements.

 

From BadBed to GoodBed

Similarly, a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) can partner with any worker associated with the psychiatric ward and / or incarceration to help bridge the gap in housing services and support for those most vulnerable to the adverse effects (affects) associated with poor placements (BadBed).  A Consumer placement for the first time in a Rent a Shared Room (RASR) environment is a crucial and challenging event.  In other words it is a critical control point. As Judge Judy is documented saying in the record of television:

 

“I protect those that can’t protect themselves.”

 

Consumers Voice

A case is not closed until the Consumer declares via self-assessment they are in a Good Bed (GoodBed) or the elusive Great Bed (GreatBed).  Lastly, the HSB program can collaborate and partner with those institutions that provide transportation. 


 

SECTION II

 

Money Matters - Budget

 

A.    Expenditure Plan (Housing Solutions Bundle Short Forms)

 

Budget - Expenditure Plan – Staffing

 

Financial Considerations

What follows are two (2) Budget – Expenditure Plans.  The first one is centered about Staffing.  The second one is a short-form Operations Budget.  We estimate that a reasonable amount to invest for a Housing Solutions Bundle during the First Year is: $3,000,000 (USD).  We base this on the amount that OC-LINKS was recently approved with their annual renewal.

 

Associated Document

 

Ø  Metadata >06_HHL_Financial_Budget_20060705_Notes V2023

 

Creating New Jobs - Approximately 13.0 FTEs

Implementation of a Housing Solution Bundle (HSB) will create a dozen or so jobs.  In other words a HSB will increase the behavioral health workforce.  We estimate a maximum of 13.0 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs).  Again, many of our estimates come from comparing with operating budgets of OC-LINKS, another call center in Orange County.  Some of the job descriptions for workers for the Housing Solutions Bundle we find rather unique.  For example the employee proficient with the hardware and software we call a Super User.


Matrix - Staffing Budget – First Year Start Up Costs

Financial Considerations

Staffing for a Housing Solutions Bundle


BUDGET - Section II (A Housing Solutions Bundle)

Budget - Expenditure Plan – Operations

Matrix - Operations Budget – First Year Start Up Costs

Operations for a Housing Solutions Bundle

Operating Cost Matrix - First Version: 20191206-F:  Again, the first year mimics a yearly budget close to that of OC-LINKS


Reference

 

Finance Scheme 2 Operating Costs takes into account an Expenditure Plan from a prior MHSA Innovations project.  Sample of an MHSA Expenditure Plan - Health Care Agency - Behavioral Health Services - MHSA Innovation Projects

 

List of Expenses and Other Features

Moderate Itemization

 

  • Personnel
  • ·       (Staffing expenses, number of staff, classifications)
  • ·       Personnel Description
  • ·       Project Manager – One
  • ·       Masters Level – One for each element
  • ·       (Certified) Peer Support Specialists
  • ·       Technician (IT SuperUser (*))
  •  
  • Operations
  • ·       (Services and supplies)
  • ·       Basic facility services
  • ·       T1
  • ·       Computers - Server support
  • ·       Computers workstations – Work station build and support
  • ·       Computers – Software and Software Updates
  • ·       Office supplies
  • ·       Office equipment
  • ·       Program Promotion Materials
  • ·       Brochures
  • ·       Transportation
  • ·       Utilities
  •  
  • Non-recurring
  • ·       (Start-up and one-time expenses)
  • ·       Non-recurring Costs
  • ·       Server Purchase
  • ·       First build of software
  • ·       Telephony equipment
  • ·       Report writing software
  •  
  • Contracts
  • ·       Evaluation consultants
  • ·       Trainings
  •  
  • Evaluation Costs
  • ·       Project Manager role until fourth year
  • ·       Fourth Year Cost
  • ·       Cost / Benefit
  •  
  • Other Expenses

Images @ The End

 

Author’s Lived Experience and Outreach Work

“Every Picture Tells a Story”



End of Report

Refer to Addendum Reports

To Be Submitted at a Later Time

 

A Magnus Botrus fragmentum (Great Cluster of Peace)

 

999

-30-