Mission Statement
The mission of the Housing Liaison is to assist Missourians with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing that meets their individual and family needs. Housing Liaisons should understand that housing is foundational to helping Missourians with disabilities and their families attain self-determination, self-sufficiency, and integration within the community.
The Housing Liaison facilitates critical outreach and engagement, assisting participants in meeting their basic needs thereby creating opportunities for treatment, support in accessing behavioral health services, and setting substance use goals.
“Housing improves health for the same reasons that homelessness is deleterious. A clean, dry, secure environment is fundamental to personal hygiene (including wound care and dressing changes), and protection from assault and the elements. Private space allows for the establishment of stable personal relationships; housing has been shown to reduce risky sexual behaviors. A stable residence facilities effective interaction with others, including treatment providers and social support systems, and increases adherence to treatment plans including regular meals and keeping appointments. Housing may reduce anxiety and consequently reduce stress- related illnesses. In these ways, housing both promotes healing and prevents the onset of new illness.”
National Healthcare for the Homeless Council
Housing Liaison Onboarding Training Documents
Missouri Housing Liaison Implementation Guide Final
Missouri Balance of State Continuum of Care Regions Map
Missouri Continuums of Care Map
Housing Liaison Resources
Homelessness and Harm Reduction
Tips for Tenants: How to Locate a Home
Tips for Tenants: How to Gain and Maintain Housing
Housing Liaison Flex Fund Parameters
The Housing Liaison (HL) program launched in 2021. There are 47 Housing Liaisons across Missouri covering the counties below. These positions assist Missourians with disabilities experiencing unsheltered homelessness. All referrals come from local coordinated entry systems. HLs reduce the use of more costly state services, shifting use to less costly, more appropriate services by:
- Developing local resource guides
- Outreaching persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness
- Assisting clients with obtaining permanent housing
- Assisting clients with enrolling in ongoing treatment
- Assisting clients with increasing cash income
- Increasing number of landlords willing to rent to clients and create local landlord lists
Below are some success stories from our Housing Liaisons across the state of Missouri: