Day Habilitation Programs are provided in a Member’s home or an out-of-home, non- facility setting. The programs are designed to assist the Member in acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in the person’s natural environment. The services are often considered as peer mentoring when provided by an unlicensed caregiver with the necessary training and supervision. For Members experiencing homelessness who are receiving enhanced care management or other Community Supports, day habilitation programs can provide a physical location for Members to meet with and engage with these providers. When possible, these services should be provided by the same entity to minimize the number of care/case management transitions experienced by Members and to improve overall care coordination and management.

Day Habilitation Program services include, but are not limited to, training on:

1. The use of public transportation;
2. Personal skills development in conflict resolution;
3. Community participation;
4. Developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships;
5. Daily living skills (cooking, cleaning, shopping, money management); and,
6. Community resource awareness such as police, fire, or local services to support independence in the community. 

Programs may include assistance with, but not limited to, the following:

1. Selecting and moving into a home;
2. Locating and choosing suitable housemates;
3. Locating household furnishings;
4. Settling disputes with landlords;
5. Managing personal financial affairs;
6. Recruiting, screening, hiring, training, supervising, and dimissing personal attendants;
7. Dealing with and responding appropriately to governmental agencies and personnel;
8. Asserting civil and statutory rights through self-advocacy;
9. Building and maintaining interpersonal relationships, including a circle of support;
10. Coordination with Medi-Cal managed care plan to link Member to any Community Supports and/or enhanced care management services for which the Member may be eligible;
11. Referral to non-Community Supports housing resources if Member does not meet Housing Transition/Navigation Services Community Support eligibility criteria;
12. Assistance with income and benefits advocacy including General Assistance/ General Relief and SSI if Member is not receiving these services through Community Supports or Enhanced Care Management; and
13. Coordination with Medi-Cal managed care plan to link Member to health care, mental health services, and substance use disorder services based on the individual needs of the Member for Members who are not receiving this linkage through Community Supports or Enhanced Care Management.

The services provided should utilize best practices for Members who are experiencing homelessness or formerly experienced homelessness including Housing First, Harm Reduction, Progressive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care.

Program services are available for as long as necessary. Services can be provided continuously, or through intermittent meetings, in an individual or group setting.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals who are experiencing homelessness, individuals who exited homelessness and entered housing in the last 24 months, and individuals at risk of homelessness or institutionalization whose housing stability could be improved through participation in a day habilitation program.