Upstream Diversion

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking service provider organizations to implement one of three unique but complementary pilot models designed to build on regional strengths to address upstream instability before families with a pregnancy or child under 21 become eligible for the EA Family Shelter program. The pilot models aim to leverage existing programs first before using pilot funds to fill gaps and achieve diversion from EA Family Shelter while improving equity through earlier interventions and tracked metrics. Key aspects of the project include: • Implementing one of three pilot models: Municipal Access and Early Stabilization, Regional Diversion Backbone, or Court-Linked Prevention • Serving families with a pregnancy or child under 21 • Providing warm handoffs to regional backbone agencies as needed • Emphasis on landlord engagement, mediation, and brief stabilization support • Screening, referrals to existing resources, and facilitation of support and funding through the Upstream Diversion Pilot • Collecting and uploading data to a centralized platform in a standardized and uniform manner • Participating in a rigorous external evaluation of the upstream diversion pilot program The project duration is expected to be one year, with an estimated start date of July 1, 2026. The total maximum contract duration is one year, with no renewal options.