If a family or individual meets the definition of chronically homeless because they have had at least 4 occasions of homelessness in the last 3 years that add up to at least 12 months, you must document the breaks between each occasion of homelessness. Remember there must be a break of at least 7 nights in order for it to be considered a separate occasion of homelessness.
Documentation Requirements for a Break in Homelessness
- It is acceptable to use self-certification to document all breaks in homelessness. Self-certifications to document breaks in homelessness should meet the standards listed on the previous "Self-Certification" page (Follow the link below link to return to that page).
- When there is evidence of a break- such as an HMIS record showing a Transitional Housing stay- it must be counted.
- Stays in institutions of fewer than 90 days are not considered a break and instead the time spent in the institution is counted towards the total time homeless, as long as the person was homeless immediately prior to entering the institution. Stays in institutions of greater than 90 days are considered a break in homelessness