Critical Time Intervention for People Experiencing Homelessness at Room in The Inn

Author

Kristen N. Hocklander, Belmont UniversityFollow

Abstract

Room In The Inn is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization serving people experiencing homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee. Their services include a day center where participants have access to essential needs, classes through Hope University, the lunch program, transitional and permanent housing, the winter shelter program, and guest house and recuperative care beds. The purpose of this capstone experience was to collaborate with Room In The Inn staff and participants to increase efficiency from intake into the guest house to housing readiness. Room In The Inn’s services were presented in a flow chart and prioritized based on participants’ levels of vulnerability and the sequence in which tasks needed to be completed. A timeline was added to the chart to incorporate the concept of Critical Time Intervention. This concept holds that intervention completed within a deadline is more effective than intervention left open ended. Time was allotted to three tiers and extra time given to more vulnerable categories. A spreadsheet was developed to track participants’ progression toward housing readiness, using formulas to color-code how closely they adhered to the predetermined timeline. Checklists coincide with the flowchart to keep the support coordinators organized and ensure sustainability and re-use. In addition to this project, life skills groups covering topics that align with the needs of the population were held twice weekly to add to Hope University’s diverse curriculum.

Publication Date

Spring 4-18-2025

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Elicia Cruz

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

People experiencing homelessness; Homelessness; Critical Time Intervention; Life Skills; Transitional Housing; Occupational Therapy; Housing Readiness

Recommended Citation

Hocklander, Kristen N., "Critical Time Intervention for People Experiencing Homelessness at Room in The Inn" (2025). OTD Capstone Projects. 221.
https://repository.belmont.edu/otdcapstoneprojects/221