STOP Inc. Partners with the Hotline for Diversionary Services

When STOP Inc. launched its diversionary services program in 2025, the organization’s goal was straightforward: The provision of services to marginalized community members in need to help prevent families from becoming homeless.

As referrals mounted, STOP Inc. — which has served the region since 1965 — realized the organization needed a screening process that would not overwhelm the agency’s team.

A partnership with the Housing Crisis Hotline offered a solution. Today, hotline staff screen applicants for the program and provide STOP Inc. with a weekly list of about 20 qualified candidates.

“As a region, we’re facing unprecedented need,” said Tanya Canty, administrator of diversionary services at STOP Inc. “Through our partnership with the Housing Crisis Hotline, we receive vetted referrals with all the recipient information we need prescreened, based on our specifications.”

Working with hotline staff “saves us administrative time and overhead,” Canty said, while allowing STOP Inc. to increase their reach and to operate more efficiently and effectively.

Since launching the program last year, STOP Inc. has directed funds that have benefited about 4,000 local people, including heads of households and children.

The partnership also connects STOP Inc. to the broader hotline network and ForKids’ data-driven approach to identifying needs and connecting community members with resources.

“This has been a great partnership,” Canty said.