Glossary of Terms: S

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  • Section 8

    A long term subsidized housing program, which allows qualified individuals to pay 30% of their income towards rent.

  • Shelter Plus Care

    Is a program that provides rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities. This program is designed to provide long-term housing for a homeless person with disabilities, (primarily those with serious mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and or drugs, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or related diseases, and their families who are living in a place not intended for human habitation (e.g. street) or in emergency shelters.

  • SPA (Service Planning Area)

    Los Angeles County is divided into eight different Service Planning Areas (SPA). Each area is expected to have a balance of Continuum of Care services. Click for a list of the eight SPAs.

  • SRO (Single Room Occupancy) (HUD Definition)

    A residential property that includes multiple single room dwelling units. Each unit is for occupancy by a single eligible individual. The unit need not, but may, contain food preparation or sanitary facilities, or both.

  • Subsidized Housing

    Is a government supported accommodation for people with low to moderate incomes. To meet these goals many governments promote the construction of affordable housing. Forms of subsidies include direct housing subsidies, non-profit housing, public housing, rent supplements and some forms of co-operative and private sector housing.

  • Substance Use Issues

    The problems resulting from a pattern of using substances such as alcohol and drugs. Problems can include: a failure to fulfill major responsibilities and/or using substances in spite of physical, legal, social, and interpersonal problems and risks.

  • Supportive Services (HUD Definition)

    Services that assist a client in the transition from the streets or shelters into permanent or permanent supportive housing, and that assist persons with living successfully in housing.

  • Sliding fee schedule

    The charge for services based upon the income and family size of the individual or family requesting services.

  • Share of Cost

    A monthly dollar amount some Medi-Cal recipients must pay, or agree to pay, toward their medical expenses before they qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. A Medi-Cal recipient’s SOC is similar to a private insurance plan’s out-of-pocket deductible.

  • Screening

    “Screening” means a process used to identify individuals with an increased risk of having mental health disorders that warrant immediate attention, intervention, or more comprehensive review.

  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

    Federal agency which administers various programs related to SAMHSA within the Department of Mental Health. SAMHSA also refers to block grant funding received from SAMHSA to pay for certain services.