Strategies to End Homelessness in Rural Communities April 14, 2008 Presented by: Tammy Weaver, M. Ed., L.P.C. Chief Officer, Coleman Behavioral Health, Trumbull County

Models to Consider Blueprints to End Homelessness Strategic Plans Locally driven May be based on focus and leadership of the local continuum

Tasks to Consider Establish subcommittee that focuses specifically on goals and objectives Set aside several hours to focus on strategic plan development Invite the key stakeholders SWOT Analysis to determine areas on which to focus

Strategic Planning Tasks Review/Develop Mission and Vision Leader to keep information developed that day and return to the group Work with the subcommittee to evaluate the information and develop areas on which the housing group wants to focus Develop goals and objectives for each area

Strategic Planning Tasks Assign timelines and responsibilities Determine any budget issues Have the committee report at each meeting to show progress Update annually See plan from Medina County

10 year plans Initiated by the Interagency Council on Homelessness and the National Alliance to End Homelessness– and Approximately 100 communities in the nation have written a plan Some funding providers are beginning to ask if the community has this document and tie funding to its existence

Blueprints The blueprint format focuses on four (4) key areas Plan for Outcomes Close the front door Open the back door Build the infrastructure

Plan for Outcomes Collect data in a better way Create a planning process that focuses on the outcome of ending homelessness Bring together key stakeholders to coordinate, leverage and develop new and existing resources

Close the front door Invest in prevention Stop homelessness before it happens Invest in rent/mortgage/utility assistance, case management, landlord/lender intervention Have mainstream programs be accountable for outcomes of the most vulnerable customers

Quickly re-house everyone Focus on the chronic population as they are most costly to the system (10%) Address the episodically homeless (9%) and transitionally homeless (81%) Develop a Housing First model with linkages to supportive services Open the back door

Building the Infrastructure Address Housing Affordability Provide safe and decent housing in low crime areas Provide opportunities for people to increase their income Provide services that are flexible, individual and well coordinated

Blueprint to End Homelessness Other Areas to focus on: Healthcare, economic stability, systems coordination, housing stock, current resources, need as evidenced by gathered data, mainstream resources, supportive services

Why a Blueprint to End Homelessness? The costs to the community system are increasing through homeless persons accessing the jails, prisons, emergency rooms, detox facililities, shelters, private hospitals and state hospitals Funds to provide safe, decent and affordable housing are decreasing

Why a Blueprint to End Homelessness? To increase the availability of permanent supportive housing A recent study in Columbus showed the following costs: jail $70/day, prison $59.34/day, shelter $25.48/day, state hospital $451/day, private hospital $1550/day Supportive housing is $30.46/day

Why a Blueprint to End Homelessness? To reduce duplication To increase coordination To increase knowledge of the extent of the problem – yes there really is a problem and need To increase resources, develop partnerships, leverage additional funds

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