March 12,
May 2010 Governor Bob McDonnell signed Executive Order 10 calling for a Housing Policy Framework The Homeless Outcomes Policy Report is a component of that larger Housing Policy An Advisory Committee was convened to help develop the homeless policy 2
Advisory Committee was chaired by Governor McDonnell’s senior advisor Bob Sledd. Consisted of 15 homeless service providers, advocates and state agency staff working on homeless issues. Met from spring through fall of Reviewed local and regional plans and models from other states. Members analyzed state and federal research on needs and resources. 3
Four input sessions around the state engaged over 140 stakeholders to help identify ways in which state agencies can more effectively prevent and reduce homelessness. Input was presented to the Advisory Committee and incorporated into its work. Goals, strategies and action steps included in Virginia’s first comprehensive housing policy Information and documents available at: 4
Increase the number of permanent supportive housing units in the Commonwealth. Increase flexibility of funding to prevent homelessness and support Rapid Re-housing for individuals and families. Increase statewide data collection and system coordination. Increase access to substance abuse and mental health treatment. Evaluate, develop and ensure implementation of statewide, pre-discharge policies for the foster care system, hospitals, mental health facilities and correctional facilities. 5
Consists of agency/organization directors Ability to make commitments and target resources as necessary Members: o Department of Housing and Community Development o Virginia Housing Development Authority o Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services o Department of Social Services o Department of Veteran’s Services o Governor’s Re-Entry Council o Department of Corrections o Department of Criminal Justice Services o Secretariat of Health and Human Resources o Secretariat of Commerce and Trade o Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness o Two representatives for Virginia continua of care o Two representatives from homeless service providers 6
Council sub-committees structured around major recommendations ◦ Four sub-committees: Supportive services and funding Data collection and system coordination Access to substance abuse and mental health treatment Discharge policies ◦ Sub-committees met monthly to develop specific action steps ◦ Committee chairs report progress to Coordinating Council 7
Serves as sounding board Provides feedback as implementation of action steps progress Participants: ◦ Initial Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee members not on Coordinating Council ◦ Additional representatives from continua of care ◦ Advocates and service providers associated with: Domestic violence Foster care Prisoner re-entry Veterans Special needs populations ◦ Rural and urban representation ◦ Between 20 and 30 members 8
DHCD’s Funding Shift o FY 12 - Virginia Promising Practices Program; shifted $1 million from State Shelter Grant funding pool set aside for rapid re-housing programs; competitive application process o FY 12 – added prevention and RRH as eligible activities for ESG o FY 13 – changing from State Shelter Grant to Homeless Solutions Grant; will shift more funds to RRH; will be awarded through competitive application o FY 13 – changing from Homeless Intervention Program to Homeless Prevention Program; greater emphasis on diversion and targeting those most likely to become homeless Reducing Family Homelessness Initiative in Virginia o Collaborative effort between the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, the Commonwealth and the Freddie Mac Foundation o Technical assistance; funder’s collaborative; staff for Coordinating Council 9
Annualized number of homeless per year Average length of homelessness Recidivism rate Baseline – FY
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Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Kathy Robertson Associate Director Homeless and Special Needs Housing