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Definitions of Homelessness HUDDepartment of Education Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or Who resides in a shelter or place not meant for human habitation The key distinction is that Dept. of Ed recognizes children and youth in doubled-up situations, substandard housing, and all hotels and motels as homeless. 2

Youth Count! Pilot 3 Houston Chronicle

Why Do a Youth Count? 4

How Did Our Continuum of Care Plan? 5 October Stakeholder meeting to introduce the concept and get initial input November Stakeholder meetings to develop strategy Methodology Subgroup met to plan survey December Surveys piloted at In Memorium event January Surveys piloted more, edited, and submitted for IRB approval Volunteers and staff trained Youth Count! conducted in conjunction with PIT Count Cross-Site Evaluation staff from Urban Institute observed

6 Targeted High Schools and Sampling of Middle Schools Homeless Youth Drop In Centers Mainstream Homeless, Domestic Violence, and Youth Shelters Surface Area Teams Specialized Outreach Teams

Partners Lead Agency Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County Partner Agencies UT School of Public Health Covenant House Texas Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO Key Agencies & Organizations Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) School districts in Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County YES Prep Charter Schools Montrose Counseling Center Homeless Youth Network (HYN) of Houston/Harris County Shelters, Drop In Centers, and Rapid Re-Housing Providers Bering United Methodist Open Gate DePelchin Children’s Center Fort Bend Women’s Center Houston Alumni Youth Center Houston Area Women’s Center Kinder Shelter Montrose Grace Place Salvation Army Social Services Star of Hope Mission Youth Advocates 7

Thank You! For questions and additional information, contact: ◦ Marilyn Brown, President/CEO  or 8

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