1. Ending Homelessness in Wisconsin
Carrie Poser
COC Director, WI Balance of State CoC
October 2017

2. Overview of the Presentation
Introduction
Continuum of Care
Making Changes
Data
Brown County Local Homeless Coalition

3. “Because far too many Americans go homeless on any given night, this bill provides comprehensive new resources for homeless Americans.”
-President Obama, May 20, 2009

4. HEARTH ACT Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
President Obama signed into law on May 20, 2009
Became Public Law
Division B of this law is the HEARTH Act
Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing
Reauthorizing and amending already existing legislation, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
HUD developed 6 different sets of regulations in order to implement this legislation. Two relevant components to today’s discussion include the Definition of Homelessness and the COC Program Interim Rule.

5. Continuum of Care
The Continuum of Care program is designed to assist sheltered and unsheltered homeless people by providing the housing and/or services needed to help individuals move into transitional and permanent housing, with the goal of long-term stability.
According to 24 CFR Part 578.1(B), the primary purpose of the COC Program is to:
Promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.
Provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to re-house homeless individuals and families rapidly while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities as a consequence of homelessness.
Promote access to and effective use of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families.
Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

6. History of Continuum of Care System
HUD began implementing the COC process in 1995 through the Notice of Funding Available (NOFA).
Each year, the NOFA guided the development of COCs and encouraged communities to work together to address homelessness in a coordinated manner. In addition, HUD published user guides and FAQs and other technical assistance materials to assist communities develop effective COCs.
This method resulted in scattered information not easily located.
The COC Program Interim Rule changes this.

7. Continuum of Care Interim Rule
The Continuum of Care Interim Rule formalizes the following COC responsibilities:
Coordinating, or be involved in the coordination of, all housing and services for homeless persons within its geographic area.
Coordinating McKinney-Vento funds awarded within its geographic area.
Establishing & operating the HMIS within its geographic area.
Establishing and operating, or designating, the centralized or coordinated assessment to be used within its geographic area

8. Who is OR should be part of the Continuum of Care?
In order to carry out the primary purpose of the COC Program, HUD requires representatives of relevant organizations to form a Continuum of Care to serve a specific geographic area. These representatives include:
nonprofit homeless providers,
victim services providers,
faith-based organizations,
governments,
businesses,
advocates,
public housing agencies,
school districts,
social service providers,
mental health agencies,
hospitals,
universities,
affordable housing developers,
law enforcement, and
organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and homeless and formerly homeless individuals.

9. Responsibilities of the Continuum of Care
Operate the Continuum of Care
Conduct meetings
Monitor projects
Evaluate performance
Establish a coordinated assessment system with written standards and prioritization
Designate & operate an HMIS
Planning
System Coordination
Point-in-Time Count
Annual Gaps Analysis
Participate in the Consolidated Plan
Consult with ETH Administrator (WI Department of Administration, DEHCR)

10. Components of a Homeless Crisis Response System
Prevention
Assist individuals and households at risk of homelessness to maintain their housing by providing housing relocation and stabilization services and/or short-term emergency financial assistance
Examples: limited emergency rental assistance to prevent eviction, landlord-tenant mediation, financial counseling
Outreach & Intake Assessment
Services target the most vulnerable of the homeless population who are often unable or unwilling to accept emergency shelter services
Examples: street outreach to people residing in parks, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation
Intake & Assessment
Assess needs, identify barriers, and strengths through a standardized assessment process
Examples: coordinated entry, VI-SPDAT (single, family and youth versions), pre-screen form

11. Components of a Homeless Crisis Response System
Emergency Services
First stop – point of entry into the homeless system
Examples: congregate buildings for households with children, hotel/motel vouchers, short-stay apartments
Supportive Services
Those services needed for a person to move towards self-sufficiency and permanent housing
Examples: job readiness and job skill training, benefits counseling, housing search & placement
Transitional Housing
Interim placement for persons or households, opportunity for clients to gain stability needed to transition and maintain permanent housing
Example: 24 month housing program with supportive services

12. Components of a Homeless Crisis Response System
Permanent Housing
Permanent affordable housing is long-term, safe, decent housing for individuals and households
Examples: housing vouchers, mainstream housing, project-based subsidies
Rapid Rehousing
Rental assistance combined with supportive services aimed to help individuals and families attain and retain permanent housing with limited stays in homelessness
Examples: financial assistance in the form of short/medium rental assistance, security deposit, first/last month rent, services tailored to the needs of the tenant
Permanent Supportive Housing
Combines housing assistance and supportive services, onsite or through partnering agencies
Examples: rental assistance and case management in scattered site housing for the homeless who have co-occurring substance use and mental illness.

13. Wisconsin HUD-recognized Continuum of Care Layout
The State of Wisconsin is divided into 4 separate HUD-recognized Continua.
Milwaukee (
Racine (
Dane (
Balance of State – remaining 69 counties (
Each continua has its own leadership, governance structure, committees/workgroups, coordinated assessment system, policies, and funding.

14. The Players Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
WI Dept. of Admin: Division of Energy, Housing, & Community Resources (DEHCR)
WI Continuums of Care (4)
Racine
Balance of State
Dane
Milwaukee
Agencies

15. Balance of State Continuum of Care
The Balance of State Continuum of Care is a 501(c)3 organization.
Membership of the organization is comprised of 21 local continua.
Each local continua is responsible for having at least quarterly meetings
Select a COC Lead and PIT Lead
Attend Balance of State quarterly meetings
The leadership of the BOSCOC resides in a volunteer Board of Directors, at minimum 11 and at maximum 15 individuals.
There are two full-time Balance of State staff:
CoC Director
Monitoring & Compliance Coordinator

17. 21 Local Continua Brown CAP Central Coulee Dairyland Fox Cities
Indianhead
Jefferson
Kenosha
Lakeshore
North Central
Northeast
Northwest
NWISH
Ozaukee
Rock-Walworth
Southwest
Washington
Waukesha
West Central
Winnebagoland

18. Purpose of the Balance of State
According to the bylaws of the organization, the purpose of the Balance of State COC is to:
Provide leadership to the 21 local continua;
Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness;
Promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness;
Provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to re-house individuals and families experiencing homelessness rapidly while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to individuals and families experiencing homelessness as well as communities as a consequence of homelessness;
Promote access to and effective use of mainstream programs by individuals and families experiencing homelessness;
Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness;
Meet the educational needs of membership and the public;
Advocate for those it serves;
Collect dues from its members.

19. Federal Regulation - HEARTH Balance of State Continuum of Care
The Rules
Federal Regulation - HEARTH
Homeless Definition
HMIS
COC IR
ESG IR
Balance of State Continuum of Care
Grant Administration
Local ETH leads
WI DEHCR
BOSCOC

20. The Funding Local continua (21)*
HUD-VASH
RHY
Section 8
ESG
HOPWA
Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
SSVF
FYSB
HOME
HUD COC - Planning
CDBG
GPD
WI Balance of State Continuum of Care (BOSCOC) T
WI Division of Energy, Housing, & Community Resources (DEHCR)
ETH
Local continua (21)*
E & H OM
BOS
PATH
TBRA T
HUD COC Programs
SSSG
HOPWA
The Funding
Agencies
SOAR CA

21. Grant Administration Rules
HUD
COC Interim Rule sets out program requirements that must be followed by grant recipients
NOFA – competition notice lays out priorities and rules for grants funded in a particular competition
Individual grant agreements with organizations
DEHCR
ESG Interim Rule sets out program requirements that must be followed by grant recipients
Wisconsin State Rules, Statutes
HOME rules, CDBG rules, - other state grant requirements
ETH leads (lead grant recipients of DEHCR)
Individual grant agreement with DEHCR
Individual sub-grant agreements with sub-grantee organizations
Balance of State Continuum of Care
Policies adopted by membership and Board of Directors
Individual sub-grantee agreements with organizations

22. WI DEHCR Funding Opportunities
NAME
TYPE
PURPOSE
HMIS
OTHER
Critical Assistance (CA)
State
Provide direct emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposit, foreclosure prevention
Yes
Foundation for Rural Housing is current grantee
Housing Opportunities for Persons w/AIDS (HOPWA)
Federal to State
Provide funds to meet housing needs of persons with AIDS
Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
Provide funds to serve individuals with serious mental illness and substance use who are homeless – eligible activities include: outreach, screening/diagnosis, case management, AODA treatment, supportive services
Federal formula, administered by SAMHSA
State Shelter Subsidy Grant (SSSG)
Provide funds to emergency shelters and motel voucher programs
Formula based; DV & RHY are not eligible to apply
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Provide rental assistance funds, must be partnered with supportive services
Non-entitlement areas only
SSI/SSDI Outreach & Recovery (SOAR)
Assist people who are homeless expedite SSI/SSDI application process and access benefits
Set aside CDBG, non-entitlement only
Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Homeless Prevention Program (ETH)
Federal AND State
Provide funds for street outreach, emergency shelter, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing
Mix of 3 different funding streams; formula allocation with local flexibility

23. Other Funding NAME PURPOSE HMIS OTHER
HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
Combines housing choice voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans and case management and clinical services provided by VA.
Location of vouchers determined on PIT data, performance of PHA and VA, and VA medical center data.
Not req.
Vouchers currently exist in: City of Appleton, Brown County, Chippewa County, Tomah, Oneida Tribe*
Outside of BOS: Milwaukee, West Allis, Madison, & Racine
Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF)
DVA awards grants to private non-profit organizations to provide outreach, case management, & assist in obtaining VA and other benefits. Eligible activities in prevention or rapid re-housing.
Yes
Current grantees: CACSCW, CVI, Indianhead CAA, TLS Veterans, & VAF
Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)
Funding can come from: direct allocation (FYSB), state allocation (DCF), or combination
Provide street outreach, emergency shelter, and transitional living programs to runaway and homeless youth

24. Homeless Definition Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4
Literally homeless individuals and families
Category 2
Individuals and families who will imminently (within 14 days) lose their primary nighttime residence with no subsequent residence, resources, or support networks
Category 3
Unaccompanied youth or families with children and youth who meet the homeless definition under another federal statute and 3 additional criteria
Category 4
Individuals and families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence with no subsequent residence, resources, or support networks

25. What Does Ending Homelessness Mean?
Every community will have a systematic response in place that ensures homelessness is prevented whenever possible, or if it can’t be prevented, it is a rare, brief, and non- recurring experience.
Specifically, every community will have the capacity to:
Quickly identify and engage people at risk of and experiencing homelessness.
Intervene to prevent the loss of housing and divert people from entering the homelessness services system.
When homelessness does occur, provide immediate access to shelter and crisis services, without barriers to entry, while permanent stable housing and appropriate supports are being secured, and quickly connect people to housing assistance and services—tailored to their unique needs and strengths—to help them achieve and maintain stable housing.

26. Ending Homelessness – Making Changes
United States Interagency Council to End Homelessness (USICH)
Federal Strategic Plan for Ending Homelessness – Opening Doors
Housing First Philosophy
Coordinated Entry
Prioritization
System Performance Measures

27. United States Interagency Council to End Homelessness (USICH)
USICH is an independent agency within the Federal executive branch.
It consists of 19 Federal Cabinet secretaries, agency heads, and other partners include – National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) and Pathways to Housing.
Past Chair: Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell (DHHS); no subsequent chair named at this time.
Developed Opening Doors, the first-ever Federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness.
Opening Doors is a roadmap for joint action, providing a reference framework for the allocation of resources and alignment of programs.
Includes 10 objectives and 58 strategies
Requires the Federal government to work in partnership with State and local governments, as well as the private sector, to employ cost-effective, comprehensive solutions to end homelessness.

28. Federal Strategic Plan: Opening Doors
HUD is focused on the 4 major goals of Opening Doors. Funding and policy decisions are guided by these goals.
End Chronic Homeless by 2017**
End Veteran Homeless by 2015
End Family and Youth Homeless by 2020
Set a path to ending all homelessness
Progress on each goal is tracked through HUD’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) submitted to Congress using point-in-time (PIT) measures.
AHAR data reporting is done through the Homeless Data Exchange (HDX).
Each HUD-recognized COC is responsible for their submission. In the Balance of State, the HMIS Lead (ICA) and the COC Director work together to ensure accurate and timely submission.

29. Housing First Key Principles: Core Components:
Everyone is housing ready!
Safe and affordable housing
All people can achieve housing stability in permanent housing; supports may look different
Right to own determination, dignity, & respect
Configuration of housing & services based on participants needs & preferences
Core Components:
Supportive Services are voluntary, but offered consistently.
Few to no programmatic prerequisites to permanent housing entry
Low barrier admission policies
Rapid & streamlined entry into housing
Practices and policies to prevent lease violations and evictions
Programs using a housing first model show:
Increased housing retention rates
Lower returns to homelessness
Significantly reduced use of crisis services and institutions

30. Housing First is NOT: A program “Housing Only”
Contingent on compliance
Optional for many federal and state funded programs
Designed to harm clients or remove choice
A good fit for all agencies
Removing the need for shelters in the Homeless Crisis Response System

31. Coordinated Entry Requirement under the COC & ESG Interim Rule
Each HUD-recognized COC must create their own system
Implemented January 1, 2016 in Balance of State
The Balance of State COC has identified the following Coordinated Entry goals:
The process will be easy for the client, and provide quick and seamless entry into homelessness services.
Individuals and families will be referred to the most appropriate resource(s) for their individual situation.
The process will prevent duplication of services.
The process will reduce length of homelessness.
The process will improve communication among agencies.

32. Key Principles
A key component of the Balance of State Coordinated Entry process includes a no wrong door approach.
Coordinated entry involves:
Pre-screen
Assessment
Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (Singles, Families, & Youth)
Referral
HMIS and Non-HMIS process
Follow-up
In the Balance of State CoC, it is prohibited for any HUD-funded homelessness assistance programs to serve individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of homelessness, without the household first going through the Coordinated Entry System and receiving a referral to the Prioritization List.

33. Balance of State Prioritization Policy
Prioritization for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Chronic homeless and longest history of homelessness, and most severe service need
Chronic homeless and longest history of homelessness
Homeless with disability and longest history of homelessness
Homeless with disability and most severe service needs
Homeless with disability and came from place not meant for human habitation, safe haven, or emergency shelter
Homeless with disability and came from transitional housing
Prioritization for Transitional Housing (TH)
Category 1 or 4, Homeless with disability and most severe service need
Category 1 or 4, Homeless without disability and most severe service need
Category 2, Homeless with disability
Category 2, Homeless without disability
Prioritization for Rapid Re-housing (RRH)
Category 1, Most severe service need

34. Shared Goals From the HEARTH Preamble:
“…to establish a Federal goal of ensuring that individuals and families who become homeless return to permanent housing within 30 days.” HEARTH Act Purpose – Sec (b)
HEARTH Act Measures (HUD System Performance measures):
Length of time spent homeless
Exits to permanent housing
Returns to homelessness
Employment & income growth
Thoroughness in reaching homeless population
Number of people who become newly homeless

35. SPM: Total Clients Experiencing Homelessness 10.1.15 – 9.30.16
All Persons
All Persons in Emergency Shelter
All Persons in Transitional Housing

36. SPM: Exits to Successful Destinations 10.1.15 – 9.30.16
Brown
Fox Cities
Kenosha
Coulee
Rock Walworth
West Central
Waukesha
Emergency Shelter
Transitional Housing
Rapid Re-Housing
46%
42%
59%
50%
31%
Permanent Supportive Housing
N/A
93%
96%
97%
89%
86%
Street Outreach
43%
63%
64%
90%
74%

37. SPM: Reduce First Time Homeless 10.1.15 – 9.30.16
Entering Emergency Shelter, Safe Haven, or Transitional Housing in FY2016 without prior enrollment in HMIS.
Brown
Fox Cities
Kenosha
Coulee
Rock Walworth
West Central
Waukesha
76%
68%
82%
66%
84%
80%
79%
Preliminary Report ( – ):
First Time Homeless 73%
Decrease of total people -11% From 1491 to 1332
Decrease of 1st time homeless -14.8% From 1139 to 970

38. SPM: Length of Time Homeless (LOTH) 10.1.15 – 9.30.16
Average days
Brown
Fox Cities
Kenosha
Coulee
Rock Walworth
West Central
Waukesha
Emergency Shelter
Safe Haven
56.9
61.3
23.2
35.0
35.5
44.3
59.8
Transitional Housing
107.6
123.4
73.0
88.4
113.7
72.2
62.4
Preliminary Report ( – ):
Emergency Shelter & Safe Haven days Increase of days (+66.6%)
Emergency Shelter, Safe Haven & Transitional Housing days Increase of days (+102.7%)

39. SPM: Returns to Homelessness 10.1.15 – 9.30.16
Percentage of Returns in 2 years
Brown
Fox Cities
Kenosha
Coulee
Rock Walworth
West Central
Waukesha
Emergency Shelter
14.9%
26.8%
16.1%
25%
17.6%
34.4%
Permanent Housing (PSH + RRH)
20.8%
11.1%
6.7%
9.2%
16%
14.3%
28.6%
Street Outreach
27.8%
31.6% 0%
N/A
20.5%
16.7%
Transitional Housing
7.6%
12.9%
19.5%
18.6%
5.6%
9.1%
All Projects
13.9%
20.3%
18.8%
18.7%
14.7%
27.9%
Preliminary Report ( – ):
Emergency Shelter % Increase %
Permanent Housing 8.76% Decrease %
Street Outreach TBD
Transitional Housing 11.61% Increase +4.01%
All Projects % Increase +4.93%

40. Homelessness by the Numbers in WI
During the calendar year 2016, there were 26,682 adults and children that experienced homelessness (reported by providers who use HMIS).
14.0% increase since 2010
3.0% decrease since 2015
7.0% clients are chronically homeless
This means 1 in 217 Wisconsin residents experienced homelessness in 2016.
Note: this data comes from HMIS and does not include victim service providers
Brown
1 in 122 residents
Kenosha
1 in 186 residents
Coulee
1 in 142 residents
Northwest
1 in 147 residents
Dairyland
1 in 204 residents
West Central
1 in 268 residents
Fox Cities
1 in 185 residents
Dane County
1 in 148 residents

41. This information comes from the AHAR – Annual Homeless Assessment Report.
*Note: this does NOT include victim service providers

42. Point-in-Time
During the January 2017 point-in-time count in Wisconsin, there were 5,127 people experiencing homelessness on 1 night.
Balance of State makes up 67%
Milwaukee makes up 18%
Dane makes up 11%
Racine makes up 4%
In the Balance of State, there were 3,448 people homeless on 1 night:
Provider Type*
# of People
Household Composition
Sub-population
Emergency Shelter
2,023
Household with children
1,849
Chronic Homelessness
230
Transitional Housing
1,181
Household without children
1,491
Veterans
178
Unsheltered
137
Household with only children 1
Adult victims of DV
802
*This does not include the 7 people who were in Safe Haven projects the night of the PIT.

43. Point-in-Time – Brown County
During the January 2017 point-in-time count in Brown County, there were 472 people experiencing homelessness on 1 night.
That is 14% of the total homeless population in the Balance of State.
That is 11% of the unsheltered homeless population in the Balance of State.
Compared to 2016:
This was an increase from 466 total (+6 people) and an increase from 14 unsheltered (+1).
This was a decrease from 47 chronic (-11 people) and a decrease from 20 veterans (-3 people).
Provider Type
# of People
Household Composition
Sub-population
Emergency Shelter
297
Household with children
235
Chronic Homelessness 47
Transitional Housing
160
Household without children
237
Veterans 17
Unsheltered 15
Household with only children
Adult victims of DV
102

44. Point-in-Time – Brown County
January PIT ( )
Observations
Largest percentage
2nd largest % is Rock Walworth & only other community in double digits
Total people is almost equally divided between households with & without children
As Balance of State total people decrease, Brown is increasing in total and # unsheltered.
Since 2013, the Balance of State total PIT count has decreased: - 7.3%
Since 2013, Brown county’s PIT count has increased: %
Balance of State
% of Homeless in Brown
# people
# unsheltered
# veterans
# CH
2013
3610
12.6%
455 9 20 65
2014
3569
12.9%
459 5 15 68
2015
3590
13.3%
479 11 16 60
2016
3438
13.6%
466 14 58
2017
3348
14.1%
472 17 47

45. Point-in-Time – Brown County
Chronic Homeless: 20% of the BOS total *Most in BOS
Balance of State 230 people
Brown 47 people
Veterans: 10% of the BOS total *5th most in BOS
Balance of State 178 people
Brown 17 people
Households with Children: 13% of the BOS total *2nd most in BOS
Balance of State 1,849 people
Brown people
Parenting Youth: 25% of the BOS total *Most in BOS
Balance of State 98 people
Brown 25 people
Victims of DV: 13% of the BOS total *Most in BOS
Balance of State 802 people
Brown people

46. Utilization Rate - Brown County
Shelters
Transitional
PSH
RRH DV
Non-DV
Singles HH
Family HH
Total HH
June 2016
75%
66%
50%
68%
90% 44 13 57
July 2016
98%
81%
40%
84% 41 12 53
August 2016
100%
72%
97% 38 10 48
Sept 2016
88%
76%
86% 8 46
Oct 2016
63% 54
Nov 2016
85%
87%
71% 55 65
Dec 2016
82%
94% 45 58
Jan 2017
92%
91%
78% 35 11
Feb 2017
73% 28 36
March 2017
67%
45% 22
April 2017
64%
51% 27
May 2017
42% 26 5 31
June 2017
80%
46% 24 32
July 2017
89%
52%
August 2017
36%
55% 9 14
Shelter Observations:
Total # non-DV beds in winter = 270
Of which, 109 (40%) are only available seasonally.
Total # non-DV beds in summer = 161
TH Observations:
DV remained full or over 90% since Sept. 2016
Non-DV has averaged 79% capacity (63% in April 2016 was the low, 97% in Aug 2017 was the high)
PSH Observations:
Remained over 90% until Newcap PSH began
RRH Observations:
June 2016 – Jan average 53 HH
Feb 2017 – July average 32 HH

47. Brown County - Identity
What is the continua?
What is the purpose of the continua?
Who is represented by the continua?
Community awareness & commitment
MUST be identifiable to community members, people experiencing homelessness, government, private sector, etc.

48. Brown County – Coalition Structure
Governance vs. Committees vs. “Membership”
Is ending homelessness the priority? For who?
Are the right people at the table?
Homeless service providers People w/lived experience
Emergency shelter providers School district staff
Police/sheriff Government – city & county
Human services, public health, economic support Businesses/private sector
Hospitals, mental health, AODA, crisis Advocates
Housing authority – city and county, landlords Faith-based organizations
Jail & juvenile detention Workforce resource/development
Veteran specific organizations Youth specific organizations
Probation/parole Food pantries/meal sites
Foundations Head start/4K programs

49. Brown County – Shelter vs. Housing Focused System
Emergency Shelter
Focus on bed utilization and average length of stay
Providing services while person is in shelter and homeless
Meet immediate needs
Housing
Focus on exits to permanent housing and increasing income
Provides services while person is housed, no longer homeless
Identify barriers to maintaining housing, work on goals to achieve self-sufficiency

50. Brown County – Housing Focused Shelter System
Is shelter a process or destination?
Are the people in your shelter those that need it most, or just those who were lucky enough to get in?
Do you attempt to heal or fix people?
Do you provide social service or exercise social control?
Does the building form and layout promote dignity and decrease conflict?
Do you believe shelter stays should be infrequent & short in duration - and that shelters have a role to play in that happening?
Do you restrict services only in limited circumstances? And for what purpose?
Is there any group of persons that you automatically disqualify from services?
Do you provide professional staffing with the right training?
Do you measure what you do and refine based upon available data?

51. Brown County - Changes Philosophical shift - Who needs to be educated?
Board, staff, funders, participants, etc.
Practical shift - Why did we develop these practices?
Ask the tough questions!
Using a Trauma Informed approach is key
Operational shift - What changes can be made?
Staffing, building, hours, access, etc.
Create plans that are achievable
Change the messaging

52. Brown County – Coordinated Entry
Marketing
Reaching beyond the COC & ETH funded agencies
Case managing the list
Prevention
After Hour Plan

53. Brown County – Right Sizing
Do you have the right projects in your county?
Landlord recruitment and education
Matching needs with projects – analysis of prioritization list
Lots of 4-7 means more Rapid Re-housing type projects needed
Lots of 8+ and not chronic, means Rapid Re-housing type projects with more case management level services or alternative project structures
Lots of 8+ and chronic, means Permanent Supportive Housing projects
Non-HUD funding ideas & options

54. Systems Change Federal Strategic Plan: Opening Doors
“Transform homeless services to crisis response systems that prevent homelessness and rapidly return people who experience homelessness to stable housing.”
What is a System?
Many parts
Doing different things
With a defined set of resources
Working together
Toward a common goal

55. Collaboration Request
Come to the table – share your expertise.
Attend the next local continua meeting AND Balance of State COC meeting
Discuss what you do and what you have to offer
Hear what barriers to ending homelessness exist in your community
Consider making some changes to the way you do business.
Based on the needs and barriers in the community, what changes could you consider in the way you do business?
Are there possible cross agency collaboration and funding opportunities available?
Think about how the homeless service providers can be of assistance in return.
What assistance could you use from the homeless service providers and other local continua members?
What issues are you struggling with?

56. Final Thoughts HOUSING Homelessness is a complex problem.
The response to homelessness is complicated.
But the solution or cure is simple.
HOUSING
If we don’t do it, then who?
If not now, then when?

57. Contact Information
Carrie Poser CoC Director Wisconsin Balance of State CoC PO Box 272, Eau Claire, WI Phone: Website: