For Immediate Release                            Contact: Barbara Poppe, 614.221.9195

March 3, 2004

 

COLUMBUS AND FRANKLIN COUNTY LEADING EFFORT
TO HELP PERSONS LIVING ON THE STREETS
HUD releases report on reducing chronic street homelessness

 

Columbus – Franklin County is one of seven communities recognized for leading the way to end chronic street homelessness.  A report released yesterday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development highlighted efforts underway in Birmingham, Alabama; Boston; Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; San Diego; and, Seattle.  The report, Strategies for Reducing Chronic Street Homelessness, reported that leaders and providers in each of the seven cities are breaking from traditional approaches to find cutting edge methods to help those living on the streets.

 

The study points out five elements that exist in communities showing the most progress toward ending chronic homelessness. They include:

• A paradigm shift of goals and approaches of the homeless assistance network;
• Setting a clear goal of reducing chronic street homelessness;
• Committing to a community-wide approach;
• Having organizational structure and leadership; and,
• Committing significant resources from mainstream housing and social service programs.

 

The report complimented Columbus’ approach, noting “Rebuilding Lives is a comprehensive and ambitious initiative that represents a ‘paradigm shift’ in the community’s approach to homelessness.  In addition to providing Columbus with a well-developed vision and goals, the initiative included a very concrete mechanism for funding and monitoring the plan.”

 

The report cites the following local innovative approaches:

·         The Rebuilding Lives Funder Collaborative;

·         The Engagement Center at Maryhaven;

·         Sunshine Terrace, a collaboration between YMCA of Central Ohio and Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority; and

·         Good Neighbor Agreements.

 

For a copy of Strategies for Reducing Chronic Street Homelessness, visit www.huduser.org/publications/povsoc/chronichomelessness.html.

 

The Community Shelter Board, established in 1986, is a non-profit intermediary organization that coordinates community based efforts, fosters collaboration, and funds services to assist families and individuals in Central Ohio to resolve their housing crisis.  The Community Shelter Board allocates $7.5 million annually to support programs at 13 agencies.  Last year, these programs served more than 11,000 individuals.  The Community Shelter Board is funded by the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the United Way of Central Ohio, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Ohio, and other public and private donors.

 

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