Identifying outcomes, collecting data and measuring progress are critical components to reducing homelessness locally and across the nation. The two most common ways data are collected is through the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) and the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The HMIS system collects client-level data and allows communities to identify the number of people needing assistance due to homelessness and the number of people who received assistance and what type, in an unduplicated way. This can be collected for any time frame.
Thirty years ago in 1989, the Council for the Homeless was founded by Clark County, City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Housing Authority to lead and coordinate the work of addressing homelessness throughout Clark County. There are many accomplishments and milestones in this work both for our organization and for the community as a whole. Yet, factors that contribute to homelessness do not stand still and the conversations about solutions to homelessness are dynamic.
Did you know planning for the increased need for shelter during the winter actually begins in the previous spring? Council for the Homeless convenes a Winter Weather Task Force and the details, logistics, and resources are steadily put in place to be operational November 1st.
Stephanie Brown, Special Education teacher at Union Ridge Elementary in Ridgefield, believes her students are compassionate and able to contribute to making the community a better place. She shares, “Even though they have challenges with communication or other skills, they are empathetic and feel good about helping others. Socktober is a perfect way for them to engage.”
By Melissa Baker & Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless Pictured above staff from the Clark County Jail Reentry program along with CFTH Housing Coordinators provide needed supplies to people exiting jail. A new report from the Prison Policy Initiative titled Nowhere to Go:...
By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless A high school senior had been on their own since they were 15 years old. “My family broke up when my dad was deported and my mom abandoned me in an apartment.” Thankfully,...
What is a Continuum of Care (CoC) and what does it do for our community? A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. In Clark...
By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless Happy Halfway Day! The Cycling Across America team marks the 2,000 mile point in their 4,000 mile journey from Seaside, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts! They are raising awareness about homelessness and funds for...
By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless Goodbye Washington. Hello Idaho. This week the Cycling Across America team passes the 500 mile marker on their way to 4000 miles from Seaside to Boston! They leave Washington on May 14 and...
By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless Recently I visited with a client named Maria. We talked over tea. She told me she and husband have custody of their two granddaughters both under age 16. One granddaughter has health challenges...