Built for Zero - Council for the Homeless

Working Together to End Homelessness

With the Built for Zero approach, communities:

Unite local leaders, service providers, and government agencies around a shared goal
Maintain real-time, by-name data on people experiencing homelessness
Use data to identify gaps, refine strategies, and align system responses
Focus on functional zero, which means homelessness is rare and brief and there are enough resources to quickly rehouse anyone who loses their home

While this may sound technical, it simply means the number of people experiencing homelessness is fewer than the number a community can house in a month — and that this status is sustained over time.

The Built for Zero model focuses on collaboration and data-driven solutions to measurably reduce homelessness. At its core is quality data, which provides a deep understanding of people’s journey through the homeless response system. This data isn’t just numbers; it’s a powerful tool that uncovers patterns, identifies gaps, and informs decisions, leading to system improvements and better outcomes for people served.

Rachel Walden

Community Solutions

Built for Zero in Clark County

Clark County joined Built for Zero in 2021. Fourteen partner organizations are working together across key population groups, including veterans, youth, families, and people experiencing chronic homelessness. This coordinated work includes:

Real-time data sharing through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
Weekly case conferencing using by-name lists to connect people to housing before they slip through the cracks
Collaborative problem-solving to reduce barriers and move people into stable housing faster

“The model fosters collaboration and accountability across the entire system. It helps us move from isolated programs to a unified strategy, focused on ending homelessness.”

— Clark County Continuum of Care

Local Progress and Momentum

Since joining Built for Zero:

Over 40 veterans have secured permanent housing since 2021
Weekly outreach continues for the 88 veterans still unhoused, ensuring no one is overlooked
Clark County is launching additional by-name lists for families and youth, aiming to reduce homelessness one group at a time

Thanks to these efforts, people are receiving help faster, and the system is becoming more responsive. Progress is ongoing, with each success moving Clark County closer to functional zero.

UNHOUSED VETERANS 2021

HOUSED VETERANS 2024

REMAINING UNHOUSED VETERANS 2025

Clark County's Built for Zero Partners

Clark County
Clark County Veterans Assistance Center
Community Voices are Born (CVAB)
Janus Youth Programs
Lifeline Connections
Outsider’s Inn
Partners in Careers (PIC)

Sea Mar-Community Services Northwest
Share
Transition Projects, Inc. (TPI)
City of Vancouver H.A.R.T. Team
Veterans Administration
Vancouver Housing Authority
X-Change Recovery

Learn More

Want to see how Built for Zero communities are making homelessness rare and brief? Watch this national overview video by Community Solutions:

“Can you imagine living in a community that has solved homelessness? Where emergencies don’t result in long-term displacement, and systems respond quickly, with precision and compassion. Built for Zero communities are proving it’s possible.”

Ready to Get Involved?

If you or your organization would like to partner with our Built for Zero team—or learn more about how to support these efforts—reach out to us directly.
Contact: dwhitley@councilforthehomeless.org.

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