Homelessness In A World-Class Community

Forum Report—Executive Summary

On March 30, 2004, over 140 participants representing local service providers, faith-based organizations, concerned citizens, government workers, and homeless individuals joined the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission to discuss homelessness in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District.

A "Continuum of Care" is the model regional solution for homelessness. Through coordinated and comprehensive effort it begins with aggressive prevention, helping people in crisis to stay in their housing. Where homelessness is unavoidable, shelters and services exist to help people transition into housing. Follow-up and support are provided to foster stability and success: case management, work skills training, job search assistance, financial education, tenant education, application assistance, and other services.

In reviewing the regional Continuum of Care, participants identified four areas for further action from the community.

• Providing Low Demand Shelter
• Preventing De-institutionalized People from Becoming Homeless
• Reducing Chronic Homelessness
• Expanding Opportunities for Homeless Families

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