Reso 2005-046 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Priority: Build on inter-jurisdictional cooperation to achieve housing and homeless needs Priority Analysis and Obstacles to Meeting Underserved Needs Alameda County excels in interjurisdictional cooperation and coordination of services to the homeless. There has been coordination around homelessness since 1987, both in terms of planning and the provision of targeted housing and services. The Emergency Services Network, the Homeless Base Closure Collaborative and the Continuum of Care process have led to a strong system of services and coordination. The Alameda County-wide Homeless Continuum of Care Working Group was formed in 1995 to develop the County-wide Continuum of Care Plan. In 1997, the Continuum of Care Council (the standing body formed by the Working Group) adopted a completed Continuum of Care Plan. The Continuum of Care Plan creates a blue print for even greater participation on a regional and community basis. There have been significant reductions in the funding of various federal and State programs that serve the homeless directly and indirectly. The jurisdictions in the HOME Consortium continue to work together to further the work to facilitate the fimding of local prof ects and maximize leveraging of funds from a variety of sources. The goal of the Alameda Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care Plan is to provide a coordinated and comprehensive system of housing and support services to prevent and reduce homelessness. The Continuum of Care addresses the inunediate needs of homeless people as they enter the system and works to move them as quickly as possible to stability and greater levels of independence. Systems, including programs that have historically been difficult for homeless people to access, must be coordinated at every level and resources allocated to ensure that services and housing along the entire continuum are available and are appropriate for the populations that need them. Efforts to promote awareness of the issue of homelessness and improve public perceptions of homeless and affordable housing prof ects will help remove impediments and create an environment where program success is enhanced. The Alameda Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care Plan strengthens agencies by establishing minimum standards of care, including grievances, mutual rights and responsibilities, client participation and empowerment, privacy, health and safety. All standards are developed through acommunity-wide, consensus-building process with strong participation by homeless people and built upon existing minimum standards in use in the county. The focus of the Continuum of Care is to provide people with life-long skills to avoid homelessness and increase their ability to be self-sufficient. Begimiing in FY 2005-06, County Continuum of Care staff will begin implementing and maintaining its Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), as required by HUD, called InHouse. The additional administrative costs of supporting this database system will be prorated among HOME Consortium members involved with the Continuum of Care. Objectives To build on existing interjurisdictional cooperatiari to achieve housing and homeless needs throughout Alameda County. Housing and Connnunity Development Strategic Plan - FY 2005-09 City of San Leandro Page 18