SSVF: Community Plan Summary - Veterans Affairs...name. This is evident by the first set of reports...

FL-500

1.

TBA TBA from the JFCS Veteran Advisory Committee

Ali Kleber SPEH Board Member

Tamara Goodarce Sarasota County Contract SpecialistJesse Samalley First Community Church

Jack Minge Coastal Behavior Health

Ellen Portrikus Salvation Army BradentonJeff Eckert Harvent House

Nancy DeLoach Sarasota County Government

Dennis Turner Turning PointsJennifer Sprague Bay Pines VAHCS

John Lopez Salvation Army Sarasota

Phil Gorelick Jewish Family and Children's Services of the Suncoast, Inc.Adele Erozier Turning Points

Wilfredo Tellado Jewish Family and Children's Services of the Suncoast, Inc.

Primary Group Name: ManaSoto Functional Zero Advisory Committee

Principal Members AffiliationLeslie Loveless Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness

Wilfredo Tellado Director of Veteran Services Phone/Email:

941.366.2224 Ext.184 [email protected]

Primary Planning and Coordination Group: Identify the primary group responsible for planning and coordinating efforts to prevent and end homelessness among Veterans in the CoC. List the principal members of this group and their affiliation.

Phone/Email:

941.955.8987 Ext. 100 [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Leslie Loveless

CoC Representative: Title:

Executive Director

SSVF: Community Plan Summary9/11/2015Date Completed/Revised:

Sarasota/Bradenton/Manatee, Sarasota Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

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TotalUnshelteredShelteredC. January 2016 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Goal

Number of Veterans expected to be counted as homeless during the CoC’s January 2016 PIT count:

106 72 178

Of number above, how many will also be counted as chronically homeless:

34 30

B. Length of Time Homeless Goal (max or average days): 45

Annual Demand, Goals, and Strategies for Achieving and Sustaining Functional Zero: Identify the estimated number of Veterans who are homeless annually and the community/CoC goals and strategies for achieving a functional end to Veteran homelessness by the end of 2015 (overall community/CoC goals, not just SSVF grantees). If one or more of the goals and strategies below have not yet been established for the community, leave blank and identify the date by which they will be established. See the Ending Homelessness Among Veterans Overview for additional guidance.

Estimated Annual Number of Homeless Veterans: Identify the total unduplicated number of Veterans expected to be homeless in 2015 using data from the SSVF Edition of the Veteran Homelessness Gaps Analysis Tool FY15Q3 or data assumptions that have already been adopted by the community, such as the VA CoC Gaps Analysis Tool (GAT) .

Estimated Annual Total: 152

A. Permanent Housing Placement Target & SSVF Rapid Re-Housing Placement Target: Complete and attach SSVF Edition of Veteran Homelessness Gaps Analysis Tool FY15Q3 OR an CoC Gaps Analysis Tool – Strategy 4 (SSVF) Worksheet

Community/CoC Goals: Identify your community’s/CoC’s key goals and targets.

Ongoing Review and Coordination: Briefly describe how often (e.g., monthly) the above group meets to review progress and coordinate efforts. Include a summary of what information is reviewed during these meetings.

The committee has held several productive meetings, 4/23, 8/12, and 8/27 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 pm - Committee constructed a functional zero plan of action, and agreed, that participating partners in HMIS may share information for the express purpose of RRH homeless Veterans. On 7/28/2015 CoC generated the master lis of identified homeless veterans from the Piont-In-Time count that was helded on 1/26/2015. The CoC PIT count was 168 identified homeless veterans. On 7/28/2015, JFCS, Turning Pionts, and the CoC discussed, agreed and generated a list of identified homeless veterans throughout the CoC service area. HMIS identified all homeless veterans as of 7/28/2015. JFCS was tasked to reconciled both lists and determined how many of those PIT count veterans had been premanently housed. The reconcilation process revealed that 32 veteran identified on both list were permanently housed. The reconcilation also resulted in the master list of 136 identified homeless veterans through the Sarasota/Brandenton/Manatee continum. JFCS and CoC discussed, agreed and developed three (3) primary reports: (1) All newly identified homeless veterans, (2) updated master list, and (3) all veterans permanently housed. A first edition of these reports was shared with the functional zero advisory committee. Based on HMIS data the following was reviewed by the committee; on 8/24/2015 there were 136 identified homeless veterans, and on 8/27/2015 with JFCS RRH intervention methods, there were 117 identified homeless veterans in the Sarasota/Bradenton/Manatee continum. From 8/1 to 8/27/2015, 13 new homleess Veterans were identified throughout the CoC. The point of entry for those newly identified homeless veteran was the Salvation Army in Sarasota and North Port. The committee agreed and create a functional zero (FZ) case management leadership workgroup. The FZ workgroup consist of direct care staff from all relevant functional zero partnering agencies such as the Salvation Army in Sarasota & Brandenton, Harvest House, Turning Points, JFCS and VOA of Bradenton. On 9/3/2015 the FZ workgroup met and agreed to meet on the 1st and 4th Thursday of the every month; FZ workgroup reviewed each veteran located within their agency and provided the housing status of each veteran; Turning Points identified several veteran on the master list that are housed and

3C.

4. Other Strengths and Challenges: Briefly describe any additional strengths and/or challenges relevant to your achieving VA and local goals.

Additional Strenght: 1). A strong SSVF parthership between JFCS and Turning Points has resulted in the housing over half of the PIT count homeless veterans. This partnership and collaboration continues to grow. 2.) Fully engaged CoC leadership, committed to ending homelessness among Veterans in the Sarasota/Brandenton/Manatee continum. 3.) There is active participation and coordination between SSVF programs and other VA funded housing supports such as Grant Per Diem and tranistional housing programs as demonstrated by the excellent participation of VOA of Brandenton and Harvest House both recieptants of GPD funding. 4.) The community has developed and continues to evolve a system that identifies every veteran who is homeless by name. This is evident by the first set of reports reveiwed by the functional zero which identified 13 new homelesss veterans in the Sarasota/Brandenton/Manatee communities. 5.) Non-profit CEOs are fully engaged in assisting at the policy level the success of functional zero by the end of this year - they are also establishing the foundation and positioning the community for a functional zero track for homeless non-veterans. 6.) A farily rapid pace, community leaders have improved the system that provides homeless veterans with quick access to safe and sustainable shelter whilst linking said veterans with SSVF services; with 2-1-1's active particiaption in screening for veterans JFCS has recieved 73 veterans referrals for assistance, of which , 19 were high priorty. 7.) JFCS has executed an aggressive private landlord outreach programs that has resulted in the identification of 57 available units and landlords willing to engage SSVF clients. Challenges: 1.) Community may still be prepetuating a narrative that identifies the lack of afforable housing as an impetiment to houisng homeless veterans and their families. 2.) It is unknown if there are sufficient resources available to ensure RRH gaps are quickly addressed and managed. 3.) JFCS Continues to educate the community on the defintion of functional zero and its impact on the local communities. 4.) Community should improve on identifying women veterans and referring to SSVF services.

Yes/No/Under Dev

A. Has your community identified every Veteran who is homeless right now by name? Yes

Is this list updated regularly? Yes

E. Are you using SSVF to rapidly re-house Veterans who are waiting on VASH or other PSH assistance if VASH/PSH is not available immediately or in near future?

Yes

If so, is this true no matter where they are initially engaged in your community or what shelter or unsheltered location they may be in?

Yes

D. Are sufficient SSVF resources allocated to ensure there are no RRH gaps or turn-aways? Yes

B. Does every Veteran who is homeless now have a Housing Plan and access to safe (and low barrier as needed) shelter and/or permanent housing?

Yes

C. Is every Veteran who becomes homeless rapidly engaged and offered shelter and/or housing that meets their needs?

Yes

Is this list reviewed at least bi-weekly by key community partners to ensure Veterans have a permanent housing plan and those plans are achieved?

Yes

Implementation Strategies: What strategies are being used to achieve and sustain functional zero?

FL-501

1.

Pastor Tom Atchison New Beginnings of TampaQiana Daughtry, Housing Planning Coordinator City of Tampa (representing Mayor Buckhorn)

Douglas Gorman Jr., Program Manager Community Housing Services CenterBrandee Baker, Peer Support Program Coordinator Crisis Center - Florida Veterans Support Line

Margaret Jones, Director of Assisted Housing Department Tampa Housing Authority

Deputy J. Boyer, Homeless Liaison Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, District IIJana Balicki, Special Projects Manager Agency for Community Treatment Services

Major Leisa Hall Salvation Army

Sara Gabbard, Tampa GPD Liaison James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (VA)Anjali Pant, Community Partner Liaison Department of Children & FamiliesChristine Long, Chief Programs Officer Metropolitan Ministries

Tyler Pigeon, UNITY Reporting Analyst Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (CoC)Harry McCurdy, Section Chief, HCHV Program James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (VA)

Susan (Diane) Cavenaugh, Outreach Supervisor James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (VA)

Marie Galbraith, SSVF Program Manager Tampa Crossroads, Inc.Edi Erb, SSVF Program Director Society of St. Vincent de Paul, South Pinellas

Lesa Weikel, Program Manager / SSVF Liaison Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (CoC)

Primary Group Name: Hillsborough County Committee to End Veteran Homelessness

Principal Members AffiliationSara Romeo, Executive Director Tampa Crossroads, Inc.

Marie Galbraith SSVF Program Manager, Tampa CrossroadsPhone/Email:

813-238-8557 x301 / [email protected]


Phone/Email:

813-274-6999 / [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Lesa Weikel


Lesa Weikel, Program Manager & SSVF Liaison


Tampa/Hillsborough County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

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Our core planning and coordination group (SSVF, VA, CoC) meets regularly (bi-weekly) to develop and execute a strategic plan of action towards achieving "functional zero" by end of 2015. Additional key stakeholders in the community have been identified to participate in a Committee to End Veteran Homelessness that will meet monthly. To date our group has reviewed the GAT and other data to identify the estimated number of Veterans who are homeless annually and will need rapid-rehousing assistance to exit homelessness. We have assessed community assets and the current systems in place for serving both the Veteran and general homeless population. The CoC coordinated assessment system is not yet fully developed but does have a CoC priority wait list, so there has been an immediate focus on establishing a simple, effective process for VA referrals to SSVF and coordination between both SSVF providers. Long-term goals for integration will be further explored with the Committee to ensure a community-wide system that quickly identifies and refers to SSVF. Utilizing HMIS data (including existing CoC priority wait list) the core group has created our "take down" list (i.e. active roster) of homeless Veterans to be rapidly-rehoused. The list initially consisted of 115 names and was split between both SSVF providers to locate, engage, and screen for SSVF Program eligibility. It was determined that a majority of Veterans residing in GPD Programs and at the VA Domiciliary were not yet on the list and would need to be included. We are tracking monthly housing placements and will continue to modify our process to ensure comprehensive coordination with VA funded programs, community-based providers, and public/private housing providers. Finally our group will immediately implement weekly Case Conferencing meetings with key providers to review our master "take down" list, discuss individual cases, and coordinate service delivery.

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Over the past 3 months our CoC made significant strides. As noted in the last update we began weekly case conferencing meetings in July with a core group representing both SSVF Programs, the VA, and CoC-lead. In addition to collaborative case discussions the group focused on improving the Takedown List extraction from HMIS. As a result our CoC-lead was able to develop an ART report (as opposed to ReportWriter) with better features - such as the inclusion of provider case notes - to assist with case conferencing and tracking progress over time. These notations on the list enable us to track "contact attempts" and share other important updates for the purpose of coordinating services. Currently the Takedown List consists of 280 names but is known to contain errors related to data entry; therefore key providers are tasked with completing a final data "clean-up" in September for a more accurate list. Moving forward both SSVF programs plan to share reporting data (housing placements) at the monthly CoC provider meetings to help gain momentum as we make a final push to zero. Speaking of momentum our CoC-lead along with City (Mayor Bob Buckhorn) and County (Commissioner Sandy Murman) officials proposed a 2nd annual Operation: REVEILLE 2015 event (on Veteran's Day) and held a provider meeting in July to kick-off the planning. Since that time discussions have shifted towards alternative ways to support SSVF and VA housing programs. For example the CoC-lead has committed to advancing progress towards full implementation of a systematic CI&A process as well as improving overall data quality by offering more training and support to providers. City and County resources are being pursued to provide emergency motel vouchers, and to meet other unmet needs. A Housing Task Force is being planned to help coordinate landlord recruitment and retention efforts as well as access to affordable housing resources within the County. While the numbers remain daunting we are optimistic about achieving functional zero this year - it can be done!

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Under Dev



Under Dev


Yes


Yes


FL-502

1.

Susan Finlaw-Dusseault


Director of Continuum of Care Services


St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Largo/Pinellas County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Katie O'Neil SSVF Program Manager - PinellasPhone/Email:

[email protected] / 727-954-7955


Phone/Email:

[email protected] / 727-528-5764Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Edi Erb, SSVF Program Director St. Vincent de Paul South PinellasKatie O'Neil, SSVF Program Manager - Pinellas St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas

Susan Finlaw-Dusseault, Director of CoC Services Homeless Leadership Board

Primary Group Name: Community Planning Group to End Homelessness for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Principal Members AffiliationMichael Raposa, Chief Executive Officer St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas

Kevin Marrone, Director of Community & Homeless Services Boley CentersTim Burns, Planning & Contract Services Pinellas County Department of Human Services

Wendy Whitescarver, Resource Development Manager Volunteers of America-Florida

Jennifer Sprague, Homeless Veterans Coordinator C.W. Bill Young VA Medical HospitalCliff Smith, Manager of Veterans, Social, and Homeless Services City of St. Petersburg

Kevin Edwards, Peer Support Representative State Advisory Council

Micki Thompson, Executive Director 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc.Elisa Galvin, HCV Director Pinellas County Housing Authority

Pamela Long, Director of Homeless and Veterans Services Catholic Charities

Zach White, Director of Homeless Services Homeless Emergency ProjectHarrison Reeder, Chief, Social Work VA Bay PinesWalter Lamerton, Retired Veteran Founder of the USO in Tampa, Florida

Lauren Ayers, Veterans Social Worker Pinellas Safe HarborFrank DeLucia, Florida Program Development Executive Abilities Inc./Warrior Bridge Program

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daysB. Length of Time Homeless Goal (max or average days): 30







The Veterans Task Force continues to meet monthly and provides a broader level of focus on Veterans’ needs. This group is made up of veteran service providers in the community who assist with a variety of needs regarding veterans, not just homelessness. The Community Planning Group meets monthly to evaluate the progress towards achieving functional zero to include reviewing services and housing available, gaps in both services and housing and coordination efforts among service providers in Pinellas County. The goal of the Community Planning Group is to optimize the local system to ensure homelessness among veterans is prevented when possible and when it does occur, it is short and brief. Two sub-groups were formed by the Community Planning Group. The first sub-group (Veteran Housing Placement subgroup/ Take-Down Committee) will review each name on the Master List and ensure each Veteran listed that can be located has a plan for movement to permanent housing. The second sub-group is evaluating the implementation of a Community Resource and Recovery Center as part of the system redesign for sustaining the efforts toward ending Veteran Homelessness beyond this year. Through the efforts of the Community Planning Group working with the HMIS we have developed a Master List to include all Veterans who were entered into as homeless and do not have an exit to permanent housing. The Veteran Housing Placement subgroup/ Take-Down Committee made up of key VA and VA-funded programs is now meeting on a weekly basis to review the Master List and determine its processes moving forward to include where veterans are in our homeless assistance system, how to prioritize veterans on the list, what barriers needs to be removed to get them into housing, and who is responsible for each person.

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Other Strengths and Challenges: Briefly describe any additional strengths and/or challenges relevant to your achieving VA and local goals.

Strengths - Pinellas County has an abundance of resources in the community that can assist literally homeless individuals and families. There is a healthy dialogue and partnership with the local VA medical center and new housing projects in the community that are veteran-specific. The Pinellas County Housing Authority has recently prioritized veterans for Section 8 and have opened up their waiting list in hopes of giving vouchers to 450 low-income veterans by the end of May. This will provide the majority of SSVF participants to access subsidized housing in the community in 2015. 9/15/15 Update: Draft of the Master List has been reviewed by key community providers to ensure that all agencies reporting in HMIS are included on the list. The Take-Down Committee is meeting on a weekly basis to discuss the processes and procedures for addressing each veteran who has a history of homelessness in the system. The Committee has chosen to address the list by length of time homelessness, since not every provider is currently using the VI-SPDAT. In the upcoming weeks, the group will need to determine which veterans on the list should remain on the list and which veterans need to be taken off of the list, due to no contact in the system in the last 6 months. The committee will also need to figure out which services are most appropriate for the veterans on the list, including those in need of rapid rehousing, those in need of permanent supportive housing, and those who are currently in shelter or GPD beds and are already sufficiently linked to RRH or PSH to be housed. Challenges - The most difficult challenge as of late has been getting all service providers to attend the Take Down meetings and commit to ending veteran homelessness in our community. Getting an adequate Master List from our HMIS provider has also been a bit of a challenge, mostly due to the fact that many agencies in the community enter minimal or incorrect data, making it difficult to track things appropriately.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes




Under Dev


Under Dev


Yes

FL-503

1.

Laura Lee Gwinn


Executive Director


Winterhaven/Polk County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Cynthania Clark Executive Director/Case Manager CoordinatorPhone/Email:

863-940-9977 [email protected]


Phone/Email:

863-686-8386Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Anthony Whippleleaterwood Homeless Coalition of Polk CountyLori Martini GiveWell Community Foundation/Lakeland Vision

Cynthania Clark Clark's House, Inc.

Primary Group Name: Strategic Planning

Principal Members AffiliationMichael Brown Magellan Complete Care

Melody Bastidas Talbot House Ministries

Laura Lee Qwinn Homeless Coalition of Polk CountyErin Tighman City of Winter Haven

Kristin Embree Heartland for Children

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July 15, 2015 the Homeless Coalition of Polk County is having the technical team from the National Alliance on Homelessness come share on rapid rehousing for all the CoC members. Clark's House, Inc. will be attending for the first time the conference hosted by the National Alliance in Washington, DC from July 14th through the 17th to gain more information and best practices to share with the CoC. An overview of the Strategic Planning meeting on June 24th was successful in attendance however there is still strong alliances with housing first and rapid rehousing and many of the CoC members are concerned that if they "invest" in housing first they will lose their current funding and staff. At this time, we have no immediate answer and are looking at ways to provide ways in which the stigma is decreased and more awareness is provided and more consistently.

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Again, we are meeting regularly yet we are unable to come up with additional resources for affordable housing. We have gained new landlord relationships, invited the Board of County Commissioners Senior Planners and Director to meetings and they only showed up once. Clark's House, Inc. Executive Director is continously reaching out to local congressmen to get on their calendar to see how we can gain additional resources. We had another community event in June to establish additional resources with a few lawyers but at this point, we have no housing in the rural areas to house our veterans.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes




Under Dev


Under Dev


Yes

FL-504

1.

Jeffrey White


CoC Lead Agency, Executive Director


Daytona Beach/Daytona/Volusia, Flagler Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Joni Casillas Director of DevelopmentPhone/Email:



Phone/Email:

386-279-0029/Jeff White <[email protected]>Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Jeffrey White Volusia/Flagler Homeless Coalition-CoC Lead AgencyMilissa Extrom CoC Board & Flagler Homeless Task Force

Jay Roberts Community Action

Primary Group Name: SSVF Community Partnership

Principal Members AffiliationJoni S. Casillas The Salvation Army-Daytona Beach, CoC Board

Ray Salazar United WayAmanda R. Nixon Integrative Crisis Management

Pamela Woods Volusia Public Schools

Kenneth Mueller VA Homeless Program Manager- Orlando VA CenterDr. Pamela Jackson-Smith Flagler County Public Schools

Anthony E. Woods Daytona Beach Housing Authority

Richard Cuebas Career SourceAnthony Deobil & SSVF Outreach & Case Managers The Salvation Army

Nate McLaughlin Flagler County Commissioners

Kimberly Shontz and VASH Case Managers HUD VASH-Daytona VA Medical CenterLisa Feagin, William Spivey VA-The Honor Center- Gainesville

Joe Mayer Flagler County Human Services

Waylon Niece The Neighborhood Center- DeLandGary Shimun Daytona Beach Deputy City Manager

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The above SSVF Community Partnership Committee (CPC) meets monthly as the Primary Group and is a standing committee of the Volusia/ Flagler Continuum of Care. In addition, a smaller Work Group of this committee meets bi-monthly via conference call (in between should an issue arise) and monthly face to face. The committee as a whole reviews as standing items: • Update on Measurable Targets to end Veteran Homelessness in Volusia County, includes Registry List Update • Update on Strategies and Progress to End Homelessness, includes strategies employed by Strike Teams and Sniper Squads, Placement Celebrations •SSVF Integration into Coordinated Assessment System (using the VI SPDAT)- this includes, Coordinated referral process use of common release of information, allows VA Homeless Operations data to be entered into HMIS. This is now in place and working for SSVF and ESG grantees• Update on Maintaining Functional Zero on Flagler County• Strategies to Increase Affordable Housing, • Affordable Housing Updates and Discussion includes local housing authorities and realtors • Discussion of how Veterans are Moving through the CoC SystemUsing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methods, the smaller SSVF CQI Workgroup of frontline SSVF and VA Outreach Workers and SSVF and HUD VASH Case Managers meet twice a month via conference calls and whenever needed should an issue arise and once a month face to face. They review the Registry of Homeless Veterans; tracking when each veteran is put on the list, is placed or leaves area and is removed from list ( includes placement timeframe and gatekeeper) and also, Common Problem Issues and Problem Cases are also presented and discussed.

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Additional Strengths: • Zero Homelsseness Among Veterans declared in Flagler County on 5/18/15 using OutreachTeams and Strike Teams, following the same plan, we expect to declare Zero Homelsseness Among Veterans in Volusia County in October • "Buddy Brigade"- peer to peer mentorship program whereby successful graduates of SSVF program serve as mentors to newly enrolled SSVF participants to increase their stability in permanent housing and reduce recidivism • Outreach Worker and SSVF Program Coordinator are both Veterans who were formerly chronically homeless • Outreach Team Volunteers- current VA Grant and Per Diem residents volunteer to assist with outreach to increase success in engagement particularlly with chronically homeless Veterans • "Strike Teams"- Comprised of fomerly homeless Veterans, conduct weekly Outreach sweeps to nontraditional targeted areas. County is divided into quadrants to conduct these sweeps, in addition to 400 Outreaches per month to regular sites and known camps • "Sniper Squads" - Comprised of fomerly homeless Veterans, looking for specific reported homeless Veterans in nontraditional targeted areas to engage them • The Veterans Assistance Coalition, a local non profit started by two retired Veterans that provides "gently used" furniture to SSVF participants when they move into permanent housing Challenges: • Lack of affordable housing, especially in Flagler County, Flagler County Task Force to End Homelessness has made this a priority to address and it’s chair, Milissa Extrom is an active member of SSVF Community Partnership Committee. • Lack of public transportation, in Flagler County and rural areas of Volusia County

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes


Yes

FL-505

1.

Maggie Tomecek OWHCoC Coordinated AssessmentDave Murzin Senator Evers Office

Ray Sizemore HCHVAnthony Sawyer One Hopeful PlaceKeith Weincoskis OWHC Outreach, Intake

Leslie Storti 90Works- SSVF Priority 2Sarah Yelverton OWHCoC

Neil Daniels OWHCoC-HMIS

Primary Group Name: Okaloosa Walton Homeless Veterans Task Force

Principal Members AffiliationStacy Ray 90Works- SSVF Priority 2

Phone/Email: 850-409-3070/[email protected], 850-619-5827 [email protected], 850-449-1115 [email protected]


Phone/Email: 850-409-3070 / [email protected]

Person Completing this Summary: Sarah Yelverton, Leslie Storti Title: Executive Director, Program Manager 90Works Director

CoC Representative: Sarah Yelverton Title: Executive Director


Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa, Walton Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

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In September 2014, Veteran Coordination was examined as a part of the overall COC system during action plan committee meetings. As a part of the planning process in 2015 a special focus was added to the annual plan to "improve linkage to veteran services and align resources to excelerate housing homeless veterans". A key strategy under this objective is to establish a veterans task force, responsible for coordinating and integrating programs to rapidly rehouse veterans. The OWHCoC facilitates and supports all CoC wide planning, outreach, and coordinated activities. The annual action plan generates several sub committees including the veteran task force. The Homeless Veterans Taskforce meets approximately every 2 weeks to provide updates on planning strategies outcomes and objectives outlined in the annual action plan as well as HMIS data obtained through outreach, services providers and coordinated assessment. The Task Force does review and strategize solutions for referrals for open veteran cases. Coordination of services through both HMIS and CoC planning occurs monthly. Another outcome of the objectives in the OWHCoC 2015 plan is for the CoC to conduct a CoC-wide Gaps Analysis (GA) of resources by locationand service category in order to create better system mapping of the entire CoC housing process, the CoC Housing Committee is responsible for that process. One of the outcomes of the Housing Committees GA is a housing database that will list by geographical location all affordable housing, contact info, and eligibility and requirements for the housing units. A CoC Outreach initiative has been developed - Ending Chronic Homelessness Outreach (ECHO) using CoC staffing funds for personnel to do outreach, engagement, assessment and coordinated intake to optimize the vetera and non-veteran experience of intake, assessment and access to housing. Another strategy of the CoC's action plan outlines involving active-duty military ECHO and other CoC lead agency, Okaloosa Walton Homeless COC/Opportunity Inc., will be responsible, as the Coordinated Assessment and HMIS administrators, to track and maintain progress on housing, comprehensive data analysis on length of stay, housing stability, and recidivism. One Hopeful Place a new emergency shelter facility for homeless veterans has a representative on the Veterans Task Force and the

3C.


The CoC and leaders in the community will conduct a presentation on veteran services eligibility, and discharge requirements along with inventory and resource guide of veteran services in the spring of 2015. The CoC is currently working on a discharge plan to ensure that persons being released from public institutions (corrections, mental health, health care, and foster care systems) are able to reintegrate into society and not end up homeless. Update* SSVF has partnered with local jails and prisons to ensure that services are presented to all that are exiting incarceration. *Update the I VOW team continues to meet and discuss streamiling services. *Update SSVF continues to strive to create a master list with the CoC. OWHCoC is currently in phase one of coordinated assessment process. The system currently functions as a multi-site collaboration process consisting mainly of those agencies federally funded through the VA or Department of Housing and Urban Development. At this time veterans assessed will be screened for SSVF, PSH, Shelter or diversion. Our Task Force is currently engaged with all VA Programs and community agencies. This is going very well

Yes/No/Under Dev

A. Has your community identified every Veteran who is homeless right now by name? Under Dev

Is this list updated regularly?


Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes



FL-506

1.

Zach Summerlin


CoC Agency Relations Director


Tallahassee/Leon County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Kimberly Ladner / Brenda Mueller SSVF Program Director/ManagerPhone/Email:

Kimberly Ladner 850-792-9417 [email protected] / Brenda Mueller 850-589-0585 [email protected]


Phone/Email:

850-792-9420 [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Kimberly Ladner SSVF - Big Bend Homeless CoalitionElizabeth Rivero VA - HUD/VASH

Denna Green-Corbett VA - HCHV

Primary Group Name: Team VET

Principal Members AffiliationBrenda Mueller SSVF-Family Endeavors

Kaila Pacheco The Kearney Center/CESC

Cathy Price VA-GPDAmanda Wilke CoC HMIS/Coordinated Assessment Specialist

Zach Summerlin Big Bend CoC

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3A.

3B.








The above mentioned group and their staff members meet bi-weekly ( every other Thursday afternoon) to review the Homeless Vet List developed from the 2015 CoC PIT count and current HMIS enrollees. We discuss which Veterans have been housed by SSVF programs and HUD/VASH, which have entered, or exited the GPD and/or other local transitional programs. We also review which Vets are still unsheltered, and some that are still needing to be located since the PIT count. We work together to refer appropriate Vets to HUD/VASH when vouchers are available. We have also worked together to man the local Stand Down ( 04/24/2015 - 04/26/2015). We worked together to develop the VA GAPS analysis and SSVF Community Plan. Update 06/24/2015 - We continue to house people via HUD/VASH and SSVF. We add Veterans as they appear in HMIS as unhoused, and also new SSVF enrollees. Our Outreach teams (VA and SSVF) are still actively seeking unsheltered Veterans. Both SSVF programs in our service area adopted the final rule in March to better serve our Veteran Participants. Our community is a Zero:2016 participant, and refers Veterans that are ineligible for SSVF and HUD/VASH to other local Permanent Supportive Housing providers in our area. Update 8/26/2015 - One of our SSVF partners (Family Endeavors) reported at the last Team meeting that they have no more funds for new clients for this FY. This leaves the burden of enrollment of new SSVF Veteran participants to the other SSVF program (Advocates for Veteran Housing) and HUD/VASH. Our service area is currently out of HUD/VASH vouchers, but our VA team has had some luck in porting vouchers in from other areas. We continue to house people via HUD/VASH and SSVF. We add Veterans as they appear in HMIS as unhoused, and also new SSVF enrollees. Our Outreach teams (VA and SSVF) are still actively seeking unsheltered Veterans. We have added a new TEAM VET partner from our newly upgraded and opened homeless shelter, The Kearney Center.

25



52 40 92


14 11

3C.

4.



Stengths : Team VET Coordination and communication among partners is strong - professional and goal driven. We have streamlined the process of identifying homeless (sheltered and unsheltered) Veterans. Our CoC is part of the nationwide Zero :2016 initiative, Mayors Initiative, and we have local elected officials on our Coc Board. Challenges: There are not enough HUD/VASH vouchers to cover eligible Veterans needs. Our local Section 8 Housing Authority waiting list is over 8 years long. A large percentage of the Veterans we work with do not meet HUD/VASH requirements. Our CoC recently began a SOAR intiative, but it is not recognized by our local SSI/SSDI office as a valid means to obtain benefits. Our local SOAR representatives are working to bridge that gap. One of our SSVF partners (Family Endeavors) reported at the last Team meeting that they have no more funds for new clients for this FY. This leaves the burden of enrollment of new SSVF Veteran participants to the other SSVF program (Advocates for Veteran Housing) and HUD/VASH.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes


Yes

FL-507

1.

Martha Are


Executive Director


Orlando/Orange, Osceola, Seminole Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Neftali Rodriguez Veteran Services Program ManagerPhone/Email:

407-893-0133 x612 / [email protected]


Phone/Email:

407-893-0133 x602 / [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Melody Froling Grant Manager, HSNNeftali Rodriguez Veteran Services Program Manager, HSNJoan Domenech Coordinated Assessment Manager, HSN

Primary Group Name: HSN CoC Committee

Principal Members AffiliationMartha Are Executive Director, HSN

Yvette DeJesus Lead Case Manager, The Transition House Inc.Eric Gray/Keith Theriot ED/REG Director, CFOCBabette Allen Admin Lead, Grand Avenue ECDC

Ken Mueller, HCHC Manager, Orlando VA HCHC Manager, Orlando VAMary Jane Grant Admin Lead, Aspire SeminoleSarai Cabrai Admin Lead, Heart of Florida United Way

Celestia McCloud Osceola County GovernmentValmarie Turner Seminole County GovernmentEd Dimayugaj, Attorney Orange County Bar Legal Aid

Bakari Burns, CEO, Health Care Center for the Homeless CEO, Health Care Center for the HomelessDonna Wyche Orange County GovernmentRebecca Sutton City of Orlando Government

Christie Bhageloe, Attorney Community Legal of Aid of Central Florida

Andrae Bailey CEO, Central Florida Commision on HomelessnessDonald Whitehead Director, Coalition for the Homeless

Jamie QuarnoccioRafiq Raza

LVER, CareerSource FloridaGPD Liaison/Emergency Beds

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








This group meets once a month. During this meeting the group will track progress on housing placement, retention and outcomes. The group will identify and address barriers to housing placement and the amount of time to place clients identified as homeless. SSVF representatives will report on progress to end Veteran homelessness. The Veteran's Community Action Team will adress any barriers or issues as required. In addition, the group will identify unmet community needs, supports and resources necessary and create plan(s) to address those needs.HIC and VA data will be reviewed to identify sheltered veterans in need of permanent housing placement and for bed vacancies for placement.We are not conducting weekly Veteran Case Conference meetings. During this meeting current and new homeless veteran referrals are reviewed and their progress toward housing is noted and tracked. During the meetings, issues of veteran location, VA eligibility, housing matching and any known barriers to housing are discussed. Any other issues such as advocating for a higher level of prioritization based on other factors not reflected in VI-SPDAT score are also discussed.A Veteran Committe has been formed to enable CoC members to provide input and guidance into the plans and execution of veteran initiatives. The committee consist of members of the CoC who provide veteran services. The committee meets biweekly and establishes policies and procedures to ensure consistent care and avoid duplication of efforts.

30



246 36 282


8 22

3C.

4.



The development of a "Housing Inventory Database" within the CoC continues. The database provides a list of available housing within the CoC and provides case managers with the ability to match a client with the best housing choice for them and reduces the time spent with housing searches. The good news is that case managers are filling the housing faster than the housing can be identified. However, the bad news is that case managers are filling the housing faster than the housing can be identified. There is a critical shortage of available "affordable" housing within the Orlando area. Housing cost are high due to the shortage and high demand of housing in the area. There is a large gap between income and housing cost because the major markets of employers are the hospitality and tourism fields. Wages are not able to support the housing cost results in the shortage of "affordable" housing.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes


Yes

FL-508

1.

Theresa Lowe North Central Florida CocBrenda Chamberlin North Central Florida Coc

Aisha Burgess SSVF-Family EndeavorsKatie Taylor SSVF-Volunteers of AmericaLisa Feagin VA-HUD VASH/Honor Center

Primary Group Name:

Principal Members AffiliationShawntell Brown SSVF-Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc

Shawntell Brown SSVF Program Manager/SSVF- Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Phone/Email:

352 231-3824/[email protected]


Phone/Email:

Phone/Email: 352-792-0800 / [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Theresa Lowe


Executive Director


Gainesville/Alachua, Putnam Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

3



36 21 57


1 2








The North Central Florida Coalition for Hungry and Homeless (Gainesville/Alachua, Putnam Counties CoC) SSVF Task Group currently meets every week on (Thursday 9:00am) at the Grace Market Place to implement and coordinate strategies for more effective Outreach, Assessment, Service Provision, and HMIS Efforts to more effectively rapidly re-house Veterans who are homeless to ensure homelessness is rare, brief and non-reoccurring. During meetings, the group reviews and discusses each SSVF provider’s service areas and Outreach locations to identify any unmet coverage areas and to coordinate more effective Outreach/Engagement Services to gainfully move toward Functional Zero in our communities. The group has also developed a Master List template that is being used to track all identified Homeless Veterans in community and then services provided to end homelessness. The Master list is being completed individually by each provider as assigned by HMIS numbers and Outreach Locations. The Master List is then being reviewed and updated on weekly basis by HMIS Administrator and SSVF agencies to identify any homeless veterans and to track progress towards Veterans’ re-housing and to achieve Functional Zero by end of 2015 to include length of time for housing placement. The group also discusses collaboration efforts necessary with VA Programs, Community Housing Authorities, Shelters, and Landlords to achieve Functional Zero by end of 2015. The Task Group is also working with CoC to further develop and implement an effective Community Coordinated Assessment Plan to ensure every Veteran who becomes homeless no matter where they are located are rapidly engaged and offered shelter and/or housing that meets Veteran needs. Our group has also implemented a staffing /review session during weekly meetings to discuss veteran cases in effort to collaborate and ensure appropriate services needs are provided and/or met. We also have monthly review conference calls with Anna Blasco from National Alliance to End Homelessness which has been helpful for us reaching our goal.

3C.


Strengths:• CoC operates Community Shelter which offers one-step services and referrals to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of homeless to include Veteran Families. • CoC currently has a Coordinated Entry System Work group working to develop Coordinated Assessment for community and coordination of other community services to ensure homeless veterans are rapidly engaged and offered services for to obtain shelter/housing that meet their needs. Challenges: • Getting Landlords, Housing Authority, Veteran Programs, Community Leaders and other key community organizations to actively participate in Task Group.• Effective collaboration with other community shelter and unsheltered organizations to ensure every Veteran who becomes homeless no matter where they are located become rapidly engaged and offered shelter and/or housing that meets their needs. • Locating permanent housing for Veterans with little or no income and those with criminal backgrounds and credit issues.• Engaging veterans who choose to remain homeless

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes

D. Are sufficient SSVF resources allocated to ensure there are no RRH gaps or turn-always? Yes


Under Dev


Yes



FL-509

1.

SSVF Outreach StaffSSVF Case Manager

Upward American VeteransKathy AlstenSharon McPeakAndrea JohnsonLouise HubbardLeeanne Honey SSVF Program Manager

CoC Lead Agency Executive Director

Vic Diaz Vietnam Veterans of America

Louise Hubbard Executive DirectorPhone/Email:

772-567-7790 x 12 [email protected]


Phone/Email:

772-567-7790 x 12 [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Robin Miller Indian River County Rental Assistance DepartmentCarolyn Price Valenti HUD VASH Supervisor

Primary Group Name: Veteran

Principal Members AffiliationJoel Herman Indian River County Veteran Services

Louise Hubbard


Executive Director


Fort Pierce/St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

11



10 42 52


6 5








SSVF Case Management and Program Staff meet monthly to discuss and coordinate efforts associated with the veterans being served. The full CoC membership meets bi-monthly to discuss the SSVF program and the progress that has been made with homeless veterans in the Continuum. During the CoC meeting, a group of at least 45 individuals (Local agencies, local funders, County staff and CoC staff) discuss homeless issues related to the annual CoC Plan, the Point In Time survey, the Housing Inventory Chart, the resources available and the gaps in services. There has been several meeting dedicated to address chronically homeless individuals and an emergency shelter facility in Ft. Pierce FL. There have been discussions related to short term housing for veterans in Indian River County utilizing local funding sources.The Veteran Group meets monthly via telephone conference to discuss coordination of services through the VA (HUD VASH), the Public Housing Authority, SSVF and local veteran service groups to address the needs associated with veterans.

3C.


Engagement with these long-term homeless veterans is difficult and takes time. Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc. has an excellent trackrecord of finding and placing the veteran into housing. This is usually done within 2 weeks of enrolling a client into the SSVF program. A challenge of the SSVF program is that there is time limited funding for rental assistance through this program. It often takes longer to obtain VA or SSI/SSDI benefits for individuals that truly need it. SSVF has been able to serve clients that are not eligible for VASH . After the SSVF assistance is provided, without additional assistance, the veteran may very well go back to homelessness.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes

D. Are sufficient SSVF resources allocated to ensure there are no RRH gaps or turn-aways? No


Under Dev


Yes



FL-510

1.

Dawn Gilman


CEO


Jacksonville-Duval, Clay Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Dawn Gilman CEOPhone/Email:

904-354-1100 ext 304


Phone/Email:

904-354-1100 ext. 304Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Eddie Hall, Elyse Capps, Latrece Rowell Florida Community Prevention CenterRon Howell, Mamie McDaniel North Florida Community Action Agency

Shawn Liu, Wendy Snee Department of Veteran Affairs

Primary Group Name: FL 510 Veteran Planning Group

Principal Members AffiliationBo Matiss, Dawn Gilman, Lauren D'Amico, Alisha Jenkins Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition of Northeast Fl

Lawrence Jefferson Jacksonville Sheriff's OfficeRobyn Andrews Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless

Brian Snow Sulzbacher Center

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








The planning committee met on 11/21/2014 to draft Community Plan. The CoC Governance Committee has adopted the Community Plan as the current best inflow estimates for homeless Veterans. This plan has been reviewed and adopted by Jacksonville’s ZERO:2016 Campaign Committee. Please note:

1) Under our ZERO:2016 campaign the take down target was changed from 34 to 26 in April 2015. This reflects updated inflow information from the Veterans by Name List. 2) As of September 2015 we have had a staffing change in the position of SSVF Program Director 3) On September 17 & 18 2015 the Priority One grantee is hosting a local Action Camp to plan the last 100 days until the December 31, 2015 goal of functional zero for Veterans. Over 100 participants have registered including all shared geography SSVF grantees is FL 510. 4) Monthly placement reports indicate FL 510 remains on target to reach functional zero for Veterans by the goal date.

We will continue to track program process on a monthly basis using the VA Demand Analysis Tool. Reports will be given to Zero 2016 campaign committee on a monthly basis or as requested. SSSVF Shared Geography meetings are held monthly to coordiante the efforts of SSVF grantees operating in FL 510. A separate staffing committee meets weekly to manage the community master list of Veterans experiencing homeless. This committee is comprised of COC representatives, SSVF Grantees, local VA, outreach members, and coordinated intake staff. Veterans seeking homeless services are added to the master list, the staffing committee prioritizes and assigns services, and outreach and case managers assist with connecting the client to the appropriate resources.

17



20 8 28


12 5

3C.

4.



The Veterans Master List has been a very successful strategy in working to identify Veterans experiencing homeless and leverage community resources. Using this tool, Veterans are entered on the list as they are identified by outreach or enter into homeless services. Each Veteran is reviewed at the weekly staffing meeting, and the committee works identify the most appropriate source of housing. Progress is tracked through program assignments and housing placements for each Veteran. We currently have one faith based shelter that is not participating in HMIS, coordinated intake, or the Master List process. This represents a potential gap for Veterans entering homelessness. ESHC has been in contact with program leadership about closer collaboration. An additional challenge is the availability of permanent supportive housing resources for Veterans that are not eligible for HUD VASH. There is an extensive wait list for PSH within the CoC.

As our Veterans Master List has progressed we have identified longer time period from enrollment into a housing program to the date the Veteran moves into housing. The strategy we will test to reduce this is re-engaging the outreach staff persons with the six persons who have the greatest length of time in this category. The goal of the engagement is identifying and overcoming the barrier to housing. We will also test the assumption that these individuals have a higher acuity score that those with shorter move in times.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Under Dev



Yes


Yes


Yes

FL-511

1.

CoC Representative: John Johnson Title: Executive Director


Pensacola/Escambia/Santa Rosa County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Phone/Email: [email protected] 850-439-3009, [email protected] 850-619-5827, [email protected] 850-449-1115


Phone/Email: 850-439-3009 / [email protected]

Person Completing this Summary: John Johnson, Leslie Storti, Title: Executive Director ECOH, Program Manager SSVF

Steven Voight VA Homeless OutreachMatt Peterson 90Works SSVF Robert Gravely Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council

Primary Group Name: Veterans Committee

Principal Members AffiliationMary Franklin Employment Counselor VA

Chad Franklin VOARobert Rogers Waterfront Rescue Mission

Kevin LaGrange Harbor Life Church

Tammy Byer ECOHJan Wilson POE in Action

Michelle Caldwell Monument to Women Veterans

Dan Minnick GPDEmmett Walker VASH Program Manager

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








The purpose of the Veterans Committee is to provide information, understanding and support for all veterans who may be homeless or at risk of homeless in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. The committee accomplishes this by collaborating with community organizations and organizations best able to provide leadership and oversight of services necessary to meet the needs of this specific population. We investigate and identify needs and possible solutions for those in need. The populations served includes Veterans and/or family members with unmet housing, health care, transition assistance, education, and employment needs. The Committee is comprised of between 7 and 15 representatives from community organizations currently providing services to our veterans in at least two of the areas of needs and are active members of the Escarosa Coalition on the Homeless (ECOH). The ECOH Veterans Committtee provides pertinent information to stakeholders regarding issues affecting this particular veteran population. As a committee we also assist with the establishment of recommended collaborations with other community groups who have an interest in serving veterans. The Veterans Committee also participates on the ECOH Faces of Homelessness Speakeres bureau and serves as coordinators for the ECOH role with the annual VA Stand Down and other Community events for Veterans. The Chaird of the committee takes all related issues and recommendations to the ECOH Board for resolution and shall provide input to the strategic committee for inclusion the ECOH Strategic Plan. The ECOH Veterans Committee meets monthly with meeting agendas provided one week prior.

15



15 10 25


5 10

3C.

4.



The CoC and the community are working well together with the goal of ending Veteran homelessness by December of 2015. Specifically, members of the CoC communicate on a daily basis the needs and possible solutions of Veterans in our area. There are in fact many community organizations with resources for our Veterans in the areas of housing, education, employment, emergency supplies and shelter as well as other life skills resources. As a tourist area, we face the challenge of the homeless travelling to this area from other states, especially from March through December. We are unable to accurately account for the number of people who will enter this area during those months, who do not plan on staying long term. We are working with the Coaltion to identify all Veteras that are homeless utilizing the PIT surveys and creating Street Otreach plans. *UPDATE SSVF has gone through all PIT surveys identified who was housed and who has not been served. SSVF along with the CoC have developed an outreach plan that will be implemented by many community partners to target the remaining homeless Veterans.*UPDATE a tam for street outreach has been created and will be going out on 09/24/2015 to assess Veteran homelessness. This will be in conjunction with the local shelters, Mental Health Facilities, Coaltion on the Homeless, and the VA.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes


Yes

FL-514

1.

Ed Whitlock Vets Helping VetsCheryl Johnson Shepherd's Lighthouse

William Spivey HUD/VASHRichard Frank VET CenterJeffrey Askew Veteran Service Office

Samantha Rowe Family EndeavorsNeil Lifshutz VA Social WorkerDavid Booth Combet Vets to Careers

Charnice Johnson Volunteerss of America SSVFElizabeth Feagin VA Healthcare for Homeless VeteransAlice Hodgkins Salvation Army

Primary Group Name: Ocala/Marion CoC

Principal Members AffiliationKaren Hill Marion County Homeless Council

Charnice Johnson SSVF Program Specialist Lead VOAFPhone/Email:

(352) 240-1340/[email protected]


Phone/Email:

(352) 732-1369/[email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Karen Hill


Executive Director of the Marion County Homeless Council


Ocala/Marion County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

5



50 50


5








We are in the stages of developing a Functional Zero Task Force and plan to meet bi-weekly to review the number of homeless Veterans and Veteran Families who remain homeless in the Ocala/Marion County CoC, as well as those who have been housed through Rapid Re-Housing through coordinated efforts.

3C.


All CoC memebers work closely with each other and outside organizations to ensure all homeless people, especially Veterans, are found a safe place to stay as soon as possible. We have implemented our Coordinated Intake Assessment to ensure all homeless individuals are referred to the correct organization for immediate assistance. The biggest challenge we are facing are the individuals accepting the assistance.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Under Dev


Yes



FL-515

1.

CoC Representative: Morgan Burleson Title: Executive Director


Panama City/Bay, Jackson Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Phone/Email: 850-481-5446 [email protected], 850-619-5827 [email protected], 850-449-1115


Phone/Email: 850.481.5446

Person Completing this Summary: Morgan Burleson, Leslie Title: Executive Director, Program Manager SSVF 90Works,

Shayma Salman VA Morgan Burleson Homeless Hunger Coalition of NWFL/NWFL Continuum of Care

Jennifer Bannister Career Source

Primary Group Name:

Principal Members AffiliationJohn Kitler Good Samaritan Network

Sharitta Wright Green Wright FoundationStacy Ray 90Works SSVF Priority 2

Matt Standish Bay Vet Center

Billy Fox selfKelly Watkins Gulf Count CI

Leslie Storti 90Works SSVF Priority 2

Craig Chaffee Family Service Agency

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








To date we have not had a formal meeting of the Veteran Sub-Committee of the Northwest Florida Continuum of Care. We are planning our first meeting to be held in May of 2015. Although we have not met to focus our discussions on Veterans, the stakeholders mentioned outreach and refer Veterans everyday to service providers to assist them with their needs. This group also coordinates with the Continuum of Care to plan and execute the Veteran’s Stand Down each year. At our meeting in May and the meetings that follow, we will review a list of Veterans that are experiencing homelessness and share needs and barriers for that individual. We will also determine the best, most effective way to reach the Veterans on our list. Each representative will provide an update on their services as well as opportunities for housing for Veterans. We will also discuss the barriers to entering information in HMIS, which increases coordination among providers. Another important role of this sub-committee is to formalize the pool of landlords available and design a plan to outreach to new landlords.

18



23 10 33


10 8

3C.

4.



The NWFL Continuum of Care struggles with affordable housing options. Therefore, landlord outreach and retention is priority. The Continuum of Care stakeholders have a great concern for Veterans and assuring they are housed as soon as possible. We have a strong SSVF team and that makes a huge difference in assisting the Veterans. The Coordinated Assessment is in the planning phases however, all Veterans who present to the CoC members are referred to 90 Works for screening for their current situation, needs and SSVF eligibility. At that time, 90 Works prioritizes and coordinates with the VA HUD-VASH and other CoC members to address the needs of the individual or family. *Update the CoC has applied for additional funding for Veterans since there are no other VASH vouchers in this CoC.*UPDATE- The CoC is able utilize Master list to see what Veterans still need assistance. A outreach group of active suty service memebers and retired members conducted outreach in the CoC as an outreach task force.

Yes/No/Under Dev

A. Has your community identified every Veteran who is homeless right now by name? yes

Is this list updated regularly? yes


Yes


No



Yes


Yes


yes

FL-516

1.

Erin Tighman City of Winter Haven

Lori Martini Lakeland Vision/GIVEWELL FoundationKristin Embree Heartland for ChildrenCynthania Clark Clark's House, Inc.

Michael Brown Mellgan Complete CareMelody Bastidas Talbot House Ministries

Ron Daniels Homeless Coalition of Polk County

Primary Group Name:

Principal Members Affiliation

Cynthania Clark Executive Director/Case Manager CoordinatorPhone/Email:

[email protected]; 863-940-9977


Phone/Email:

[email protected]; 863-687-8386Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Laura Lee Quinn


Executive Director


Winterhaven/Polk County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

30



11 23 34


11 19

B. Length of Time Homeless Goal (max or average days):



Estimated Annual Total:




The committee meets twice a month and the last meeting consisted of a guest speaker from Florida Southern College to work with the committee and agency provider CEO, EX DIR, and Leadership on a SWOT analysis to determine the priorities for the community as it relates to homelessness.

3C.


Although we are meeting as a committee to rectify ways in which to end homelessness, there is a huge gap with affordable housing in Polk County, Florida and due to this major concern, we have been working to determine what other leadership, government entity and businesses we need to get involved so that we can have affordable housing for veterans. The current vendors we have are no longer in a position to reduce their rent to serve homless veterans or vetearns in general so we have come to a wall with housing clients.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Under Dev


D. Are sufficient SSVF resources allocated to ensure there are no RRH gaps or turn-aways? Under Dev


Under Dev


Under Dev



FL-517

1.

Gina Wynn (pending) DeSoto Psy ServicesBecky -Sue Mercer (pending) Arcadia Housing Authority

Daniel P. Hogan (pending) DeSoto Memorial HospitalAshley Coone (pending) DeSoto County Chamber of CommerceScott Malcom (pending) All Faiths Food Bank

Steve Whitworth (pending) FPL Consumer AdvocateLee Gallagher (pending) VSO Arcadia

Thomas C. Damron (pending) Col. US Army Ret

Carlos Osorio (pending) Salvation Army Charlotte & DeSoto CountiesPeggy Waters (pending) DeSoto Social ServicesMaria Trevino (pending) DeSoto Sheriff Department

Phil Gorelick Jewish Family & Children's Service of the SuncaostSister Ann DeNicolo (pending) Catholic Charities

Lisa Voigt (pending) Department of Children and Families

Primary Group Name: DeSoto County Funtional Zero Advisory Committee

Principal Members AffiliationWilfredo Tellado Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncaost

Wilfredo Tellado Director of Veteran ServicesPhone/Email:

941.366.2224 Ext. 184 [email protected]


Phone/Email:

863.452.1086 [email protected] www.highlandshomeless.comPerson Completing this Summary: Title:

Natalie Simons (From Web Record)


Director


Hendry, Hardee, Highlands Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

0



0









DeSoto County is not included in the FL-517 CoC. The SSVF Gap Anaylsis CoC drop-down FL-517 does not show DeSoto County as a member of the FL-517 Coc. The above group are community leaders and stake holders with an interest in ending homelessnes among Veterans in DeSoto county. JFCS will be contacting all of the above stakerholders in order to introduce and establish the functional zero committee. On 4/17/2015 JFCS attended a meeting attended mental health professionals and discussed the SSVF program. JFCS shared the information pertaining to functional zero and JFCS will be engaging many of those mental health professional in participating in the function zero committee. SSVF has partnered with DeSoto Housing Authority and All Faith Food Bank and jointly conducted feed the hungry events called "Sprout Route." This collaborative outreach has assisted SSVF identify homeless Veterans in the DeSoto community. SSVF is also working with Catholic Charities feed-the-hungry in order to identify homeless Veterans. SSVF is part of committee meeting held every 4th Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. called Social Services committee. At the last meeting, JFCS reviewed the SSVF program and explained the added value of referring Veterans to JFCS in rapidly rehousing homeless Veterans. The Methodist Trinity Church also has a feed the hungry program and has partnered with JFCS to identify veterans. They have also agreed to provide SSVF staff the necassary facilities to conduct screening, intakes and enrollment of eligible Veterans.

3C.


Strenghts: 1. DeSoto county has an excellent coordinated feed the hungry system that is critical in identifying homeless Veterans and their families. 2. In the absence of an organized Coc, the local helping agencies participate in the Social Services committe (meetings are helded in Arcadia, FL.), the committee is very willing to partner with SSVF and other stake holders in ending Veteran Homelessness. 3. The DeSoto Housing Authority is very involved in collaborating with other agencies in obtaining resources and connecting Veterans to housing. Challenges 1. The lack of an organized CoC presents a challenge in terms of establishing a county wide connection with othe helping agencies. 2. Local housing authority does not process or have any HUB VASH vouchers 3. Some local agencies may not be screening for Veterans and therefore applying local resources to meet the Veterans need rather than refer to SSVF or HUD VASH.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Under Dev


D. Are sufficient SSVF resources allocated to ensure there are no RRH gaps or turn-aways? Under Dev


Under Dev


Under Dev



FL-518

1.

Jennifer Lee


HOMELESS COORDINATOR


Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Shawntell Brown SSVF Program Manager/SSVF- Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Phone/Email:

352 231-3824/[email protected]


Phone/Email:

386-752-5604 ext 107Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Tekela Jackson/Dawn/Charnice Johnson SSVF-Volunteers of AmericaLatrece Rowell SSVF-Florida Community PreventionArlene Dix SSVF-Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc

Primary Group Name: SSVF Grantees Collaboration Meeting

Principal Members AffiliationShawntell Brown SSVF-Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc

Ayana Sampson VA-HUD VASH/VA Outreach

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








SSVF providers and HUD-VASH/VA Outreach staff is working together on goal to obtain Functional Zero and end Veteran Homelessness by 2016. SSVF providers continue to conduct Outreach Activities as planned to ensure homeless veterans are rapidly engaged for housing/shelter services. SSVF providers and HUD-VAsh/VA Outreach staff have also coordinate some Community Outreach Activities for more effective coordinated services. Providers have also reviewed the Master List template to be used to track all identified Homeless Veterans in community. The plan is for the Master List to be completed individually by each agency ongoing and updated collaborative on at least bi-weekly basis to track progress towards Veterans’ re-housing and to achieve Functional Zero by end of 2015. The providers have also shared and discussed a plan to work to have release of information signed at each agency for purpose of collaboration and master list coordination which was previously a barrier for collaboration. In addition the SSVF providers and HUD-VASH staff also attend and participate in Coca coalition and other community meetings as a forum for Functional Zero. Other agencies in community also participate in these meetings and are referring identified homeless veterans and/or veteran households to SSVF Providers or HUD-Vash/VA outreach staff for services as well as SSVF Providers/HUD-VASH/VA Outreach staff referring to other community agencies. This helps with our plan to ensure that no matter where in community homeless veterans are identified, veterans are rapidly engaged for housing/shelter services. The SSVF providers and HUD-Vash/VA staff is also looking to develop a formal Veterans work group committee in community that meets regularly. We would like to coordinated this workgroup through the Coc as it may be more effective.

0



0


3C.

4.



Strengths:•United Way Suwannee Valley CoC currently has a Coordinated Entry System Work group to working develop Coordinated Assessment for community and coordination of other community servicesChallenges: • Getting Landlords, Housing Authority, Veteran Programs, Community Leaders and other key community organizations to actively participate in Task Group.• Locating permanent housing for Veterans with little or no income and those with criminal backgrounds and credit issues. • Engaging veterans who choose to remain homeless Overcoming barrier of confidentiallity and release of information from each agencies perspective

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Under Dev


Under Dev


FL-519

1.

Theresa Parkhurst Samaritan ProjectRev. Dan Campbell Metropolitan Ministries

Captain James Mallo Pasco County Sheriff’s DepartmentPaul Kendrick Boley Center, Veterans Integration Assistance ProgramBrian Anderson One Community Now & Pasco Stand Down

Leah James Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic Pasco CountyKim Treanor BayCare Behavioral HealthMichael Ciminna Congressman Bilirakis’ Office

Renee Delgado Pasco County Vet CenterKennath Hale Veterans Administration HUD/VASH Pasco CountyKathy Hunt Restored Hope

Duggan Cooley Pasco County United WayJudge Crane Pasco County Veterans CourtBob Dillinger Pasco County Public Defender

Edi Erb Society of St. Vincent de Paul, South PinellasJohn Mafodda Society of St. Vincent de Paul, South PinellasEugene Williams Pasco County Homeless Coalition

Primary Group Name:

Principal Members AffiliationMichael Raposa Society of St. Vincent de Paul, South Pinellas

Edi Erb SSVF Program DirectorPhone/Email:

727-201-9871/[email protected]


Phone/Email:

727-842-8605 / [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Eugene Williams


Executive Director


Pasco County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

0



163 34 197









Three groups currently meet monthly to discuss Veterans and/or plans for addressing homelessness: Continuum of Care, Congressman Bilirakis' Veterans Task Force, and Pasco Stand Down. The Planning Group responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the plan for ending homelessness for Veterans in Pasco County is still being formed. Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas, Inc. (SVdPSP) leads the efforts with the existing groups in discussing plans for achieving functional zero. SVdPSP is working with stakeholders to build the community planning group or integrate the responsibilities with either the CoC or Veterans Task Force. SVdPSP has worked with the CoC and HMIS to revise the “Master List” and is working to create a providers group to review the 185 names and develop housing plans for those unsheltered Veterans that can be located and for those Veterans in shelter and or transitional housing beds in Pasco County. The Master List was revised and updated using HMIS data beginning with the 2013 PIT through August 24, 2015. The list includes all Veterans entered into the HMIS who were homeless and not exited to permanent housing. The Providers group will meet weekly and will develop a process for removing and adding Veterans to the List. As of now, the providers are working on the implementation of the use of the VI-SPDAT, which will assist providers in matching Veterans with the most appropriate housing options and prioritizing access to assistance. These efforts will support the development of the Coordinated Entry System.Outreach specialists from SVdPSP, social service providers, and law enforcement will all be involved in seeking out Veterans on the Master List. SSVF's housing specialists are in the process of building new partnerships with landlords and property managers to ensure that housing is readily available to make each Veteran's homelessness as short as possible.

3C.


Strengths: Regular focus on veterans needs through Congressman Bilirakis meeting.The majority of the community views St. Vincent de Paul as the lead agency to address services to the homeless.There additional state resources such as TANF challenge grants to address other needs and Veterans not eligible for SSVF.

Challenges:Identifying the number of homeless veteransCoordinated Entry Sytem in the early stagesLack of transportationPoverty/unemployment levels/ lack of job opportunities in Pasco CountyLack of affordable housing optionsThe most difficult challenge will be getting all service providers to participate and making decisions about how to evaluate the list and identification of the resources needed in developing housing plans for those needing long-term supports such as VASH and PSH.

Yes/No/Under Dev


Is this list updated regularly? Under Dev


Yes




Under Dev


Under Dev


Under Dev


FL-520

1.

Kathy Entler Families in Trainsition Program- Lake County SchoolsBob Spaulding The Sanctuary Mission, Inc.

Veda Ramierz Hernando County Health and Human ServicesJames Sleighter Mission In Citrus Inc

Barbara Wheeler Mid Florida Homeless Coalition

Bill Jones Christian Care CenterSteve Smith New Beginnings of Lake County

Anthony Kopka Daystar

David Booth Combat Vets to CareersDale Elzie US Dept of VA

Bruce Gimbel Jericho Road Ministries

B.E. Thompson LifeStreamMorgan Gish The Refuge at Jumper Creek

Irene O'Malley Lake Cares Food Bank

Heidi Blanchette Citrus County Department of Community Services

Lloyd ThorneVeterans' Organization of Resource and Recovery for the

HomelessSamantha Rowe Family Endeavors

Primary Group Name: Mid Florida

Principal Members AffiliationRobert Campbell, Brian Wright Veterans Affairs

Samantha Rowe Case ManagerPhone/Email:



Phone/Email:

352-860-2308/[email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Barbara Wheeler


Executive Director


Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Sumter Counties CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

14



11 29 40


4 10








We plan on meeting once a month to review the number of homeless Veterans and Veterans with families who have been placed in our rapid re-housing system through coordinated efforts. This group is still being developed and roles are continuing to be defined.

3C.


Strengths:• There are emergency shelters and transitional housing programs within the CoC, two of which are dedicated to housing homeless veterans. • The CoC recentally made its Coordinated Intake Assessment available to those within the continuum. Challenges: • Getting Landlords, Housing Authority, Veteran Programs, Community Leaders and other key community organizations to actively participate in ending veteran homelessness. • There are very few true "emergency shelters" available in the continuum, espcecially for homeless families. Most shelters are transistional housing programs that do not always fit the need for families in crisis. • Locating permanent housing for Veterans with little or no income and those with criminal backgrounds and credit issues.• Engaging veterans who are either chronically homeless, or who do not seek resources.

Yes/No/Under Dev



Yes


Yes



Under Dev


Yes



FL-600

1.

Shelia LeRoy Miami VA Homeless Program

Sandra Newson Carrfour Supportive HousingYamaris Arbtiman Case mangment Supervisor, Operation Sacred Trust/SSVF

Beth Wolfson Miami VA Homeless Program

Manny Sarria Deputy Director, Miami-Dade Homeless TrustIris Karina Martinez Director, Advocate Program/SSVFJennifer Pimentel Program Manager. Advocate Program/SSVF

Primary Group Name: Homeless Veteran Strike Force

Principal Members AffiliationVictoria Mallette Executive Director, Miami-Dade Homeless Trust

Yamaris Arbitman Case Management SupervisorPhone/Email:

(305) 722-4387/ [email protected]


Phone/Email:

(305) 375-1490/ [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Victoria Mallette


Executive Director Miami-Dade Homeless Trust


Miami/Dade County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

2e]3.

3A.

3B.

days

12



40 0 40


12 0








The Homeless Veteran Strike Force meets bi-weekly to review progress made to achieving functional zero. At the Strike Force meeting we review our community's master list of homeless veterans and review their housing plans. The Strike Force also discusses any challegnes to rapidly connecting homeless veterans with all available and apporiptate services (ID assistance, prioritization to shelter, ect.). In addition to the Strike Force meeting our community holds monthy Outreach meetings where the VA Outreach teams, SSVF Outreach teams and the County's Outreach teams meet to discuss strageies to improve and increase outreach efforts to homeless veterans. HCHV and SSVF staff also meet bi-weekly to review housing plans for homeless veterans.

3C.


Our community works well together and is committed to ending homeless for veterans. Our SSVF Grantees have a standing MOU that allows us to share funds to serve all veterans in our community. All the major stake holders in our community are at the table weekly and have the ability to change policy if needed to better support our goal of Zero homeless veterans by the end of the year. We have currently been facing the challenges to locate housing for registered sexual offenders, as well as the decrease in affordable housing throughout the county. The rising housing cost in Miami- Dade county coupled with our homeless veterans low incomes has proven to be a challenging.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes


Yes


FL-601

1.

Michael Wright


Homeless Initiative Partnership/COC Administrator


Ft Lauderdale/Broward County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Pablo Calvo SSVF Director - United Way of Broward County (UWBC)Phone/Email:



Phone/Email:

954-357-6167 [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Regina Solomon COC Coordinator - Broward CountySheila Leroy Homeless Program Coordinator - Miami VAHelen Stollin VASH Broward Lead - Miami VA

Primary Group Name: Homeless Veterans Working Group

Principal Members AffiliationMichael Wright HIP/COC Administrator - Broward County

Moeed Ishrat Outreach Director - Carrfour Operation Sacred TrustCamille Eisenman Case Manager - Carrfour Operation Sacred Trust

Julie Macias Broward Team Lead - Carrfour Operation Sacred Trust

Walter Bradley GPD Coordinator - Miami VAThomas Ellis Senior Director - Mission United UWBCPablo Calvo SSVF Director - Mission United UWBC

Lisa Agate SSVF Program Manager - Mission United BRHPCKenutia Hamilton SSVF Team Leader - Mission United ULBC

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








The Miami VA homeless services team and the two SSVF providers in Broward County meet twice a month to review the list of identified homeless veterans, assign cases, provide status updates, and coordinate housing referrals. In addition, core participants of this group also meet twice a month with the COC administrative staff and other COC providers of housing services to the homeless population to review cases and coordinate housing referrals. Any clients found ineligible for both HUD VASH and SSVF are referred into the other COC providers for rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, or other housing options.

57



189 36 225


42 15

3C.

4.



Strengths: There is now very positive and active collaboration between the VAMC staff, SSVF, and the COC agencies to serve the homeless veteran population. Face to face meetings have proven effective in fostering cooperation and quickly reducing the list of previously known homeless veterans from almost two hundred to less than fifty. Challenges: Due to the technical issues of having three separate databases and ongoing challenges with the HMIS software, it is time consuming to confirm eligibility for those homeless clients identified as veterans and to assign them to the appropriate agencies. There are still some delays in rapidly re-housing veterans into the VASH program due to coordination issues which could be reduced.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Under Dev


Yes



Under Dev


Under Dev


Yes

FL-602

1.

Angela M. Hogan


Executive Director


Punta Gorda/Charlotte County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

Wilfredo Tellado Director of Veteran ServicesPhone/Email:

941.366.2224 Ext. 184 [email protected]


Phone/Email:

941.627.4313 Ext. 106 [email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Michael Overway Charlotte County Homeless CoalitionWilfredo Tellado Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast, Inc.

Phil Gorelick Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast, Inc.

Primary Group Name: Punta Gorda/Charlotte Functional Zero Advisory Committee

Principal Members AffiliationAngela Homan Charlotte County Homeless Coalition

Becky Madsen Housing Authority City of Ft.MyersGilbert English Homeless Outreach VAPeter Darsch VOA Veterans Village

TBA VOA Grant and Per DiemJennifer Sprague Bay Pines VAHCSDavid Donohew Veteran Service Officer Charlotte County

Barbara Sousa VA Homeless OutreachLonnie Williams VA

Sherri Campanale Housing Authority Lee County

2.

3.

3A.

3B.








On 8/6/2015 JFCS was invitated by the Charlotte Coalition Homeless Coalition to present to the Gulf Coast Partnership the topic of functional zero. The Gulf Coast Partnership are key community leaders fully engaged in the ending homelessness in Charlotte county. On 8/7/2015 the CoC generated the PIT count that identified homeless Veterans on 1/22/2015. In cooperation and collarboration with JFCS the following was revealed, reviewed, and reported: the PIT identified 67 homeless veterans in the Charlottee/Punta Gorda Coc, of which four (4) veteran moved in with family and friends, four (4) were assisted by SSVF funds and now live in permanent housing, four (4) were assisted with SSVF fund with move-in funds and recieved HUD VASH permanent housing, one (1) is in a psychiatric hospital, one (1) passed way, and one (1) is located at Bay Pines; thirteen (13) veterans are located at the locate VOA Grant Per Diem program (GPD) and thirty-five (35) are street homeless. Of those that are street homeless - five (5) are have Honorable Discharges, one (1) General Discharge, three (3) Other Than Honorable and twenty-six (26) have discharges are unknown. The Coc and JFCS met on 8/24/2015 in order to organize a functional zero workgroup that would engage the reminding forty-five (45) homeless veterans. Specificallyy, the CoC recommended well known community leaders that have trusting relationship with the many of the known street homeless veterans. JFCS will be working with the FZ workgroup to rapidly engage all these veterans, specificlly targeting all the honorably discharnged Veterans. HUD VASH case workers frequently utilize JFCS office space to intake those chronically homeless veterans eligible for HUD VASH vouchers. As reported in the early report -- veterans with HUD VASH are quickly finding housing in the Charlotte/Punta Gorda community. It was also reported that VOA Punta Gorda has agreed and is currently entering all homeless veterans into HMIS providing for an enhance view of the location of all veterans in the community.

19



25 30 55


9 10

3C.

4.



Strenghts: 1. An active Coc committed to Functional Zero functional zero and demonstrate by its proactive approach to identify and locate all homeless veterans. 2. Excellent collaboration with HUD VASH case workers 3. SSVF has an positive relationship with Grant and Per Diem and transitional housing programs -GPD are now recording all homeless veterans into HMIS and JFCS staff are able to conduct intakes at GPD offices. 4. Punta Gorda is part of the Mayors' Challenge to End Veterans Homelessness . 5. The CoC reports that there is plenty of housing units available particularly if the Veteran has been issued a HUD-VASH voucher 7. CoC has a centralized intake process, a unified assessment process and 60 helping agencies participating in HMIS. Challenges: 1. A system needs to be developed that would identify every homeless Veteran system that rapidly connects the Veteran to the appropriate level of resouces leading to housing stability. 2. It is unknown if there will be sufficient resources to ensure no RRH gaps are present. Currently all known eligible participants are enrolled and assisted promptly but since it is unclear that all homeless Veterans have been identified by name there may be gaps. 3. While there is significant coordination between community agencies, there are still opportunities to improve coordination, the types of information avaiable in HMIS and the opportunity for Veteran serving organziation to jointly plan for and assist trhe most challnged homeless Veteran. 4. Once a all Veterans are known to SSVF (and other housing partners), a housing plan and quick access to safe adn sustainable shelter will

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Yes



Yes


Yes


Under Dev

FL-604

1.

Scott Pridgen COC Board Chair

Jennifer Pimentel Advocate Program, Inc.Elena Z. George Monroe County COCIgnacio Castro Advocate Program, Inc.

Primary Group Name: Monroe County COC

Principal Members AffiliationKarina Martinez Advocate Program, Inc.

Karina Martinez SSVF Program DirectorPhone/Email:

786-227-5842; [email protected]


Phone/Email:

[email protected] / 305-998-4663Person Completing this Summary: Title:

Elena Z. George


Monroe Co. Homeless Services CoC, Inc. Executive Director


Monroe County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

15



27 47 74


5 10








Monthly board meetings and planning meetings to discuss Coordinated Assessment and HMIS monthly meetings to discuss services available and how services can best be coordinated. Presenters are invited to share what is going on with their agencies. All different service providers refer to Advocate SSVF Program.

3C.


Housing veterans in Monroe County presents a number of challenges. These challenges include having veterans with extremely low income and high barriers searching for housing in a county where there is very limited affordable housing inventory and high rental costs. Due to the large geographic size of Monroe County, outreach and case management of veterans in this area is challenging. Many homeless veterans are not in locations where outreach staff can easily locate them, such as those living in cars, derelict boars, in mangroves, and other kinds of temporary housing. Presently, there are no new VASH vouchers in Monroe County due to the high cost of living and these veterans will not re-locate to other county's where VA services are more easily accessible and housing costs are lower. Some strengths are that the COC regularly meets to discuss homeless issues and services available in Monroe County. Additionally, Monroe County has a fully operational coordinated assessment system and has been in existence since November 2013 so at any point when a veteran is identified they are referred to the most appropriate service provider in Monroe County for housing and any other services they need. The COC is also developing more strategic planning in the Upper Keys to identify and reach out to veterans in this area with "A Long Walk Home" program to conduct outreach to veterans in this area.

Yes/No/Under Dev


Is this list updated regularly? Under Dev


Under Dev


Yes



Under Dev


Yes


Under Dev


FL-605

1.

Marilyn Munoz Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach CountyGreg Dover Veterans Services Director, Palm Beach County

Matt Constantine Adopt-A-FamilyPam Berry Salvation Army

Maria Cabrera GPD Liaison WPB VAMC

Carolyn Price-Valenti HUD-VASH SupervisorTracie Bostick Palm Beach County Division of Human and Veteran ServicesKaren Abbot HUD-VASH Senior Case Manager

Josh Maddock SSVF/Faith, Hope, Love, Charity, Inc.Karen Collins Homeless Programs Supervisor, WPB VAMC

Sara Manouchehri HCHV Coordinator, WPB VAMC

Primary Group Name: Zero 2016

Principal Members AffiliationGeorgiana Devine ead Agency, Palm Beach County Division of Human and Veteran Se

Joshua W. Maddock 13-FL-096 SSVF Program DirectorPhone/Email:



Phone/Email:

561-355-4778/[email protected] Completing this Summary: Title:

Georgiana Devine

CoC Representative: Title:Palm Beach County Department of Human and Veteran Services, Program and Contract Manager


West Palm Beach/Palm Beach County CoC CoC Number:Continuum of Care Name:

2.

3.

3A.

3B.

days

55



60 15 75


45 10








The full group's first scheduled meeting was for last week (late June) but had to be postponed until next month. We have had three meetings with a working group consisting of SSVF, WPB HVHC, and Palm Beach County Human and Veterans Services, and this next meeting is to establish and coordinate points of contact. The full group is to meet monthly at first and then move forward to bi-weekly meetings. The working group has been pushing forward on three main fronts: housing inventory, engagement, and eviciton prevention. The group represents a broad cross section of homeless and veteran services in our CoC. The group is being coordinated by the WPB VAMC Homeless Services and the Palm Beach County Division of Human and Veteran Services, and our SSVF program is heavily involved in the process and will be moreso as we move forward. UPDATE: (9/15) The group had some difficulties this summer as the WPB VAMC Homeless Services Coordinator, who had been coordinating the meetings with Zero 2016, ended up taking another job and the position was open for quite a while. Karen Collins has taken over the role and the group met two weeks ago. These meetings will take place monthly (due to scheduling issues in September with CHALLENG and Mental Health Summit we were only able to have one meeting), but our SSVF program is pushing to have the meetings switched to bi-weekly starting in October. The group continues to review housing options for our homeless veterans, working on consolidating landlords and property managers in order to best house our veterans when they are identified. Our SSVF program is working closely with the HVHC and HUD-VASH Outreach teams in order to ensure that we are identifying those most in need and not duplicating services. For those identified homeless veterans we are working together to identify the best placements for them, be it in the GPD or contract program, HUD VASH, or SSVF-only. Many of the veterans that are being identified are being rehoused through SSVF while continuing to work towards getting a VASH voucher in order to ensure housing stability.

3C.


The Zero 2016 campaign in Palm Beach County is being led by the Palm Beach County Department of Human and Veteran Services. The county is an effective coordinator of services and our SSVF program is intimately involved in the CoC's efforts in homeless services, serving as Chair on the Oversight Committee, as a member of the Executive Committee, which governs the CoC, and in good standing with all general membership meetings and sub-committee meetings, including the Palm Beach County Veterans Coalition. One of our program's primary challenges is that the campaign locally is focused simultaneously on veterans and chronic homeless. Unfortunately, in practice this tends to mean that all veterans end up being referred to and serviced exclusively by the WPB VAMC or our SSVF program, with little opportunity for housing options through other community programs. We are working to overcome that, but it is a process. The primary strengths that we have locally are related to the coordination between our SSVF program and the WPB VAMC's Homeless Services programs. We have regular communication and positive relationships between the staff and management of our SSVF program, the HUD-VASH program, the contract and GPD programs and other HCHV programs including CWT and our HVRP program. Please note that our community plan at this point is very much a work in progress and we will be updating this plan as more information comes forward through our coordination meetings. UPDATE: While it remains difficult for our homeless veterans to adequately access housing services available to the general population due to them mostly being referred to the WPB VAMC and our SSVF Program, we have made considerable progress in getting the county and the local Zero 2016 efforts to understand the value and necessity of ending veteran homelessness and how that can positively affect the Zero 2016 efforts to end all homelessness in Palm Beach County. Thus, there is a greater awareness in the CoC about getting veterans to the appropriate services as quickly as possible.

Yes/No/Under Dev




Yes


Under Dev



Under Dev


Yes



SSVF: Community Plan Summary - Veterans Affairs...name. This is evident by the first set of reports...

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Transcript of SSVF: Community Plan Summary - Veterans Affairs...name. This is evident by the first set of reports...