About – Continuum of Care

WHAT IS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE?

A Continuum of Care is a group of representatives from local organizations, assembled to plan for and provide a system of outreach, engagement, and assessment; emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing; and prevention strategies to address the various needs of the homeless or those at risk of homelessness within their geographic region.

Examples of CoC Representatives

· Nonprofit homelessness assistance providers	· Advocacy Groups	· Universities
· Victim services providers	· Public Housing Authorities	· Affordable housing developers
· Faith-based organizations	· School districts	· Law enforcement agencies
· Governments	· Social services providers	· Organizations serving veterans
· Businesses	· Mental health agencies	· Homeless or formerly homeless individuals
	· Hospitals

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS CONTINUUM OF CARE

Conducting the federally required, year-round community-organizing needs assessment and planning process for addressing and ending homelessness.
Developing and submitting an annual application to HUD for the jurisdictionally assigned pro rata share of federal funds available for sponsor-based projects to serve and house homeless citizens.
Monitoring and making recommendations regarding projects funded through this process, and providing oversight of project outcomes.
Operating the federally mandated Homeless Management Information System.
Reviewing and approving an annual Point-In-Time Count plan, and empowering a lead agency to coordinate and conduct the count.
Plan and produce annual Project Homeless Connect—a one day service fair for homeless individuals and families. Services include legal services, state ID cards, housing assistance, work-force development, health & wellness, and other services provided at no cost.
Providing citizens of the two-county area with information and resources about the availability of services and homeless assistance programs.