Homelessness

What is a Continuum of Care (CoC) and what does it do for our community? A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. In Clark County, that body is made up of over 100 people including service providers, advocates, and community members.

Over twenty years ago, those who were unfortunate enough to coach me in softball often yelled that no matter how hard I hit the ball with the bat, the ball will only go where my eyes are focused. The 2019 Point In Time (PIT) Count data for Clark County shows us that our collective eyes need to focus on solutions and outcomes that move people from being homeless into permanent living situations.

Identifying outcomes, collecting data and measuring progress are critical components to reducing homelessness locally and across the nation. The two most common ways data are collected is through the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) and the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The HMIS system collects client-level data and allows communities to identify the number of people needing assistance due to homelessness and the number of people who received assistance and what type, in an unduplicated way. This can be collected for any time frame.

Thirty years ago in 1989, the Council for the Homeless was founded by Clark County, City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Housing Authority to lead and coordinate the work of addressing homelessness throughout Clark County. There are many accomplishments and milestones in this work both for our organization and for the community as a whole. Yet, factors that contribute to homelessness do not stand still and the conversations about solutions to homelessness are dynamic.

Did you know planning for the increased need for shelter during the winter actually begins in the previous spring? Council for the Homeless convenes a Winter Weather Task Force and the details, logistics, and resources are steadily put in place to be operational November 1st.

Stephanie Brown, Special Education teacher at Union Ridge Elementary in Ridgefield, believes her students are compassionate and able to contribute to making the community a better place. She shares, “Even though they have challenges with communication or other skills, they are empathetic and feel good about helping others. Socktober is a perfect way for them to engage.”

By Melissa Baker & Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless Pictured above staff from the Clark County Jail Reentry program along with CFTH Housing Coordinators provide needed supplies to people exiting jail. A new report from the Prison Policy Initiative titled Nowhere to Go:...

By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless A high school senior had been on their own since they were 15 years old. “My family broke up when my dad was deported and my mom abandoned me in an apartment.” Thankfully,...

What is a Continuum of Care (CoC) and what does it do for our community? A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. In Clark...