Advocacy & Policies Hub
Interactive guide
Looking for a starting point? We've got you covered.
Our interactive guide breaks down homelessness basics in 3 minutes. Designed for busy community leaders who need accurate, evidence-based information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, CoCs play a crucial role in coordinating homeless assistance strategies and
promoting community-wide commitment to ending homelessness. They bring
together diverse representatives from non-profits, government agencies, faith-
based organizations, mental health agencies, law enforcement, hospitals, and
school districts. This wide range of expertise allows for a comprehensive
approach to ending homelessness.
Yes, there is substantial evidence showing Housing First is an effective
solution. Studies demonstrate it's also cost-effective, with housed individuals less
likely to utilize emergency services. One study found average cost savings of
$31,545 per person housed over two years, while another showed Housing First
programs could cost up to $23,000 less per consumer per year than shelter
programs.
Coordinated Entry is a process through which people experiencing or at risk of
homelessness can access the crisis response system in a streamlined way, have
their needs quickly assessed, and connect to appropriate housing and services. It
uses standardized assessment tools and prioritizes the most intensive
interventions for those with the highest needs.
The five key elements are: 1) Strong Coalition with diverse perspectives and
people with lived experience, 2) Strong Homeless Crisis Response System
including prevention, outreach, assessment, and housing solutions, 3)
Commitments to Ending Homelessness with case conferencing and housing-first
approaches, 4) Affordable Housing that meets quality standards, and 5) Landlords
willing to work with people seeking to end their homelessness.
No, homelessness happens due to many reasons, but common reasons are
economic issues and physical/behavioral health issues. When faced with these
crisis situations, a lack of affordable housing leads people to homelessness.
Being homeless is stressful, humiliating, and dangerous. Some individuals may
choose to live outside rather than in shelters due to disabilities, criminal history,
or an unwillingness to part with friends or family, or they may be denied shelter
due to capacity or discriminatory barriers.
resources
External resources
This section includes a number of helpful resources to assist in your advocacy at the federal, state, or local level.
Federal Resources
State Resources
Local Resources