Local political leaders have been crucial in efforts to move communities toward a solutions-focused homelessness system. In doing so, they have convinced other local opinion leaders to make ending homelessness a top priority. Speakers will facilitate a robust discussion around why it’s important to get political leaders involved in the fight to end homelessness locally, how to do so, and the benefits for the community.

1. Political Leadership for Ending Homelessness Kay Moshier McDivitt Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness 150 North Queen Street, Suite 610 Lancaster, PA 17603 kmcdivitt@co.lancaster.pa.us

2. Political Leadership for Ending HomelessnessThe Lancaster County Experience Before Lancaster Interagency Council for the Homeless Primarily made up of service providers, Often front line staff with limited organizational or community leveraging Largely networking with small group of “volunteers” responsible for the Continuum of Care submission After Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness Combined the former ICH, the CoC planning process and the 10 year plan to end homelessness under one umbrella Led by a Leadership Council made up political and community leaders Chaired by the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners

4. Neither the Mayor of the City nor the County Board of Commissioners “owned” the issue

5. Most services located in the city; those experiencing homelessness from rural areas came into the city

6. Fragmented system

7. Programs sprang up around organizational agendas/goals rather than clear response to identified needs or strategies: Many “Silo’s

8. Lacked strategy on how to move persons through the system to permanency and plan for ending homelessness

9. CoC Submission not “owned” by lead agency

12. 2005: United Way issues the “Community Impact Report on Housing and Homelessness in Lancaster”

13. Established the framework for the 10 Year plan

16. Diversion

17. Rapid re-housing

18. Permanent HousingGoal: To provide the opportunity for a full and dignified life in the community for every resident of Lancaster City and County through a comprehensive, coordinated effort to prevent and end homelessness in the next decade. PREVIOUS MODEL Service system that manages & shelters homeless

21. Solution: Look for person(s) who can influence that political leader

22. One person can lead to another person.

23. Sell to that person you can first influence who can influence the next person etc.9

24. Lancaster County Making the Shift October 27, 2008

26. The Continuum of Care, the Homeless Service Provider Network (former ICH ) and the 10 Year Plan in coordinated and collaborative effort

28. Champion plan

29. Monitor progress

30. Provide resources & assistance as needed

31. Remove roadblocks

33. Coordinate Action Team strategies

34. Annual HUD grant process

35. Sharing & networking

36. Identify gaps

38. Accomplish Outcomes

39. Hold public forums

40. Communicate progress

41. Engage community for additional resources

42. Implement Heading Home plan

43. Implement current strategies & action stepsKey: = Communication

45. Working as a system towards common goals

46. Bipartisan support of the Board of Commissioner keeps the issue on the front lines

49. Resolutions passed:All proposed affordable housing projects seeking funding must set aside 10% of units All strategies and funded services must align with HEARTH Act goals and Open Doors Plan

51. 2% decrease overall

52. 7% decrease in family homelessness

53. FIRST overall decrease since beginning the count

55. Identify the “right” Community Champion to help obtain commitment