Mission: The mission of the Monroe County Network on Homelessness is to work as an advocate group to provide shelter services for those in need in the area (Monroe County homeless), and to work for affordable housing for low-income persons. Listing of emergency housing (shelter) Listing of affordable housing Listing of local food closets Community Meals Monroe County Facts on Homelessness Purpose: The Monroe County Network on Homelessness was established to provide a communication link among various departments, agencies, and private groups dealing with the homeless in our community, with the goal of providing shelter and services to all homeless persons and ending chronic homelessness. Through this link we are committed to become more aware of existing needs and services offered, matching needs of the homeless with services and working to provide additional services as needed and identified by the Network. Meetings: The Monroe County Network on Homelessness meets the first Wednesday of every month. Meetings are posted in the Monroe Evening News' Bulletin Board or call for location and time. Officers: Chairperson, Stephanie Kasprzak Vice Chairperson, Jeff Weaver  Secretary, Sandy Imber Treasurer, Terri Hamad At Large: Floreine Mentel, Doug Kuras, Major Mary Thomas Ex Officio: Joe Grifka Contacts: Email: monroehomeless@yahoo.com

Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness Talking Points 2009 4th Year Ten Year Plan Monroe Evening News Article – June 25th 2008 Creative solutions next step to help homeless 2007 Annual Update Kick Off Meeting 7-27-06 Monroe County 10-Year Community Plan Draft Monroe County Plan Executive Summary Ten Year Plan Advisory Committee Contact Information Action Plan Timeline Resolutions: County Resolution Port of Monroe Endorsement Ash Township Resolution City of Monroe Resolution Erie Township Resolution Frenchtown Charter Township Resolution Monroe Charter Township Resolution Raisinville Township Resolution

Membership: Membership in the Monroe County Network on Homelessness is open to persons who are homeless or who have experienced homelessness, agencies, governmental departments, churches and others who are interested in working on the issues surrounding homelessness. We shall strive to ensure that the members represent all populations within Monroe County.  Members: Department of Human Services - Joe Johnson County Board of Commissioner - Floreine Mentel Fairview - Joe Grifka / Laura Papenhagen Monroe County Commission on Aging - Terri Hamad Michigan Works – Doug Kuras Monroe Public Schools - Dr. Barry Martin HARP / Section 8 Housing - Cheryl Sicuso City of Monroe Housing Commission – Sara Waldecker City of Monroe, Dept of Developmental Services - Matt Wallace Family Counseling and Shelter Services – Sandy Imber Monroe County Opportunity Program – Stephanie Kasprzak / Sharon Ott Monroe Community Mental Health - Russ Pavlick United Way  - Rusty Davis    The Salvation Army – Judy Hertzsch / Major Mary Thomas South Central Michigan Legal Services - Patrick Clement American Red Cross – Deb Davenport Women Empowering Women – Kim Ruiz / Paula Whitman Veterans Bureau - Vickie Adams Habitat for Humanity - Debbie Wykes Philadelphia House Supervisor - Mel Neiswinder Human Services Collaborative Network - Sandie Pierce Trinity Lutheran Church - Jeff Walsh Monroe County Sheriff – Captain Brett Ortolano Monroe City Police - Tom Moore Monroe County Community Foundation – Kathleen Russeau                      Thrift Shop Association – Bonnie Finzel-Doster                           Department of Human Services Social Services Board- Carol Frederick          Council of Churches – Eleanor Russell                                                El Shaddai Counseling and Consultation Services – Al Neikirk Accomplishments / Timeline: 1985: Homeless Committee began meeting as a result of a countywide work session on affordable housing. 1991: MCHN functioned as the coordinating body for a rotating church sheltering and meals program. 1995: Changed name to Monroe County Network on Homelessness. Worked in a pivotal role to bring a Habitat for Humanity chapter to Monroe County. 1996: Established a link with Monroe County Human Services Collaborative Network to implement affordable housing solutions. Joined the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. 1997: Initial Continuum of Care Plan written. 1998: Developed a Strategic Housing Plan for submission to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. 2000: As a result of the annual Needs Assessment, Salvation Army started working on plans for a transitional housing facility. 2002: Salvation Army opens the Family Manor House to provide transitional housing to homeless families. 2004:Homeless Management Information System implemented through HUD funding. Paula's House opened to provide shelter for women leaving rehab or incarceration. Through the annual Continuum of Care Plan the Monroe County Homeless Network continues to plan and advocate for the homeless of Monroe County. Currently they are operating under a ten-year plan with six goals of expanding affordable housing for the residents of Monroe County. Goal 1: Expand the supply of Permanent Supportive Housing in Monroe County Goal 2 : Expand Cross-Systems Collaboration in Community Planning. Goal 3 : Increase Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers for Monroe County. Goal 4 : Create and develop public transportation for the chronic unsheltered homeless in order to shelter them safely in larger cities when their needs can not be met immediately in our area. Goal 5 : Increase awareness of services to the chronically homeless. Goal 6 : Create a Child Services Program for children who have experienced sudden homelessness and trauma due to a domestic violence situation. Links: Commission on Aging Family Counseling and Shelter Services Fairview Habitat for Humanity Michigan State Housing Development Authority Michigan Works! Monroe County Opportunity Program Salvation Army United Way of Monroe County, Inc.