About the Network on Homelessness
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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 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 Contacts: Michelle Swartz |
Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness Monroe Evening News Article – June 25th 2008 Creative Solutions: Next Step to Help Homeless 2007 Annual Update Monroe County 10-Year Community Plan Draft Ten Year Plan Advisory Committee Resolutions: Frenchtown Charter 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.
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.
