City helps launch new Continuum of Care board to guide regional efforts to reduce homelessness
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In continuing its leadership in bringing together partners across Madison, Limestone and Morgan counties, the City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department has assisted in the creation of a new governance board for the AL‑503 Continuum of Care (CoC), a regional coalition of homeless service providers.
The new governance board will guide efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness while improving access to housing and supportive services across the region to move individuals from homelessness to stable housing.
“The creation of this Board marks another important milestone in our efforts to strengthen the region’s response to homelessness,” said Scott Erwin, the City’s Community Development Manager. “Following the launch of the Homeless Services Team, this is a meaningful step forward in building a coordinated, effective structure that uses data, collaboration and accountability to help ensure homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.”
Local government representatives, nonprofits, housing providers, healthcare partners, law enforcement, businesses, faith-based groups and individuals with lived experience make up the new governance board.
As part of its responsibilities, the Board will establish goals and policies that improve services for residents experiencing homelessness, ensure federal funding is used responsibly and oversee the Coordinated Entry System, so individuals are connected with the housing and support that best meets their needs.
The Board will also review program performance, identify gaps in services and develop regional strategies to improve outcomes for communities in Madison, Limestone and Morgan counties.
In addition to working alongside the new board, the City’s Community Development Department will continue collaborating with its partners to strengthen coordination, use resources wisely and support efforts that promote stability for residents throughout north Alabama.
For more information on the City’s Community Development Department, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/community-development.