March 12, 2012
1

May 2010 Governor Bob McDonnell signed
Executive Order 10 calling for a Housing
Policy Framework

The Homeless Outcomes Policy Report is a
component of that larger Housing Policy

An Advisory Committee was convened to help
develop the homeless policy
2


Advisory Committee was chaired by Governor
McDonnell’s senior advisor Bob Sledd.
Consisted of 15 homeless service providers,
advocates and state agency staff working on
homeless issues.

Met from spring through fall of 2010.

Reviewed local and regional plans and models from
other states.

Members analyzed state and federal research on
needs and resources.
3




Four input sessions around the state engaged over
140 stakeholders to help identify ways in which state
agencies can more effectively prevent and reduce
homelessness.
Input was presented to the Advisory Committee and
incorporated into its work.
Goals, strategies and action steps included in Virginia’s
first comprehensive housing policy
Information and documents available at:
http://www.virginiahousingpolicy.com/
4





Increase the number of permanent supportive housing
units in the Commonwealth.
Increase flexibility of funding to prevent homelessness
and support Rapid Re-housing for individuals and
families.
Increase statewide data collection and system
coordination.
Increase access to substance abuse and mental health
treatment.
Evaluate, develop and ensure implementation of
statewide, pre-discharge policies for the foster care
system, hospitals, mental health facilities and
correctional facilities.
5



Consists of agency/organization directors
Ability to make commitments and target
resources as necessary
Members:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Department of Housing and Community Development
Virginia Housing Development Authority
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Department of Social Services
Department of Veteran’s Services
Governor’s Re-Entry Council
Department of Corrections
Department of Criminal Justice Services
Secretariat of Health and Human Resources
Secretariat of Commerce and Trade
Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness
Two representatives for Virginia continua of care
Two representatives from homeless service providers
6
Council sub-committees structured around major
recommendations
◦ Four sub-committees:




Supportive services and funding
Data collection and system coordination
Access to substance abuse and mental health treatment
Discharge policies
◦ Sub-committees met monthly to develop specific
action steps
◦ Committee chairs report progress to Coordinating
Council
7



Serves as sounding board
Provides feedback as implementation of action steps progress
Participants:
◦ Initial Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee members not on
Coordinating Council
◦ Additional representatives from continua of care
◦ Advocates and service providers associated with:
 Domestic violence
 Foster care
 Prisoner re-entry
 Veterans
 Special needs populations
◦ Rural and urban representation
◦ Between 20 and 30 members
8

DHCD’s Funding Shift

Reducing Family Homelessness Initiative in Virginia
o FY 12 - Virginia Promising Practices Program; shifted $1 million from State
Shelter Grant funding pool set aside for rapid re-housing programs;
competitive application process
o FY 12 – added prevention and RRH as eligible activities for ESG
o FY 13 – changing from State Shelter Grant to Homeless Solutions Grant;
will shift more funds to RRH; will be awarded through competitive
application
o FY 13 – changing from Homeless Intervention Program to Homeless
Prevention Program; greater emphasis on diversion and targeting those
most likely to become homeless
o Collaborative effort between the National Alliance to End Homelessness,
the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, the Commonwealth and the
Freddie Mac Foundation
o Technical assistance; funder’s collaborative; staff for Coordinating Council
9

Annualized number of homeless per year

Average length of homelessness

Recidivism rate

Baseline – FY 2011
10
11
Virginia Department of Housing and Community
Development
Kathy Robertson
Associate Director
Homeless and Special Needs Housing
804-225-3129
kathy.robertson@dhcd.virginia.gov
12