Addressing Homelessness
The Problem
Homeless Americans include representatives from all segments of society... old and young; men and women; single people and families; city dwellers and rural residents; whites and people of color; able bodied workers and those with serious health problems. This is true even in Southeastern Connecticut.
As revealed by Connecticut Counts 2009 an annual one day "Point-In-Time" collection effort of statewide homelessness data conducted most recently on January 29, 2009, 299 households in New London County were facing homelessness at the start of the year. This number accounts for 7% of the state's homeless population and includes:
- 209 Households
- 157 Single Adults
- 54 Families
- 90 Children in Families
The most recent Point-In-Time Count was conducted on January 28, 2010, however the outcomes from the count are not available. A summary factsheet of the 2009 New London County data can be reviewed here.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Efforts
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United Way's multi-million dollar support of a network of partner program is fundamental to preventative efforts which support those at risk of becoming homeless. Last year, in FY09, your United Way distributed over $2.3 million dollars to 16 agencies working to address the problems that are contributing factors in homelessness. |
The Ten Year Plan
Additionally, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a founding member and key collaborator in the Southeastern Connecticut Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness (TYP). This action plan was launched late 2006 and is organized into three main components: Housing, Safety Net and Employment & Income. Each component has a working committee which acts toward related goals, measures, and action steps with oversight led by a Steering Committee made up of various stakeholders and community leaders.
Part of a national movement initiated by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Conference of Mayors, and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness-- Ten Year Plans are meant to tie state and local level efforts together to transform a community's homeless assistance system as well as the ways that the community responds to people facing a housing crisis. Nationally, nearly 400 communities are implementing plans. In Connecticut, Southeastern Connecticut is among 11 Ten Year Plans in various stages of implementation.
Next Stop, Home, Southeastern Connecticut's Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness can be viewed here.
Current Status of the Plan
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The Southeastern Connecticut Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness just completed its third year of implementation. Committees of the plan have been working tirelessly to meet the goals outlined in the initial plan through regular meetings, and collaborations with other committees. Progress is reviewed quarterly by the Ten Year Plan Steering Committee, and the entire Southeastern Connecticut's Partnership on Housing and Homelessness meets annually to present the year's progress to the community, including local and state legislators. |
View a PowerPoint to access a more detailed report of progress here.
For more information on the Ten Year Plan or to join the effort please visit the Southeastern Connecticut Partnership on Housing and Homelessness webiste or contact current Parntership Co-Chairs Tom Hyland (Director, Martin House and Thames River Community Service) at (860) 887-3288 or Bev Goulet (Director, Norwich Human Services) at (860) 823-3778.
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