Northwest Michigan
Coalition to End Homelessness
Task Force Goals
The community action plan has seven goals built around three focus areas: Safety Net Services, Emergency Shelter and Services, and Housing Solutions. It will provide a comprehensive framework, along with funding and policy recommendations, available by the end of 2025. This effort will emphasize preventing homelessness before it starts, coordinating services across agencies, and ensuring measurable progress through transparent reporting and accountable governance.
To address root causes and improve outcomes, the Task Force will prioritize long-term solutions to factors like housing affordability, mental health, addiction, and economic instability, while enhancing prevention and early intervention. It will optimize funding by coordinating federal, state, and local resources to reduce duplication and identify gaps, with progress tracked via monthly metrics and public dashboards. Service coordination will be strengthened through collaboration with existing groups such as the Traverse City Quick Response Team, and community engagement will be fostered through regular listening sessions and public input opportunities.
Finally, the task force will advocate for local and state policy reforms to expand deeply affordable housing, aligning community efforts for a compassionate, effective, and lasting regional response.
#1 Develop a Unified Strategy
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Conduct a Stakeholder Mapping Exercise: Identify all relevant agencies and organizations involved in homelessness prevention and services.
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Organize Initial Workshops: Facilitate meetings to establish shared goals and objectives among all stakeholders.
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Draft a Unified Strategic Plan: Create a comprehensive document outlining the collective vision, mission, and strategies for the Task Force.
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Establish Communication Channels: Set up regular communication protocols to keep all parties informed and engaged.
#2 Address Systemic Barriers to Housing
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Conduct a Needs Assessment: Analyze data on housing affordability, mental health services, addiction treatment, and economic stability in the community.
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Identify Systemic Barriers: Document specific challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing housing and services.
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Research Best Practices: Investigate successful models from other regions that have effectively addressed systemic barriers.
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Develop Targeted Recommendations: Create actionable strategies to overcome identified barriers, focusing on collaboration among sectors.
#3 Maximize Funding and Resources
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Inventory Current Funding Sources: Review existing federal, state, and local funding streams available for housing and homelessness services.
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Identify Funding Gaps: Assess where additional resources are needed to meet community demands.
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Formulate Advocacy Strategies: Develop proposals to advocate for increased funding at local, state, and federal levels
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Create a Resource Sharing Platform: Establish mechanisms for agencies to share resources and funding opportunities.
#4 Enhance Service Coordination
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Map Existing Services: Create a comprehensive directory of current housing, healthcare, and social services available in the region.
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Facilitate Interagency Work Groups: Organize regular meetings among service providers to discuss client needs and service integration.
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Promote the Coordinated Entry System: Encourage participation in the HMIS streamlined process for individuals to access services based on their needs.
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Establish Guidelines for Service Provision: Provide training for service providers on collaboration and best practices in service delivery.
#5 Track Progress and Accountability
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Establish Measurable Metrics: Define specific, quantitative goals for the Task Force's initiatives (e.g., reduction in homelessness rates, increased housing placements).
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Develop a Data Collection Plan: Create a system for tracking progress and outcomes related to housing and homelessness initiatives.
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Schedule Regular Evaluation Meetings: Plan for periodic assessments of progress and strategy adjustments as needed.
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Publish Progress Reports: Regularly share updates on achievements and challenges with stakeholders and the community.
#6 Incorporate Community Perspective and Stakeholder Input
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Plan Public Input Sessions: Organize community forums to gather feedback from residents and those with lived experiences of homelessness.
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Collaborate with Community Leaders: Engage with local leaders and advocates to ensure diverse perspectives are included in planning.
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Develop Educational Materials: Create resources to inform the community about homelessness issues and the Task Force's efforts.
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Liaise with the Advisory Council: Liaise with the Advisory Council to provide ongoing input and guidance, and communicate back to the individual work groups.
#7 Advocate for Policy Solutions
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Research Policy Barriers: Identify existing policies that hinder access to affordable housing and services.
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Draft Policy Recommendations: Formulate proposals for policy changes that support affordable housing and funding for services.
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Engage with Policymakers: Schedule meetings with local and state officials to advocate for proposed policy solutions.
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Mobilize Community Support: Launch campaigns to raise awareness and rally community support for policy changes.
