Homelessness in Arlington County
Really? Here?
How Big a Problem?
• January 2008 “Point in Time” survey – 410 individuals identified as homeless
• Many with problems such as severe mental illness, substance abuse, physical disabilities, HIV/AIDS
– 41 homeless families• 126 persons in families
– 179 homeless persons are unsheltered
How Big a Problem?
• Independent analysis and other studies indicate up to 1,100 homeless in Arlington served every year
Many Others on the Brink
• Prevention efforts• County Funds
– $215,000 to Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs (AMEN)
• AMEN raises $107,000 in order to receive County funds• County providing additional $78,000 in 2009 as “safety net
funding”
– Covers rent as well as medication, utilities, rent deposits, emergency needs
• Northern Virginia Family Services
What’s Being Done About It?
The 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
• Adopted in 2006 by County Board• Based on “Housing First” best practice• 10 Year Plan focuses on:
– Preventing homelessness– Moving people who do become homeless into
housing rapidly– Providing the wrap-around services
necessary for them to maintain their housing
The 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
Guiding Principles• Commitment from all sectors of the community• Best practice and evidence-based solutions• Affordable and appropriate housing options• Culturally competent and consumer-centered
services• Sufficient, committed financial resources
The 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
Goals• Increase the supply of affordable housing• Prevent homelessness at every
opportunity• Provide supportive services to keep
people in housing• Increase income of homeless persons
through employment and benefits
The 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
Rolling Up Our Sleeves• Implementation Committees based on the four
goal areas are hard at work developing operational plans with specific actions and timetables
• Results already being seen– Better communication and coordination among
stakeholders– Better understanding of magnitude of problem– Better use of data
The 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
Leadership Consortium
HousingPrevention
&Education
Funding & Resource
Development
ImplementationTask Force
IntegratedServices
Chaired by County Board & Private Sector
Chaired by Housing Commission & Community Services Board
Housing Committee Goals
• Increase supply of affordable housing• Housing Grant Program
– Review eligibility criteria– Streamline review and enrollment process
• Improve access to and communication with landlords
• Increase resources available for supportive housing
Prevention & Education Committee Goals
• Close the “front door” to homelessness– Educate service providers, landlords, hospital
and jail dischargers, persons at risk of homelessness on indicators of potential homelessness and availability of services
• Develop proactive prevention strategies• Educate public on causes of
homelessness and how people can help
Integrated Services Committee Goals
• Help those whose multiple medical, mental health and social service issues interfere with their ability to maintain stable housing
• Review current services and delivery system• Review best practices• Identify gaps in services and recommend
changes• Identify and eliminate duplication of services
Funding and Resource Development Committee Goals
• Inventory existing local, state, federal and private resources
• Identify new resources– Untapped foundation resources– Homeless trust funds
Top Priorities - Policy• Develop communication and public awareness
materials to educate the Arlington community about the homeless, the 10 Year Plan, and how they can help
• Develop a Homeless Trust Fund• Modify County’s Affordable Housing goals to
include ending homelessness and promote supportive housing
• Create a functional Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
Top Priorities - Financial
• Communication materials to educate the community $30,000
• Ancillary Services (part-time nurse practitioner and Housing Locator for the Homeless) $135,000
Top Priorities - Financial• Increase funding for rental subsidy programs
including Housing Grants, Transitional Housing Grants, and Permanent Supportive Housing ($833,000)
• Provide additional funds to increase rent standard for Housing Grants Program and Transitional Housing Grants ($600,000)
• Establish Rent Guarantee Fund to support landlords providing housing to homeless households ($100,000)
Cold Weather Plan• Created to keep people who are homeless safe when
the weather becomes extremely cold. • Emergency Winter Shelter Nov. 1 through March 31.
[Volunteers of America – Chesapeake (VOA-C)]• Capacity is 58. Overflow facilities at the ready. • Provides safe place to sleep as well as food, a hot
shower, laundry facilities and access to a range of services through the Department of Human Services and community partners.
• 2049 15th Street North (Courthouse area); opens daily at 4 p.m.
How Can I Help?
It Depends Who You Are
• Faith community• Real estate developers• People at the “front door” of homelessness• Civic groups• Public
Faith Community
• Land resources – create affordable housing– County Housing Office (David Cristeal)– Enterprise Community Partners (David
Bowers)– Alliance for Housing Solutions (Sarah Bailey)– Non-profit affordable housing developers
Faith Community
• Advocacy – Be a Voice– Support proposals for dedicated funding to
address homelessness– Funding for housing grants / rental assistance– Call for employers to pay living wage– Support zoning actions that create affordable
units in new / redeveloped properties– Lobby County Board for adequate funding to
meet affordable housing goals– Lobby U.S. Congress for housing grants
Faith Community
• Create a mechanism in your organization for people to learn and help– Social justice committee– Hold food and clothing drives– Adopt-A-Family– Act as guarantor for families– Partner on projects with shelter / housing
providers
Faith Community
• Partner with the key players – – Department of Human Services– 10 Year Plan Implementation Task Force– Non-profit agencies / service providers
Individuals• Pick up a few extra items to donate next time
you are at the store• Plant an extra row in the garden• Bergmann’s “Share the Warmth” coat donation
program (last 3 weeks of every year)• Volunteer at the Emergency Winter Shelter• Contribute items for back to school• Check for volunteer and donation opportunities
at County Volunteer Office (great web tool)• Donate to community non-profits engaged in
homelessness prevention
Individuals
• Human acknowledgement – say hi
Thank You!
• Arlington has the will and the means to prevent and end homelessness
• By working together, we can make a difference• Learn more about the issues and the community’s
10 Year Plan to End Homelessness at:
www.arlingtonva.us/dhs
