Comprehensive Framework

Mission Statement

To reduce the harms caused by housing insecurity and homelessness by fostering a coordinated, compassionate, and inclusive system that promotes safety, stability, and well-being for individuals and the community.

Vision Statement

A community where every individual has access to safe, affordable housing and the necessary support to maintain it, minimizing the impacts of housing insecurity and homelessness.

Core Values

  • Compassion

    • Addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness along with their direct service providers with empathy and respect

  • Collaboration

    • Building inclusive solutions with stakeholders, including service providers, businesses, first responders, and individuals with lived experiences, while avoiding competition and supporting the right stewards for initiatives

  • Empowerment

    • Amplifying the autonomy of individuals and fostering robust partnerships with community members, elected officials, first responders, and business owners

  • Innovation

    • Focusing on forward-thinking, evidence-based, and pragmatic solutions to address immediate and systemic challenges

  • Accountability

    • Ensuring measurable outcomes, transparent communication, and continuous progress

  • Inclusivity

    • Encouraging community-based efforts that integrate diverse sectors, from nonprofits to private businesses, for resource alignment and shared vision. Encouraging membership of MCCUH to be reflective of those diverse sectors and perspectives

  • Honesty, Transparency, and Bravery

    • Upholding open and courageous conversations to build trust and address difficult issues collaboratively

  • Equity and Justice

    • Prioritizing marginalized groups disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity

  • Service Provider Well-Being

    • Recognizing and supporting the mental and physical health of those working in this challenging field, including first responders, housing advocates, and outreach workers.

Guiding Principles

  • Non-Judgmental Services

    • Supporting the design of inclusive programs that meet individuals where they are without preconditions

  • Whole-Person Approach

    • Encouraging integrated services that address mental health, substance use, physical health, and employment

  • Safety First

    • Prioritizing health and safety initiatives for individuals and the broader community

  • Continuous Improvement

    • Evaluating strategies based on data and feedback to maximize impact

  • Flexibility and Adaptability

    • Tailoring interventions to the evolving needs of individuals and the community

  • Community Impact

    • Balancing the needs of individuals with those of businesses, residents, and law enforcement

  • Courageous Conversations

    • Demanding and fostering honest dialogue to address challenges and build trust

  • Workforce Development

    • Encouraging young professionals to enter and thrive in careers addressing homelessness by offering support, training, and resources for long-term success

Strategic Goals

  1. Expand Safe and Dignified Living Spaces

    • Support the development of low-barrier shelters, transitional housing, and alternative housing models such as tiny homes and safe parking programs.

  2. Enhance Service Accessibility

    • Advocate for a “no wrong door” policy for seamless entry into the system of care.

  3. Promote Public Health and Safety

    • Support the integration of health services into homelessness response systems to reduce harm and improve stability.

  4. Support Business and Community Needs

    • Collaborate with businesses and residents to address concerns while fostering inclusive solutions.

  5. Elevate Voices of Lived Experience

    • Seek input and involve individuals with lived experience in decision-making and advocacy efforts.

  6. Strengthen Service Provider Well-Being

    • Focus on workforce development and capacity building to ensure service providers are supported and equipped to handle their roles effectively.

  7. Community Education

    • Engage the public and policymakers to raise awareness and foster alignment among all stakeholders.

  8. Attract and Develop Young Professionals

    • Support the creation of pathways for emerging talent to contribute to reducing homelessness through mentorship, training, and advocacy opportunities.

Framework for Action

Addressing Root Causes of Homelessness

  • Affordable Housing and Economic Stability

    • Advocate for inclusive housing policies, rental assistance, and workforce development to reduce income disparities

  • Mental Health and Substance Use Support

    • Integration of mental health care, substance use treatment, and wraparound services

  • Healthcare Access

    • Ensure discussions and focus on comprehensive healthcare as a critical determinant of stability and well-being

  • System Coordination

    • Support the creation of a unified network of stakeholders to streamline resources and improve efficiency

  • Policy Advocacy

    • Address systemic issues such as housing costs, underemployment, and racial disparities

Short-Term Actions

  • Evaluate current data needs and data sources

  • Support the development of a proactive response system for winter shelters and warming centers

  • Support the expansion of emergency housing options

Medium-Term Actions

  • Support the creation of robust service provider training programs focusing on cultural competence and trauma-informed care

  • Work with partners to develop an interoperable IT system for comprehensive service coordination

Long-Term Actions

  • Shift to outcomes-based funding models that reward systemic success

  • Enhance data collection and establish collaborative data-sharing platforms

  • Incentivize affordable housing development through partnerships with private and public sectors

Innovative Initiatives

  • Health and Safety Programs

    • Mobile health clinics, harm reduction supplies, and hygiene services

  • Community Engagement

    • Foster partnerships with local business to address visible impacts of homelessness while respecting human dignity

  • Outcome-based Funding

    • Incentivize effective programs with proven outcomes

  • Data and Technology Integration

    • Leverage data as a resource to enhance capacity, streamline services, and measure impactful outcomes. Position MCCUH as a data hub that informs decision-making and improves community-wide efficiency

Evaluation and Improvement

  • Establish clear metrics to measure program success

  • Regularly review and refine strategies based on data and stakeholder feedback

  • Report progress transparently to the community and stakeholders