A Continuum of Care (CoC) program represents a regional or local framework designed to organize and coordinate housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These programs are essential for securing federal funding aimed at addressing homelessness and fostering collaboration among various service providers. In 2007, a significant number of 461 CoCs across all 50 states, including Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, applied for federal homeless assistance grants, demonstrating the widespread national scope of this approach. CoCs are active in diverse community settings, spanning major urban centers, suburban areas, and rural regions, reflecting a comprehensive effort to tackle homelessness across different landscapes.
The Genesis of the Continuum of Care Approach
The concept of Continuums of Care gained prominence in 1995 when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandated that communities submit a consolidated application for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants. This strategic shift was intended to streamline the grant application process, enhance cooperation among local housing and service providers, and, most importantly, encourage the development and implementation of Continuums of Care (CoCs). By implementing a single application requirement, HUD aimed to foster a more structured and strategic methodology for both housing provisions and the delivery of essential services to people experiencing homelessness. The envisioned CoC system was designed to offer a comprehensive network of housing and services tailored to the diverse needs of the homeless population.
The Four Essential Components of a Continuum of Care
According to HUD’s definition, a CoC is essentially “a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency. It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness.” To achieve these goals, HUD outlines four critical components that must be integrated into every effective continuum:
-
Outreach, Intake, and Assessment: This crucial initial step involves identifying individuals and families in need, evaluating their specific service and housing requirements, and connecting them with the appropriate resources. This acts as the gateway to the CoC system, ensuring that people are directed to the right level of support from the outset.
-
Emergency Shelter: Providing immediate and safe haven for those experiencing homelessness is paramount, especially for families with children. Emergency shelters offer a critical alternative to living on the streets, offering safety and temporary respite during crisis situations.
-
Transitional Housing with Supportive Services: Transitional housing programs bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent housing. They offer temporary residence coupled with comprehensive supportive services. These services are designed to equip individuals and families with the necessary skills and resources to secure and maintain permanent housing and achieve long-term stability.
-
Permanent and Permanent Supportive Housing: The ultimate goal of a CoC is to facilitate access to permanent and permanent supportive housing. This provides individuals and families with affordable and stable living environments. Permanent supportive housing is specifically targeted towards those with chronic conditions or disabilities, integrating ongoing supportive services to ensure housing stability and overall well-being.
CoCs play a vital role in monitoring and managing the homeless situation within their designated areas. A key responsibility entrusted to CoCs is conducting regular counts of the homeless population. This includes a biannual point-in-time count to assess the current homeless population and an annual inventory of emergency shelters, transitional housing units, and available beds within the homeless assistance system. These data collection efforts provide essential insights into the state of homelessness within a CoC’s jurisdiction. This information is critical for making informed decisions about service adjustments, resource allocation, and funding priorities. Furthermore, CoCs are actively involved in the administration of services, encompassing both homelessness prevention strategies aimed at those at risk and direct assistance programs for individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness.
