SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. Government, business, and community partners gathered this week in San Antonio for an event sponsored by NuStar Energy's Chairman Bill Greehey, who is Chair of the Board of the city's new Haven for Hope one-stop campus and Community Champion of the 10 Year Plan. More than 600 partners gathered for the event, which United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano (pictured here) was invited to keynote.

"The doors of hospitality and welcome are about to open here in San Antonio for your poorest and most vulnerable neighbors," indicated Director Mangano. "In many ways the new Haven for Hope will act as a travel agency: people will come to meet trip organizers who will help make the arrangements for travel to a destination. While the process will be important, the destination will be the intent. And rather than just visiting a travel agency and sitting around without a sense of direction, the new Haven for Hope will offer its customers an itinerary and resources to move beyond where they are to where they want to be. "

Director Mangano commended Mr. Greehey for his Community Champion leadership in partnering to move the city's plan forward, noting: "Thank you for the inspiration that you have offered here locally on San Antonio's 10 Year Plan and across our nation in your efforts to create the Haven for Hope. You've created an award-winning corporate culture at NuStar, and it's obvious in this room that that culture has extended to the wider circle of all your partners."

Curt Anastasio, President & CEO, NuStar Energy L.P. welcomed guests, and Rick Bluntzer, Senior Vice President of Operations, NuStar Energy L.P., offered an invocation. Mary Rose Brown of NuStar was key to the evening's event. Council National Team Leader Michael German also took part. Pictured here are (left to right) Mr. Anastasio, Director Mangano, and Mr. Greehey.

In early 2006, Mayor Hardberger established the Community Council to End Homelessness, naming Mr. Greehey as chairman of the effort and District 5 City Councilwoman Patti Radle Co-Chair. The Council was charged with developing a plan for San Antonio and - adopting Council-encouraged best practices - made "pilgrimages" and conducting additional research to identify replicable models.

Director Mangano last year joined jurisdictional and business leaders, as San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and Mr. Greehey prepared for the Haven groundbreaking with a "demolition ceremony" at the 15-acre site. At the ceremony, key 10 Year Plan partners joined Mayor Hardberger, including County Judge Nelson Wolff, City Councilwoman Radle, and City Manager Sheryl Sculley. Dozens of partner agencies will make up the campus, providing vital services to help individuals move forward to stability. In addition to new shelter beds, the Haven will offer resources from medical and dental care to treatment for substance addiction to job training and education to legal support. Identification recovery services will assist those who lack ID.

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA. "We must have the courage to change policies, practices, and systems; to redirect resources; develop new and innovative housing and service models; collaborate better with each other; and monitor progress through accountability as we never have before." So states "The Street is No Place to Live," the new 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Homelessness in the Cape Fear Region commissioned by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County, endorsed by Pender County, and released recently at the United Way of the Cape Fear Area in Wilmington. The plan was presented by Dr. Spiro Macris, who co-chaired the plan with the late Windell Daniels. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and New Hanover County Commissioners Chairman Bobby Greer, were among the speakers who also included leaders from the provider community and a formerly homeless consumer who will serve on the implementing Steering Committee. Dan Ferrell, the project manager for the plan's implementation, was introduced by United Way President Pamela Wyatt.

Pictured here are Wilmington Mayor Saffo at podium, and (seated left to right), Implementation Executive Committee Chair Dodson, New Hanover County Commissioner Chair Greer, and 10 Year Plan co- chair Macris.

Key plan goals include prevention with attention to discharge planning and crisis intervention resources, and creating a Housing First focus and permanent supportive or permanent housing for 200 chronically homeless individuals, 400 homeless individuals, and 70 homeless families. Timelines were set for each strategic element of the goals, and costs assigned according to a range from High Cost ($100,000 +) to Low Cost (under $50,000).

The Plan was developed by a expansive Steering Committee that adhered to the guidelines of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to ensure inclusivity and participation of the business community. Representatives included the New Hanover and Pender Boards of Commissioners, Tri-County Homeless Interagency Council, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, the New Hanover Departments of Social Services, Veterans Affairs, and Health, the School System and the Public Library, Wilmington Housing Authority, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Alliance, Castle Street Business Association, Wilmington Cape Fear Homebuilders Association, Bank of America, First Citizens Bank, Wilmington Police Department, Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors, Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network, and the Good Shepherd Center, among others.

In addition to a Management Advisory Team and Business Roundtable, committees included: Community Education and Awareness, Permanent Housing, Prevention and Engagement, Services and Support, and Transition to Independence. A Business Roundtable meeting was chaired by Mayor Saffo and New Hanover Commissioner and then Chair Bill Caster, with Fred Willetts of Cooperative Bank, and identified health, housing, and employment issues to be pursued. A 10 Year Plan website includes a joint message from the Mayor and Commissioner, meeting minutes, a news site with relevant coverage from across the country, and highlights from Citizen Participation Forum events held in Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties.

The Plan took a look at costs incurred by managing of homelessness in the region. For instance, the New Hanover Health Network, a regional health care system, treated 1,233 homeless patients, during 2006 resulting in a cost of $523,892. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office reports approximately 400 homeless inmates per year, and the Wilmington Police Department reported contacting ten people daily.

Making visible the partnership and political will for the Plan, each section of the Plan includes a photo of a community leader or official, with an accompanying statement about the impact of the plan: " . . . The consequences of homelessness are manifested on a daily basis in the New Hanover County Detention Facility. The options are so limited for the homeless that they often seek shelter, medical care, food and clothing at a facility that is not designed for this purpose. Without a plan to end homelessness we will only perpetuate a cycle of despair. It is imperative that solutions be found and implemented in order to break the cycle," stated Sidney A. Causey, Sheriff, New Hanover County.

Plan implementation will be overseen by an Executive Board chaired by U.S. Trust-Bank of America executive Thomas Dodson. University of North Carolina - Wilmington Vice Chancellor Steve Demski will serve as Vice-Chair. Other members of the Executive Board include representatives of the Wilmington City Council, New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, Pender County Board of Commissioners, Cape Fear Community College, Brunswick Community College, New Hanover Health Network, United Way of the Cape Fear Area, Tri- County Homeless Interagency Council, and a formerly homeless consumer.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA. Mayor Michael Nutter last week announced new housing initiatives for people experiencing chronic homelessness in a partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority in the City of Brotherly Love, calling it "a very proud moment."

The plan calls for 300 units for couples and families, 200 for single individuals, 125 for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness, and 75 Safe Haven beds. The strategy is a partnership between the Office of Supportive Housing, led by Dainette Mintz, and Department of Behavioral Health, and is coordinated by the Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity and the Mayor's Office.

"The initiatives announced today are the first steps in this administration's committed effort to reducing homelessness and helping move individuals and families into permanent housing," said the Mayor. "We will continue to work in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, together with the advocacy and provider communities, to deliver lasting solutions to an issue that confronts all of us." The Mayor was joined at a press conference on Dilworth Plaza by Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl Greene, Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity Dr. Don Schwarz, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Dr. Arthur Evans, and Sister Mary Scullion of Project HOME.

The new plan includes:
Continuing Overnight Café Operations - Continued operation at two overnight cafes to accommodate individuals unwilling to enter treatment or shelters.
Increasing Housing for the Chronically Homeless - 75 additional "safe haven" and residential treatment beds will be created for our toughest to reach populations. These beds will serve individuals living with acute addiction and behavioral health problems.
Creating New Permanent & Subsidized Housing Opportunities -25 subsidized housing opportunities for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and needing support, with additional units being brought online in 2010, 2011 and 2012; 300 housing opportunities from the Philadelphia Housing Authority for families and 200 housing opportunities for individuals.

Just two months after taking office, Mayor Nutter welcomed United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano to continue solution-oriented discussions begun in January at the United States Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, DC. The positive dialogue focused on the Mayor's interest in how other cities are achieving reductions in street and chronic homelessness, and the innovations that have produced these results, and the dialogue resulted in the officials pledging their continued partnership on this issue. Director Mangano noted the strategic role of "recalibrating" the city's plan at this stage, to secure intended results. Mayor Nutter and Director Mangano are pictured here.

DALLAS, TEXAS. The Dallas Morning News editorialized on the opening of the new Bridge 24/7 one-stop center for people who are chronically homeless, and a centerpiece of the Dallas 10 Year Plan of Mayor Tom Leppert, his predecessor Mayor Laura Miller, and former Champion Tom Dunning: "Ending homelessness in Dallas is a marathon event, not a 100-yard dash. Today's opening of The Bridge homeless center in downtown marks an innovative change in the way this city confronts the homeless problem . . ."

Dallas Community Champion Mike Rawlings hosted the opening event at the new Bridge site, which will provide a wide range of resources intended to attract and engage the most vulnerable and disabled. Mike Faenza, president and chief executive officer of the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, will manage the new program, using a consumer-centric approach to engage users to select from a menu of resources according to their own priorities. The Stewpot, a long- time Dallas meal program of First Presbyterian of Dallas, is also moving its operations to the center, which incorporates both sleeping space and soon-to- open transitional beds.

Last year, as Dallas marked its 3rd year of 10-Year Plan implementation, the nation's 9th largest city was able to report further significant reductions in chronic homelessness. Results of the January 2007 Point-in- Time Count, conducted by the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance in conjunction with the City of Dallas, revealed a 23% reduction in chronic homelessness in the prior year, and a 9% reduction in homelessness overall. This brought the reported decrease in chronic homelessness over two years to 43%.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, who participated in the 2007 groundbreaking, was represented at the opening event by Council National Team Leader Michael German. Director Mangano has previously met with former Mayor Laura Miller and her first 10 Year Plan Community Champion, business leader Tom Dunning, who is now succeeded in his effective leadership by Mr. Rawlings, former CEO of Pizza Hut. Director Mangano noted the succession of two committed Mayors and their Champions, identifying their business acumen as central to the results being achieved. In 2007 Mr. Rawlings was recognized with the 2007 Community Champion Home for Every American Award at USICH's The Pursuit of Solutions: Second Annual National Summit on Innovation for Jurisdictional Leaders.

Dallas and its county partners are one of many cities that have engaged the results of cost benefit analysis in making investment and resources decisions. A study last year showed that nearly 10% of the Dallas County Jail population was characterized by both homeless and frequent use of the jail, prompting the county to invest in the new center, along with the city.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA. Canada's capital city this week convened its broad partnership to announce the development of a new 10 Year Plan, under the leadership of Mayor Larry O'Brien and the Leadership Table on Homelessness, which has brought together business leaders, government officials, representatives of community agencies, and the faith community, to address the issue of chronic homelessness in Ottawa. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, invited to keynote the Ottawa press event for the announcement, joined Mayor O'Brien and Leadership Table Chair Janet Yale, Executive Vice- President of Corporate Affairs at TELUS Communications Company. Peter Hume, Ottawa City Councilor and Russell Mawby, Ottawa Housing Director were key to the Ottawa events. Council Regional Coordinator John O'Brien also participated. Mayor O'Brien and Director Mangano are pictured here.

"I especially want to commend Mayor O'Brien with whom I've met several times here in Canada and in the States and spoken with even more times," indicated Director Mangano at the press event in Ottawa's City Hall. "Given his business background, once he understood the economic case for taking action and the innovations that would allow a strategy informed by accountability and results, he promised he would move forward with a Plan. He has kept that promise." Director Mangano also noted the important behind-the-scenes commitment of both Councilor Hume and Housing Director Mawby. The public launch event was followed by a meeting with Mayor O'Brien, Ms. Yale, members of the Leadership Table and other invited guests for Q and A. The Leadership Table on Homelessness, which will now advance a work plan to set housing and service targets for a plan, was formed as a result of recommendations of the Alliance to End Homelessness and the Community Capacity Building Team for Homelessness (CCB), with the support of United Way/Centraide Ottawa, in partnership with the City of Ottawa and The 2016 Foundation.

Ms. Yale, Chair of the Leadership Table, was honored last week at the United Way/Centraide Ottawa's Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala as Volunteer of the Year. In her business leadership role, Ms. Yale heads a national team responsible for development and delivery of strategies in the areas of public policy, law, regulation, government relations and corporate communications. She was previously President of the Canadian Cable Television Association and has held senior leadership positions at AT&T Canada, the CRTC and the Consumer's Association of Canada. As an active member of the Ottawa community, she is a member of the Board of the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Film Centre. She is also the Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa United Way/Centraide. Ms. Yale was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. The Canadian Women in Communications Organization named her "Woman of the Year 2001," and the Women's Executive Network named her one of Canada's Most Powerful Women - Top 100 for 2004, 2005 and 2006. Members of the Leadership Table are pictured here at the press event.

Prior to the press event, Director Mangano, Mayor O'Brien, and Ottawa City Councilor Diane Deans, a member of the Leadership Table, visited the Options Bytown supportive housing initiative, where Lorraine Bentley, Executive Director, hosted them as they met with consumers (pictured here). Options Bytown operates two apartment complexes that house approximately 120 tenants; the apartments are owned and managed by Ottawa Community Housing, and rents are subsidized by the City of Ottawa. Options Bytown utilizes "HousingPlus" supportive housing to "reduce reliance on costly emergency, health and social services and, more importantly, helps people to be strong and successful members of the community."

Upon arrival in Ottawa, Director Mangano visited the public library and the Ottawa Hospital emergency room, where he met with staff and discussed their experiences of frequent uses of the hospital's services. Pictured here during the visit are (below, left to right): Peter Hume, Ottawa City Councilor; Director Mangano; John Vandecamp, Manager, Emergency Triage, Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus; and Russell Mawby, Housing Director, City of Ottawa.

Following the 10 Year Plan events, Director Mangano was the invited speaker for the United Way Annual Event, hosted at the National Gallery of Canada. United Way Major Gifts Co-chairs Stephen Greenberg and Dave Seibel introduced Director Mangano, with Darren Nippard, Managing Director and Partner of Accenture Canada, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company.

Identifying the important partnership of United Way chapters across the U.S. in developing, supporting, and implementing 10 Year Plans, Director Mangano stated: "The Ottawa United Way and all its partners are to be commended for a vision that moves beyond simply funding good intentions and well-meaning programs to investing for impact in partnerships and alliances that create measurable change in the lives of all of your neighbors."

Noted Mr. Seibel in recognizing Director Mangano: "Thank you so much for being here tonight and sharing your experiences in how you are building neighborhood and community capacity through a very direct approach to combating chronic homelessness in your country - what a powerful and enlightening presentation."

The European Parliament, the sole elected body of the European Union, has adopted a resolution committing to end street homelessness by 2015. The resolution - signed by 438 of 785 members - calls for a universal definition of homelessness across the EU, the collection and reporting of standard data, use of winter emergency plans as part of larger strategies, and creation of annual progress reports on results.

Under European Parliament process, a written declaration is "a tool for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to launch or re-launch the debate on a matter falling within the European Union's scope of activities." The declaration must be signed by 393 or at least half of the 785 Members of Parliament within three months. Only about 10% of all declarations obtain the required majority of signatures. The ending street homelessness declaration met and exceeded the necessary target.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, who has been an invited speaker for European Union events focused on ending homelessness welcomed the European development. He noted the important step forward represented by the declaration which created a targeted commitment to those living on the streets that builds on the lessons of both the U.S. and U.K. in their "Tipping Point" strategies beyond a response of universalism to investing in creating change for the most disabled, vulnerable, and visible homeless populaton.

A cross-party declaration on ending street homelessness was moved in December 2007 by MEPs Mary Lou MacDonald (Ireland) Claude Moraes (United Kingdom), Jacek Protasiewicz (Poland), Gérard Onesta (France) and Jean-Marie Beaupuy (France). Homelessness was identified as a priority by the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in 2005 and is a priority under the EU's social protection and inclusion strategy.

The European Parliament is the only directly-elected body of the European Union. The 785 Members of the European Parliament are elected once every five years by voters right across the 27 Member States of the European Union on behalf of its 492 million citizens.

ACROSS THE NATION, over 170 communities of every size have adopted the engagement innovation of Project Homeless Connect to welcome their homeless neighbors into the "living room" of the community. In this issue of the e-news, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness highlights several recent Project Homeless Connect events across the country.

AMERICA'S ROAD HOME IS HIGHLIGHT OF INAUGURAL TORRINGTON, CT CONNECT EVENT
TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT. An inaugural Project Homeless Connect event convened last week in Northwestern Connecticut's largest city of Torrington, with Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, the City of Torrington, and Northwest Connecticut Continuum of Care acting as hosts at the Coe Memorial Park and the Torrington Armory. Torrington Mayor Ryan Bingham, the youngest Mayor in state history when he was elected at age 22 in 2005, read a Project Homeless Connect proclamation to the more than 100 community volunteers; the resolution was based on the America's Road Home Statement of Principles and Actions, signed by more than 260 Mayors. Mayor Bingham is a signatory to America's Road Home. Numerous local resources were available to guests, and participation of jurisdictional officials was evident at the event, including State Senator Andrew Roraback; Susan Hamilton, Commissioner, Department of Children and Families, representing Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell; Nancy Cannavo, Coordinator of Mental Services, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, and Coordinator of the Torrington Project Homeless Connect; Mayor Bingham; and State Representative Anne Ruet. Council Regional Coordinator John O'Brien took part.

SACRAMENTO OFFERS "HAND-TO-HAND" WELCOME
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. California's state capital city convened its first 'welcome' to homeless neighbors last week, with the Cal Expo winter shelter event site attracting nearly 500 guests. Mayor Heather Fargo, Assemblymember Dave Jones, and County Supervisor Roger Dickinson welcomed volunteers, with Norb Bartosik, CEO of Cal Expo. An invocation was offered by Captain John Brackenbury, Salvation Army Divisional Secretary for Program. Bruce Wagstaff, Director, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance served as master of ceremonies.

"It's exciting to be part of this first time event bringing the community together to assist our homeless citizens . . . This hand-to-hand assistance will positively impact everyone involved," said Tim Brown, Director, Sacramento's Ending Chronic Homelessness Initiative.

Project Homeless Connect hosts also included Tom Gagen, CEO of Sutter Health; Councilmember Ray L. Tretheway III, District 1; Councilmember Lauren Hammond, District 5; Councilmember Rob Fong, District 4; and Supervisor Don Nottoli, District 5. The Ending Chronic Homelessness Initiative, the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento County Departments of Human Assistance and Health and Human Services, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, Loaves and Fishes, Transitional Living and Community Support, the Sacramento Housing Alliance, and Wells Fargo Bank collaborated on the event.

CONNECTING 'HEART TO HEART' IN ALBANY, OREGON
ALBANY, OREGON. Led by Albany Police Captain Ben Atcheley, citizen volunteers and resource providers mobilized to convene the community's second Project Homeless Connect for over 150 guests, sponsored by HEART (Homeless Enrichment and Rehabilitation Team), the City of Albany, and the Community Services Consortium.

Eyeglasses of all sorts remain popular: 100 guests received free sunglasses, and over 60 guests picked up reading glasses. All guests had the opportunity during the exit survey to participate in "Tell Us Your Story," in which each guest could add their story to a community collection to be shared with local agencies to provide a better understanding of the causes of homelessness in Albany. Sixteen resource providers, including non-profits, private sector businesses, churches, and local, state, and federal government agencies provided resources. New to this year's event was a dental van that saw 15 patients and a special veterans services table.

MINNEAPOLIS EXTENDS HOSPITALITY TO HOMELESS NEIGHBORS
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. Minneapolis and Hennepin County's Office to End Homelessness convened Project Homeless Connect #5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and organizers have called the event "the largest and best organized event to date," reaching over 2,800 individuals with the help of over 1,300 volunteers and 350 resource providers. Over 700 pairs of shoes were distributed, over 350 people received free State IDs and birth certificates, and more than 300 received reading glasses. Minneapolis is one of a number of Project Homeless Connect cities with a web site to recruit and report on its events. Minneapolis' next Connect will take place during the Interagency Council's fourth Annual National Project Homeless Connect event in December, and neighboring St. Paul will convene a Project Homeless Connect next week.

Watch your "inn-box" for the new season of 20 in 20 Innovations . . .

Since its revitalization in 2002, the Council has been committed to the rapid dissemination of innovations so you know the latest about "what's working."

The e-news has regularly profiled innovators and their results from around the country. Now, on the heels of the 20 in 20 Month of Innovations, we're going back to the future by visiting our past innovators to see what they're up to now . . . what's new, what's working?

Don't miss a single episode!

On this date 40 years ago, Robert F. Kennedy died in Los Angeles, California.

It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance . . ."
Robert F. Kennedy
South Africa
1966

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