WASHINGTON, DC. The latest results from the 11 sites across the country partnered in the $55 million Collaborative Initiative to End Chronic Homelessness investment of the federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs show that 600 persons experiencing chronic homelessness have now been housed in the target cities, ending 4300 years of homelessness. The results from the 11 sites around the country are the basis of the President's FY 06 request for a new $200 million Samaritan Housing Initiative at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which is now before Congress. Pictured here at the October 1, 2003, Council meeting anouncement of the awards were (right to left)then HUD Secretary and Council Chair Mel Martinez, Columbus Community Shelter Board awardee Barbara Poppe, Director Mangano, then HHS Secretary and Council Vice Chair Tommy Thompson, and then VA Secretary Anthony Principi.

NEW YORK CITY. 47 formerly chronically homeless individuals with substance abuse issues, who collectively had experienced 132 years of homelessness, are currently successfully housed by In Homes Now, New York City's Project Renewal site under the Collaborative Initiative announced last year. Over 85% of those individuals have maintained their housing during Year One of the program. In Homes Now, recently visited by United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, is unique in its focus on substance abuse among persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

COST ANALYSIS: A CASE HISTORY. Project Renewal has recognized the importance of outcome data for its clients in making the case for its results. A single client of In Homes Now who used multiple services prior to enrollment was documented to have incurred over $138,000 in treatment, housing, and health care costs during the year before enrolling in the program. Following enrollment, the individual's costs for housing, health care, and treatment were $39,300, a difference of over 70%. Whereas none of the programs clients had been in treatment before enrollment, 32% of clients are engaged in ongoing substance abuse treatment, and 100% are receiving health care services, an increase of 40%.

Project Renewal has both expertise and experience with its target population, having started in 1967 as a street outreach program offering active alcoholics medical care, detoxification, and long-term treatment. With a treatment philosophy founded on meeting the client where s/he is, Project Renewal has, in the interim, developed an array of services under one organizational roof, providing substance abusers with everything they need to move off the streets into health, housing, and a job.

Participants in In Homes Now select their apartments from among a stock of pre-leased one-bedroom apartments in Harlem, Northern Manhattan, and the Bronx, choose their own furnishings and are active participants in creating their treatment plans. Once moved in, clients are visited regularly by the Intensive Case Management Team to help them achieve their mutually agreed upon goals.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA. Atlanta's new 24/7 Gateway Center, a centerpiece of Mayor Shirley Franklin's 10- Year Plan, opened for business this week with a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by the Mayor, pictured here. Dignitaries and guests then entered through iron gates symbolic of the "gateway to the care that will help individuals move out of homelessness". Regional Commission on Homelessness Chair Horace Sibley and Commissioner Jack Hardin provided leadership to the keystone Gateway project, and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta President Mark O'Connell joined Mayor Franklin in praising the corporate, private, public, and community support that made the rehabilitation of the building and its services possible. Federal government partners that contributed to the Gateway's rehabilitation included the United States Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Veterans Affairs (VA), and Labor (DOL). VA VISN 7 Homeless Coordinator and National Coordinator for the Community Homeless Assessment Local Education Networking Group (CHALENG) Dr. Craig Burnette and HUD Community Planning and Development representative Russell Douglass attended the event, along with Interagency Council Region IV Coordinator Michael German.

The renovation of what was formerly the Atlanta Pretrial Detention Center into the 24/7 Gateway Center is one of the fundamental strategies of Atlanta's Blueprint to End Homelessness. Because of its commitment to community collaboration, staff experience and depth of programs offered, the Atlanta Union Mission will manage the facility under a joint agreement with the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Vince Smith, the Mission's Director of Community Relations and Senior Chaplain, will direct the Center and coordinate collaborations with a number of service providers in the community, including Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta, Saint Joseph's Mercy Care Services, Project Open Hand, North Avenue Presbyterian Church, and Samaritan House, among others. The 24/7 Gateway Center project is the most significant collaboration of homeless service providers in the city's history.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, who toured the Gateway construction site in January, predicted the center would relieve the strain on everything from Atlanta's emergency rooms to its police force and jails. "People who you thought were going to just die on the streets someday will instead have their lives rehabilitated and redeemed in this center," he stated during the tour. The 24/7 Gateway Center will provide services to an estimated 500 homeless persons a day. It is a safe place to rest, receive services, and be engaged in a hospitable manner. The 110,000- square-foot center will not only meet immediate needs with housing, showers, toilets, food, beds, and storage, but it will also provide specialized services needed to move persons out of homelessness, including medical and mental health care, addiction pretreatment, job readiness and training, veteran services, specialized services for women and children, and appropriate referrals.

The second and third floors contain 45 transition beds for men, including those with dual diagnosis, 22 beds reserved for persons experiencing chronic homelessness, 23 beds for recuperative care, 22 pretreatment beds for men awaiting entry to substance abuse programs, 45 assigned emergency beds for stays of 7 to 10 days, and 23 beds reserved for Court referrals. The fourth floor contains 45 beds for transitional housing for homeless veterans and 45 beds of housing for men in job training programs. There is also a gymnasium that can be used during weather emergencies.

The Regional Commission on Homelessness has raised more than $16 million from private sources to implement priorities of the Blueprint. Gateway, part of the Commission's 29-point plan for eliminating homelessness by 2013, will operate with government grants and private donations. Mayor Franklin tasked the Regional Commission to focus on several priority areas of implementation, including: reducing evictions and foreclosures; providing transportation to reunite homeless people with family or other "support systems; establishing a single-room-occupancy facility with support services and room for 50 people who suffer from mental illness, addiction or both; and expanding Atlanta Community Court as an alternative to traditional court so that more homeless people, or those at risk of homelessness, who commit petty crimes can be sentenced to treatment and community service instead of jail.

DENVER, COLORADO. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, whose City in May released its new Housing First plan which aims to reduce chronic homelessness by 75% in the next five years, made his initiative a key focus of his annual State of the City address last week (see related e-news story). Denver's Commission to End Homelessness, composed of 41 representatives with 25 drawn from local government and business, set a goal of over 2,000 housing units for its homeless population, of which over 940 will be supportive housing units for persons experiencing chronic homelessness. Roxane White, manager of the city's Department of Human Services, chaired the Mayor's Commission.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, invited to join Mayor Hickenlooper for the address, noted, "Denver is showing leadership in fashioning a community-based, results-oriented, housing focused plan that is realistic and doable. A Plan grounded in realism, realistic in intent, and ready for implementation. Not a wish list of the unachievable; not a denial of the problem; not pie in the sky or the reinvention of the wheel." Denver is also one of the 11 sites across the nation awarded federal resources under the 2003 $55 million Collaborative Initiative to Help End Chronic Homelessness (see e-news story). Mayor Hickenlooper and Director Mangano are pictured here.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts this week convened Massachusetts Mayors and city leaders in an unprecedented and innovative step forward in intergovernmental initiatives to end chronic homelessness. Council Executive Director Philip Mangano and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, Massachusetts Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing Chair, convened Mayors and leaders from 10 cities around the Commonwealth at the Boston Foundation.

Council Director Mangano noted the unique nature of the gathering, "This meeting today is unprecedented in the fifty states. Only the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has convened a territory-wide meeting of mayors to end chronic homelessness. And the portfolio of investment represented here is deep: the ten year plan created by the state; the commitment of state agencies; the increased resources of the federal government; the support of foundations; the creativity of jurisdictional plans; the political will of mayors; the partnership of government and housing creators; the sophistication of state and philanthropy prevention initiatives. " Mayors from Amesbury, Beverly, Cambridge, Fall River, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Lawrence, Lynn, Northhampton, Pittsfield, and Quincy were welcomed by Boston Foundation Executive Director Paul Grogan, whose philanthropy has directed resources to homelessness advocacy, policy, prevention, and intervention. Pictured here are (left to right front): HUD Region I Director Taylor Cadwell, Director Mangano, Lt. Governor Healey, and Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan.

Lt. Governor Healey recounted the work the Commonwealth has done, including its Department of Transitional Assistance, in reducing and ending reliance on welfare hotels for homeless families and indicated the extent to which state efforts are now targeted to ending chronic homelessness. Lt. Governor Healey recognized the leadership the Interagency Council is providing across the country and in Massachusetts and described how the Massachusetts Summit is an important next step to ensure the Commonwealth is focused on this goal. Expressing optimism about future outcomes from these initiatives, the Lt. Governor affirmed the Romney Administration's commitment and city initiatives to create permanent housing.

Department of Mental Health Commissioner Elizabeth Childs provided an overview of the Commonwealth's planning to end chronic homelessness, including the state's Special Initiative to House the Homeless Mentally Ill and other discharge planning initiatives. Department of Health and Human Services Secretariat Information Officer Louis Gutierrez outlined the state's "Virtual Gateway" initiative which will provide on-line access for key benefit enrolLments and link state data sources.

Council Director Mangano, describing research, innovation, and best practices emerging across the nation, emphasized the role of cost benefit analysis in city and state initiatives. Boston Health Care for the Homeless President Dr. Jim O'Connell then presented data collected over 5 years about 119 persons experiencing chronic street homelessness. The 119 individuals were documented as having over 18,000 emergency room visits during the 5-year period.

Lt. Governor Healey moderated discussions on prevention initiatives in the state, including the Tenancy Preservation Project in Western Massachusetts, which links the Housing Court with services and interventions, and The Boston Foundation's series of prevention investments. Other discussions included the City of Quincy Housing First initiatives, housing for homeless veterans in Pittsfield, and the One Family HomeFunders collaboration. Interagency Council Region I Coordinator John O'Brien was central to the design and coordination of the Summit.

WACO, TEXAS. The Waco, Texas, City Council this week gave final approval to the City's new 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, entitled "Opening Doors, Unlocking Potential." The Mayor's Homeless Planning Committee, which developed a Housing First plan for the city of 114,000, was led by Mayor Virginia Dupuy, City Manager Bert Lumbrera, City of Waco Housing Director Jeff Wall, and representatives of Waco Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, Cooper Foundation, Compassion Ministries, Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, Providence Hospital, Mission Waco, real estate, faith based organizations, and Baylor University.

According to a Baylor University study for the planners that was completed in January 2005, homelessness cost Waco an estimated $7,610,000 annually, with a percentage of this figure derived from the City of Waco budget. Currently, Waco has an estimated population of six hundred homeless individuals; approximately one hundred of these are classified as chronically homeless. Every chronically homeless individual costs the community approximately $39,000 per year.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano was invited to join Mayor Dupuy and local partners for the announcement of the final plan. Department of Housing and Urban Development Region VI Director Cynthia Leon and Council Region VI Coordinator Sally Shipman also participated in the unveiling.

Under the leadership of the city's late Mayor, Dr. Mae Jackson, the City Council passed a May 2004 resolution authorizing the City Manager to endorse a ten-year planning process to end chronic homelessness. In January 2005, the Mayor's Homelessness Committee was formed along with five (5) sub-committees representing over 25 area agencies made up of members of the H.O.T. Homeless Coalition, community leaders, local business employers, W.I.S.D., hospitals, colleges, media, concerned residents, social agencies, and churches. Under Mayor Dupuy's leadership, the planners completed their work this spring.

HELENA, MONTANA. With Homeownership Month just ended, a new Helena, Montana, Salvation Army facility offers a new approach to providing a long- term, sustainable answer for families that find themselves at risk of homelessness in "Homeless to Homeowner in Five Years". The Salvation Army has become famous over the past century and a half for meeting the needs of the less fortunate all over the globe. According to Salvation Army Helena Corps Commanding Officer Lt. Steve Staneart , the problem of homelessness has been a special emphasis of Salvation Army activities, especially as it concerns families.

Qualifying families get their first month's rent free, and, in the second month they pay 50%, increasing gradually until they are paying full price from the seventh through the 60th months. During the five years they are renting from Salvation Army, they are also provided case management and a "homeowner coach" who will help them with the life-skills they will need to be successful homeowners. At the end of 60 months, provided they have successfully completed case management requirements, they are granted $10,000 for a down payment on a home. Thus the family can go from homeless to homeowner in five years.

Case management and the $10,000 grant will be funded through the rental income, making the program sustainable over the long haul. Construction of the duplex units is underway through a partnership with the University of Montana, College of Technology's building construction course, with building materials funded by private donations. Struggling families in Helena will get not only a home, but also the opportunity for home ownership, while the students get an invaluable "hands on" learning experience.

WITH THIS ISSUE, the e-news continues its focus on the message of leadership in ending chronic homelessness from federal, state, and city officials. This week, we focus on excerpts of the remarks of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, who last week delivered his annual State of the City address.

"We presently spend roughly $70 million a year on back-end services that are clearly not addressing the root problems of homelessness. Our plan to end homelessness will cost less than $13 million annually, combining dramatic net savings with measurable results. We have chosen a model that is both compassionate and results-oriented. Our plan balances the provision of housing, treatment services, and job training with the expectations of responsibility and self-reliance from those who receive the services. This plan is not about hand- outs, coddling, or expanding the welfare system. It is about creating opportunity, about helping people regain control of their lives, so that we can all regain control of our community.

"We presently spend roughly $70 million a year on back-end services that are clearly not addressing the root problems of homelessness. Our plan to end homelessness will cost less than $13 million annually, combining dramatic net savings with measurable results. We have chosen a model that is both compassionate and results-oriented. Our plan balances the provision of housing, treatment services, and job training with the expectations of responsibility and self-reliance from those who receive the services. This plan is not about hand- outs, coddling, or expanding the welfare system. It is about creating opportunity, about helping people regain control of their lives, so that we can all regain control of our community.

"We inherit but we are not bound by the choices our predecessors made. We gather recognizing that the choices we make now will write our collective will upon this landscape in ways that will endure into the distant future. The people of Denver are people of courage and enterprise, ingenuity and good will. With those qualities so well-represented among us, we can set an example for the nation - and, really, the world - as we build on our strengths, honestly acknowledge and address our weaknesses, and celebrate the possibilities of common ground.

"In this place where landscape and sky invite us to think big, we are surrounded by architectural triumphs. Yet in this place we are also reminded of one of our society's greatest failures. Like so many public spaces here and across the country, this park is a gathering place for many homeless in our community, making residents and tourists feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Government alone, cannot solve this problem. But we can serve as a catalyst and convener. Smarter and better government involves strategic investments that deliver maximum results for limited resources. That is the economic principle behind our 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

"Together, this community can beat homelessness. Together, we must embrace a city where all families have homes, where everyone has the opportunity to be self-sufficient, where residents and tourists can walk our streets without being panhandled or frightened. This vision must allow all people of goodwill to contribute to this effort. Today, we announce a new partnership among the City of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Metro Volunteers to provide local residents with a convenient connection to the numerous, meaningful volunteer opportunities that exist in our city.

WITH THIS ISSUE, the e-newsletter continues its focus on opportunities to secure resources for homeless programs under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Following are properties listed in the most recent Federal Register notice of suitable and available land and buildings.

WASHINGTON, DC. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission is well underway with its work under the leadership of Commission Chairman Anthony J. Principi, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Local homeless planning partners will be interested in the opportunities presented by the closure and reuse process. The Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act (1994 Base Closure Act) addresses the use of military base property as surplus federal property on military bases. The Act requires consideration of the needs of persons experiencing homelessness during the redevelopment process.

Once the closures are announced, several early steps occur in the reuse process. Federal agencies can use the federal screening process to be the first to express interest in property over a 60 day period. During this period, a Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) must be formed in the community to address conversion of the property to other uses. As the LRA advances and conducts outreach, it will advertise to state and local governments and homeless services providers that the former base property is availability and that "notices of interest" will be received during a specified time period.

Upcoming key dates in the base closure process will occur throughout 2005. By September 8, the Commission must transmit to the President "a report containing its findings and conclusions based on a review and analysis of the Secretary's recommendations." By September 23, the President shall transmit to the Commission and to the Congress, "a report containing the President's approval or disapproval of the Commission's recommendations." If the President approves the recommendations, the recommendations are binding 45 "legislative" days after Presidential transmission or adjournment, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval. By October 20, if the President disapproves the Commission's initial recommendations, the Commission must submit revised recommendations to the President not later than this date. By November 7, the President must approve the revised recommendations and transmit approval to Congress by this date or the process ends. The recommendations become binding 45 "legislative" days after Presidential transmission or adjournment, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval. The Commission terminates on April 15, 2006.

DOD maintains a web site of resources that can assist a variety of community partners in understanding and participating in the upcoming process, including accommodations to the needs of homeless people in the community. DOD's Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) is the primary source for assisting communities that are adversely impacted by such changes, including base closures or realignments, base expansions, and contract or program cancellations. To assist affected communities, OEA manages and directs the Defense Economic Adjustment Program, and coordinates the involvement of other Federal agencies. Under the 1994 Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act, DOD, in a joint process with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), also plays a role in the community's base reuse planning process and future homeless assistance.

McKinney-Vento Title V Program. The July 15 notice contains the most recent listing of suitable and available property contains a listing of Federal buildings and other real property determined to be suitable and available for use. Buildings are available in Arkansas, California, and Virginia.

Title V provides that state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, are eligible to apply for land and buildings that have been determined by the federal government to be "suitable and available" for eligible uses to benefit homeless people. More than two dozen agencies of the federal government are included as "landholding" agencies that may have property.