WASHINGTON, DC. Representative Julia Carson, a six-term member of the House of Representatives for Indiana's 7th Congressional District whose public service career to her community spanned more than 35 years, died this week in Indianapolis. Rep. Carson was an advocate for people who are homeless, poor, disadvantaged, and for the nation's veterans. She was the sponsor of the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH) (HR 840) currently in Congress which proposes to consolidate the Department of Housing and Urban Development's McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs, emphasizing community planning and requiring all communities to design strategies to address the needs of homeless veterans.

President Bush, in a statement commending the commitment of Rep. Carson, noted: " . . . Representative Carson served her constituents in Indianapolis with passion and commitment. She was revered as a champion for building strong and safe communities, working to end homelessness, improving financial literacy for all Americans, and helping her constituents achieve and maintain the dream of home ownership . . "

"In my meetings with Rep. Carson, her amiable and personable presence always affirmed the work of ending homelessness in our country," noted United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano. "The nation will miss this champion of vulnerable Americans but her legacy of care and compassion will continue to inform our country's response."

Rep. Carson, the first African-American and only woman in Indiana's congressional delegation, had served four years in the Indiana House and 14 years in the State Senate. Subsequently she was elected trustee in Center Township, where she administered municipal services including welfare programs. In 1996, she was elected to succeed retiring Rep. Andrew Jacobs, for whom she had worked as a legislative aide. She had announced in November that health problems would prevent her from seeking a seventh Congressional term. In addition to her work on issues of homelessness, Rep. Carson in 1999 led efforts to honor the late civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal.

NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT. Mayor Tim Stewart of New Britain, a Charter Signatory to the new America's Road Home Statement of Principles now signed by more than 65 City and County officials, last week welcomed United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano to assess New Britain's recently released Plan, "Building Hope Together: New Britain's Work Plan to End Homelessness."

Meeting with Mayor Stewart and Director Mangano at City Hall were Greg Howey, a local businessman who co-chairs the Planning Task Force with the Mayor; Ellen Simpson, Director of Friendship Service Center and member of the Task Force; and Ken Malinowski, New Britain Director of Municipal Development. Council Regional Coordinator John O'Brien also participated. The partners are pictured here as Mayor Stewart signed the America's Road Home Statement.

The new Plan includes a solid focus on employment and economic opportunity as one of three goals, stating at the outset about the Planners: "Their shared vision for New Britain is of a place of wide opportunity, with businesses that employ all who are able to work - including youth and individuals in homelessness, new and old immigrants. They see New Britain as a community where all residents find economic opportunity and a place to call home." Other goals are to expand housing access and the number of affordable housing units and centralizing and expanding eviction prevention strategies.

"Mayor Stewart and the Task Force are to be applauded for putting employment at the same level as housing," indicated United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano. "New Britain's Plan is the first in the country with such an emphasis and is a model for future plans to incentivize employment initiatives."

Specific employment strategies call for New Britain to: 1) create employer-to-employer outreach network to increase participation and job opportunities, 2) expand awareness and linkages with the CT Works One Stop Center in New Britain, 3) support bridging programs that get very low-wage and unemployed people into skills training, increasing employment opportunities for homeless and at-risk of homeless populations, 4) establish an employer-driven entry level and career ladder workgroup that oversees the integration of existing training services, 5) create a targeted strategy to identify Sector Career Ladders in High Growth Sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Allied Health, Retail/Hospitality and Business/Finance, 6) establish/enhance support services for child-care, basic skills literacy, and transportation to homeless population, 7) assess and meet non-traditional child care needs for sick children and evening daycare, and 8) develop a Coordinated Transportation Plan for low- wage workers.

MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT. In Middletown and Middlesex County last week, jurisdictional partners unveiled the new regional 10-Year Plan developed under the leadership of Mayor Sebastian Giuliano. United States Interagency Council Executive Director Philip Mangano was invited to join the Mayor and partners for the unveiling at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Noted Director Mangano, "This Leadership Council is as strong as any in the nation and the right combination of expansive and inclusive partners to get the job done. Your inclusion of the business community and academia are the best practices for plans across the nation that are achieving success in implementation."

"Mayor Giuliano and the Leadership Council have done a service to homeless veterans and our country in demonstrating a new partnership with the private sector focused on housing homeless veterans," indicated United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano. Pictured here are (left to right): Julie Fagan, HUD Field Office Director, CT, Philip Miller, First Selectman, Essex, Mayor Giuliano, Director Mangano, Kevin Wilhelm, Executive Director, Middlesex United Way, Larry McHugh, President, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, and State Senator Paul Doyle.

In January 2007, Middlesex County joined the growing National Partnership to end homelessness. With fellow elected officials from the towns of Portland, Essex, and Old Saybrook, as well as leaders of the business, academic and faith-based communities at his side, Middletown Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano announced plans to develop a 10-Year Plan "to eliminate homelessness and near homelessness in Middlesex County." Executive Council Co-chairs for the Plan were Howard Reid, Executive Director of River Valley Services and Robert Fusari, President of Real Estate Services of Connecticut.

Middlesex County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness Leadership Council Co-chairs were Mayor Giuliano, Larry McHugh, Executive Director of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and Kevin Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Middlesex United Way. The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness provided staffing and support for the Plan's development, under the leadership of Executive Director Carol Walter.

The Executive Council established sub-committees on housing, prevention, services, and employment and income to develop the 10-Year Plan, which states: "To end homelessness, we need to think about resources differently. We need to direct resources toward long-term solutions, and make sure safety net programs are geared toward ending people's homelessness, rather than managing it. If we are moving people toward long-term solutions, we must invest in long-term actions such as permanent housing." The Plan addresses both individual and family homelessness, and, like the Windham Plan (see related story), uses new family research from Dr. Dennis Culhane to address family resources.

The Housing First Plan also includes a veterans strategy. The Middlesex legislative delegation secured $115,000 in funding that will be administered through the Middlesex United Way to develop a plan to provide housing units to homeless veterans in Middlesex County. A proposed project could be a stand-alone facility offering more flexibility in obtaining development funds for units are set aside for veterans. The Plan also calls for educating veterans who are homeless in Middlesex County of the annual Stand Down event held at the Veterans Home in Rocky Hill.

Middlesex calls for expanding use of the SOAR program of technical assistance for SSI enrollment, creation of an employment one-stop, commitment to an annual Project Homeless Connect event, and utilization of Master Leasing for the expansion of scattered site supportive housing. A unique proposal calls for development of a career mentoring program with people who are retired and people who are homeless and a Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program specifically for people experiencing homelessness who are now employed to aid in job retention.

Council Regional Coordinator John O'Brien also participated and aided Connecticut's Plans - as well as many across the country - in focusing on the needs of veterans and examining best practices for veterans strategies.

IN WINDHAM, CONNECTICUT, new First Selectwoman Jean de Smets and other civic leaders welcomed United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano for the region's 10- Year Plan event with Jeff Beadle, Executive Director of the Windham Regional Community Council. Windham includes the towns of Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Hampton, Lebanon, Mansfield, Scotland, and Willington.

Disregarding the blizzard conditions outside, elected and federal officials and community stakeholders met to announce completion of the Plan. "Congratulations to all of Windham for joining the National Partnership through your 10-Year Plan," Director Mangano told the partners. "You have joined a partnership of strategic thinking, accountability, and results. All over the country, all over Connecticut, the partnership is growing."

Resources for development of the Plan came from Bank of America, BankNorth Connecticut, Liberty Bank, New Alliance Bank, Peoples Bank, Savings Institute, and Windham Region Council of Governments. The Plan was developed by a broad community partnership with Steering Committee leadership from Rheo Brouillard, Co-Chair, Savings Institute Bank & Trust Company, Rusty Lanzit, Co- Chair, Town of Chaplin, Roger Adams, Windham Region Chamber of Commerce, Cathy Cementina, Windham Regional Community Council, David Fenn, Windham Region No Freeze Hospitality Center, Mark Paquette, Windham Region Council of Governments, Virginia Sampietro, Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board, and Evelyn Solla, Windham Area Interfaith Ministries. Partners are pictured here.

Prior to the public event at the East Connecticut Arts at the Capitol Theatre, Director Mangano met with Selectwoman de Smets, State Representative Walter Pawelkiewicz, Rusty Lanzit, former First Selectman of Chaplin and Plan Co-Chair, and Mr. Beadle. Representing Congressman Joe Courtney was Dorothy Grady of his constituent services staff.

Windham's Plan states as its goal "to reorient our service system from one that manages homelessness to one that prevents and ends homelessness." Similar to the Windham planning process, the implementation structure at the next stage will feature a similar committee structure with new roles and responsibilities to insure the execution of the plans goals and recommendations, and moreover, the end of homelessness in the Greater Windham Region in ten years. The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness provided staffing and support for the Plan's development, under the leadership of Executive Director Carol Walter.

The new Plan, which addresses both individual and family homelessness, has already adopted the new research by Dr. Dennis Culhane of the University of Pennsylvania concerning family homelessness and the matching of needs and resources to end homelessness more rapidly. Windham will also use United Way and other agencies to help prevent homelessness through individual and family asset building strategies, proposing to develop a Windham Asset Building Collaborative (WABC) through the Windham Region United Way to help in the strategic delivery of financial stability resources to homeless, near homeless and other working families in the region. A WABC could coordinate services around a continuum of asset building activities to avoid duplication of services and to fill current gaps in the region.

The Plan includes a specific strategy for veterans in the community, with recommendations to develop direct links between the Community Care Team and the region's Veterans Advisor at Windham Regional Community Council (WRCC) to coordinate services for homeless veterans; support the year-round operation of the No Freeze Shelter, which provides a local emergency option to single homeless veterans; and develop transportation options for homeless veterans in coordination with the Veterans Advisor that will facilitate access to state and federal veteran services outside the region. The current burden for transportation to such veteran services falls solely with the Veterans Advisor at WRCC. The Plan sets a goal that 100% of veterans experiencing homelessness in the region are known to the Community Care Team and being engaged by the Veterans Advisor.

The Windham Steering Committee, which will meet monthly, will serve as a conduit of information of the work being done on a sub-committee and working group level in moving forward with implementation of the plan, and specifically the identified strategic priorities. The Steering Committee will have decision making authority and provide the necessary direction for the implementation of the plan. Additionally, the Steering Committee will be responsible for cultivating and identifying leaders to carry out goals and serve in key positions. The Steering Committee will be co- chaired by the chairs of the Leadership Committee and will be comprised of the co-chairs and/or co- conveners of each of the four sub-committees, Housing, Safety Net, Employment and Income, and Public Policy and Information.

The Leadership Committee will convene on a quarterly basis to remain updated on implementation efforts, progress to date, and barriers to moving forward. The members of the committee will be able to provide input and recommendations into the implementation process in effort to insure continued region-wide momentum. The Leadership Committee and the Steering Committee will be co-chaired by the same people who will serve as the liaisons to the Steering Committee. The Leadership Committee shall be composed of the town leaders or a representative of the eight communities on the Windham Region Council of Governments, the Executive Director of the regional planning agency, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, state elected officials representing the region, and the co- chairs.

Across the nation in 25 cities and counties of every size, more than 10,000 homeless neighbors were welcomed into "the living room of the community" by more than 6,000 elected officials and community volunteers seeking to make resources more available and accessible to end homelessness, during the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness' Third Annual National Project Homeless Connect Week.

With this issue, the e-news completes its coast to coast coverage of the 2007 National Project Homeless Connect Week.

IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, Mayor Eddie Perez and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano welcomed 450 homeless neighbors to St. Patrick St. Anthony Franciscan Center for Project Homeless Connect. Nurses from Charter Oak Health Center provided foot-washing followed by new warm socks for guests. Mayor Perez and Director Mangano are pictured here as they welcomed each guest to the event, along with Plan Chair Bill Farley. United States Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director and current Regional Interagency Council Chair Brian Golden also attended the event, his fourth Project Homeless Connect event in the region.

The Hartford Continuum of Care, Hartford Commission to End Homelessness and Connecticut Coalition for End Homelessness organized the event, inviting volunteers with a recognition of the event's national implications and origins: "Every year, on a national level, thousands of community volunteers partner with city government, non-profits and the private sector to provide a one-stop shop of health and human services for homeless individuals and families. By participating, you will be raising awareness of the services you provide in the community and extending the opportunity for the homeless to connect with these services. The goal of Hartford Project Homeless Connect is to provide easy access to services and resources that support the transition of the City's homeless off the streets and/or shelters and into housing."

The Hartford Wolf Pack Hockey Team, which is an American Hockey League Team affiliated with the New York Rangers supported the event, too, when, on December 7, the team invited game attendees to enter for free by bringing coats, hats, scarves for the Project Homeless Connect. The team also provided box lunches for the one-stop. Pictured here is Mayor Perez speaking to the volunteers before the doors were opened.

IN MIAMI, nearly 500 homeless individuals were welcomed by 200 volunteers to the third Miami Cares event. Miami Cares Day is organized by the City of Miami's Homeless Assistance Program, which aims to identify and engage homeless individuals, and to place them into appropriate housing, facilitate employability skills, create a work history and instill life management responsibilities, thereby strengthening their ties to the community. More than 90 individuals left the streets through resources accessed at the event. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Team Leader Michael German is pictured here as he met with Miami Mayor Manny Diaz prior to the event.

"Miami Cares is a day we set aside to show that the City of Miami cares for the homeless population through catering to the participants and providing the tools to get them off the streets all in one place," said Sergio Torres, Administrator for the City of Miami's Homeless Assistance Program. The Miami Homeless Assistance Program is part of Mayor Manny Diaz's 10-Year Plan which has reduced chronic homelessness by 50%. The Plan sets a goal of providing services to hundreds of homeless individuals to engage them and help break the cycle of chronic homelessness in the city. Miami Cares is different in that it allows the homeless individual to provide his or her own diagnosis of needs. By allowing people to make their own decisions, it is the hope of the City of Miami to connect with homeless persons not engaged in services.

Partners of the Miami Cares III include City of Miami NET, Miami Rescue Mission, Miami Dade Homeless Trust, and Miami Coalition for the Homeless, Inc.

WHAT'S NEXT? As communities wrap up their National Week events, others continue to plan for 2008. In San Francisco, where Project Homeless Connect began, two January events will mark the 20th PHC. On January 7, in celebration of PHC's success, volunteers will host a special Project Homeless Connect at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in conjunction with the start of Mayor's Newsom's second term in office. Later that day, a special Volunteer Recognition will take place for the over 16,000 volunteers who have supported San Francisco's "welcome."

Project Homeless Connect events are also scheduled in several Michigan counties as part of the Statewide Campaign to End Homelessness, and statewide in New Jersey in conjunction with its Point-in-Time count. Events are also scheduled in Anchorage, Beaverton, Oregon, and Waco, Texas.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced yesterday that the State's 10- Year Business Plan will continue to move forward with new investment from HeadingHome Minnesota, a broad coalition of business, nonprofit and faith leaders who announced a private-sector commitment to raise $60 million. Over one-quarter of the total - $16 million - already has been pledged, with the balance to be raised by 2010.

"The financial commitment of HeadingHome Minnesota will go a long way toward ending chronic homelessness in our State," said Governor Pawlenty. "It's these kind of strong and diverse partnerships that are essential for success." Governor Pawlenty also announced that HeadingHome Minnesota will act as an umbrella partnership that will integrate the State Business Plan and four regional HeadingHome programs in Hennepin, Ramsey and St. Louis Counties and Southeast Minnesota which have developed 10-Year Plans.

HeadingHome Minnesota's efforts will emphasize three long-term solutions: prevention, supportive housing, and outreach through a coordinated 24/7 system for those living on the streets to reduce the impact of homelessness on the community. "These strategies work and they benefit everyone, including taxpayers," said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Tim Marx.

The new initiative will be co-chaired by Jim Frey, President of the Frey Foundation, and Carleen Rhodes, President of the St. Paul Foundation. Other key members include Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman; St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O'Neil, Bremer Financial CEO Stan K. Dardis, Andersen Corporation CEO Jim Humphrey, Plymouth Congregational Church Senior Minister James Gertmenian, Wilder Foundation President Tom Kingston, and The McKnight Foundation President Kate Wolford.

In July officials responsible for the Minnesota Business Plan to End Long-Term Homelessness released a "recalibration" report, which reviewed all plan assumptions and experience to date, finding: "The main lesson from the first three years of implementation is that the Plan is working. By marshaling resources, directing them to the strategies of the plan and remaining focused on results, the Plan has exceeded its initial goal: to create 1,000 permanent supportive housing opportunities for people experiencing long- term homelessness. " The resources announced today by HeadingHome Minnesota are in addition to the $18 million in philanthropic contributions raised through 2007.

"The best news is that implementation of the Plan is ahead of schedule and within the financing plan," noted the recalibration report. According to State data, the cumulative goal for the end of 2006 was to finance 1,000 additional housing opportunities for people who experience long-term homelessness, and by that date, Minnesota Housing and its partners had funded 1,091 housing opportunities, 677 of them with rental assistance only, which means they can be occupied more quickly than if new construction or rehabilitation were needed. Progress has exceeded goals each year of the plan. In 2004, when the goal was to fund 200 housing opportunities, 274 were funded. In 2005, when the cumulative goal was to fund 600 housing opportunities, 667 were funded. In 2006, when the cumulative goal was to fund 1,000 housing opportunities, 1,091 were funded.

The report also noted the important role of leadership, identifying the actions of the cities of Duluth, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul which have joined with their corresponding counties of Saint Louis, Hennepin, and Ramsey to develop plans to end all homelessness in their communities. Twenty counties in southeastern Minnesota have done likewise. The plans are aligned to accomplish a common goal and are gaining commitment from the public and private sectors, as evidenced in the increase in state funds proposed by the Governor and appropriated by the legislature for the 2008-09 biennium, as well as new commitments from the philanthropic community.

Released in March 2004, Minnesota's Business Plan to End Long-term Homelessness by 2010 includes all levels of government, private sector developers and businesses, nonprofit organizations and charities, and faith-based organizations. Governor Pawlenty presented the plan at the full meeting of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness at the White House in April 2004. The effort is headed by the Commissioners of Human Services, Corrections, and the Housing Finance Agency.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. Guam Governor Felix Camacho last week signed an Executive Order creating the Guam Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs, a new Interagency Council for the territory. Governor Camacho (pictured here), meeting with the Region IX Federal Executive Board, brought to fruition the commitment he made when he met with the Board in September and continued discussions on the need for a Council with HUD Regional Director Richard Rainey and Council Regional Coordinator Eduardo Cabrera.

"I commend you today in moving forward to join the National Partnership of accountability and results in ending the spiritual, human, and economic disgrace of chronic homelessness in our country," noted United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, who sent greetings to the Governor which were delivered as part of the signing ceremony by Coordinator Cabrera. "In establishing a State Interagency Council on Homelessness you have joined with your peers, Governors of 49 States, including your 'neighbor' Governor Linda Lingle in Hawaii and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the very State you are in, as well as your fellow Governors of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands," he said. Council Regional Coordinator Cabrera is pictured here presenting Director Mangano's greetings to the Governor.

The Council's Chair and Vice Chair, to be appointed by the Governor, will lead the Council in activities described in the new Order: developing short and long-term strategies and plans to end homelessness with an emphasis on eliminating chronic homelessness within the next 10 years; ensuring the use of baselines and benchmarks in Guam's plan, with an emphasis on performance and outcomes and a concrete strategy for oversight and monitoring of progress; partnering with cities and counties which have developed 10-year plans to end homelessness in order to identify resources and common strategies; and seeking to coordinate the activities of statewide continuums of care; assembling accurate fiscal and demographic information, including cost benefit analysis and research/data to support policy development and track outcomes.

The Council will establish priorities or action steps based on the plan, including: recommending interagency strategies (e.g., funding, homelessness prevention, discharge planning); reviewing all Guam activities and programs assisting homeless persons; supporting and replicate collaborative Guam homelessness initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes; promoting systems integration (health, services, housing) to reduce duplication among homeless assistance programs; identifying funding opportunities, including mainstream resources, for homeless persons; involving non-traditional stakeholders, including representatives from corporations, business, philanthropy, law enforcement, behavioral health systems, hospitals, civic organizations, faith-based organizations, and other community institutions; recommending statutory and regulatory changes to enhance strategies; and bringing problems and concerns relating to homeless people to the attention of appropriate state agencies. Pictured here are (left to right): Ron de Guzman, Executive Director, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, Guam Governor Felix Camacho, and Coordinator Cabrera.

To promote and evaluate the progress of the plan, the Council will report directly to the Governor, and provide an Annual Progress Report on the Plan, as well as disseminate information (data and best practices) to educate state officials and the public regarding issues related to homelessness; and host an Annual Homelessness Conference. Council members include: a Governor's representative, a Legislative representative, a Mayor's Council representative, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, Departments of Public Health and Social Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Parks and Recreation, Veterans Affairs, Labor, Corrections, and Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, as well as Guam Police Department, Memorial Hospital Authority, Agency for Human Resources and Development, Office of The Public Guardian, and representatives of community-based provider organizations.

WITH this issue, the e-news continues its coverage of the momentum building among Mayors and County officials who are Charter Signatories to the unprecedented 12-point America's Road Home Statement of Principles and Actions to end chronic homelessness, bringing the signers to a total of more than 65.

"This week, Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer, President of the United States Conference of Mayors which has partnered with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to commit to the abolition of the disgrace of homelessness, became a Charter Signatory to the America's Road Home Principles," indicated Council Executive Director Philip Mangano. "We are appreciative of the partnership we have with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and with Mayor Palmer in advancing our work with Mayors across the country. Mayor Palmer is pictured here signing the Statement at the USCM headquarters during the press conference of the Mayors Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness (see related story).

Portland, OR Mayor Tom Potter, whose city has reported a 70% reduction in chronic homelessness under 10-Year Plan implementation, became a Charter Signatory.

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, whose city will host a Project Homeless Connect event in January, signed the Statement.

San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger, whose city is moving ahead with a one-stop site, signed the Statement.

New Britain, CT Mayor Tim Stewart, who last week hosted Director Mangano to assess the city's 10-Year Plan which includes an employment strategy, became a Signatory.

In Florida, two Mayors became Charter Signatories. Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, who presided over his city's planning and implementation meetings, became a signer. Fort Myers Mayor James Humphrey, whose city was the 300th jurisdiction to commit to a plan, also signed.

Five City and County officials from 10-Year Plan jurisdictions in Washington State have signed America's Road Home this week. Everett, WA Mayor Ray Stephanson, Spokane County Commissioner Mark Richard, Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen, Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, and Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon became Charter Signatories.

In Oregon, Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and Jackson County Commissioner David Gilmour signed the Statement.

At the November Denver press conference announcing the signing of the Statement, participating Mayors declared their intent to promote America's Road Home with their fellow Mayors and County officials. The Statement has been made available to other Mayors and County officials to sign. Mayors and County officials who are interested in becoming partners to the agreement can download the Principles and guidelines for signing at the Council's web site at www.usich.gov. A current list of the Charter Signatories is also posted.

The Summit was convened by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, and Melville Charitable Trust President Robert Hohler. The Summit was supported by Fannie Mae.

WASHINGTON, DC. The United States Conference of Mayors Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness this week announced the results of its 2007 survey of hunger and homelessness in 23 cities across the country represented by Mayors on the Task Force, which issued its 25th annual report. Trenton Mayor and USCM President Doug Palmer (speaking), with Des Moines Mayor and Task Force Co-chair Frank Cownie (at right), presented the findings of the report at a press conference with USCM Executive Director Tom Cochran (at left) and report sponsor Sodexho, represented by the President of Sodexho, Inc. School Services Division, Lorna Donatone.

In his remarks, Mayor Palmer noted the changes to this year's survey to increase data quality and reliability, and give a snapshot of the experience of reporting cities. Mayor Cownie, summarized the findings and also noted the work of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness in disseminating innovations such as Housing First that help reach those "most exposed" to risk in cities such as Des Moines. Mayor Cownie noted the importance of Mayors engaging both state and county partners, along with federal agencies, in their work to end homelessness.

While noting that there is much more to do, the Mayors reported that demand for emergency shelter rose in just 55% of cities reporting, compared to 68% in 2006. In addition, the Mayors reported a decrease in the average length of stay in shelters: "The average length of stay for persons in emergency shelter and transitional housing decreased from 2006. Cities reported that for households with children, the average length of a single stay was 5.7 months in 2007. For singles, the average length of a single stay was reported as 4.7 months. In 2006, cities reported that an average length of stay was 8 months for both populations."

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, commenting on the new report, indicated, "The United States Conference of Mayors is to be commended for providing a snapshot of the hunger and homelessness crisis in our nation for the past quarter century. The message remains the same. Too many Americans suffer from the miseries of not enough food and inadequate housing. This year, as in past years, the Conference of Mayors' Report makes visible the national disgrace and calls our attention to remedying the human tragedy. Further, this year in applying a more research-oriented methodology in their Annual Report, the Conference offers a more realistic approach to the shortcomings of its previous efforts.

"While these numbers continue to indicate an unacceptable situation in our nation, the decrease in homelessness of individuals who are the most vulnerable, disabled, and visible homeless people now being reported by communities coast to coast is a hopeful indicator. Today's report by the Mayors itself indicates that more cities are seeing a decrease in demand for shelter and shorter lengths of stay. Again Mayors and County Executives across our country who have partnered with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness have led the creation of planning efforts targeted to this population. Mayors are to be commended for implementing strategies that are informed by business principles and focused on results in reducing and ending the human tragedy. "

This year's report was prepared by Abt Associates and is based on data collected from The U.S. Conference of Mayors Hunger and Homelessness Information Questionnaire. The 23 participating cities in this survey are members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness and include: Boston, MA, Charleston, SC, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Detroit, MI, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, CA, Louisville, KY, Miami, FL, Nashville, TN, Philadelphia, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Portland, OR, Providence, RI, Salt Lake City, UT, San Francisco, CA, Santa Monica, CA, Seattle, WA, St. Paul, MN, and Trenton, NJ.

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