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"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

- James Baldwin, No Name in the Street

August 5 2024

 

If you live in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park and need a safe place to stay tonight, please call CAM at (313) 305-0311.

 

CAM Updates

 

CAM Call Line Operating hours:

Monday through Friday, 8am - 6pm


Visit camdetroit.org for the latest information on CAM services and any upcoming closures.

 

Other ways to access CAM services. Call CAM at (313) 305 - 0311 or going to one of the following Access Points for in-person assessments.

NOAH at Central

(Formerly NOAH Project)

23 E. Adams, 2nd Floor

Detroit, MI 48226

Mon - Thurs, 9:30am - 3:30pm

Cass Community

Social Services

11850 Woodrow Wilson St

Detroit, MI 48206

Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm

Detroit VA

(For Veterans)

4646 John R

Red Tower, 2nd floor

Detroit, MI 48201

Mon - Fri, 8am - 4:30pm

 

CAM Access Update:


Pope Francis Center to be a Temporary Access Point

August 5 thru August 9

The CAM Access Point at NOAH will be closed on 8/5 and resume their regular hours the following Monday. Clients can go to the Pope Francis Center for CAM services during 8/5-8/9 from 8:00am-11:00am.

 

Temporary Closure of Housing Choice Voucher Waitlists

HAND received notification from MSHDA that, effective July 1, 2024, all Housing Choice Voucher waitlists have been temporarily closed. Unfortunately, no reopening date has been provided at this time. During this period, no new submissions or recertifications will be accepted.


  • The Detroit Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program will be closed indefinitely.

Please note that this closure does not impact the following MSHDA programs:

  • Project-Based Vouchers
  • Stability Voucher program


For any questions or further assistance, please email info@camdetroit.org

HCV Shortfall Update:


MSHDA held a webinar Tuesday, July 23 to give a status update on the HCV program. Here are some important takeaways from the session:


The HCV program, administered by MSHDA, helps families by covering rent costs that exceed 30% of their income, assisting over 29,000 families, including many who are homeless or have disabilities. Currently, there’s a nationwide $300 million shortfall in funding, prompting MSHDA to stop new entries to the waiting list and slow down the leasing process. If you're on the waiting list, no new vouchers are being issued unless you are part of the (non Detroit) VASH program, and existing applications are being managed with the available resources. Planned improvements include moving to paperless applications, providing updates via text and email, and reviewing policies based on feedback from affected groups. MSHDA is also strengthening local support networks and advocating for more funding and better treatment of homeless individuals.


We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

For regular updates, subscribe to the CAM newsletter.

 

CoC News

 

FY2024 NOFO Released

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY 2024 and FY 2025 Continuum of Care Competition and the Renewal or Replacement of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program. The NOFO authorizes homeless services organizations to apply for more than $3.5 billion in competitive funding to provide supportive services and housing programs for people experiencing homelessness. The FY 2024 Application Submission Deadline is October 30, 2024.


Learn more about the Competition on HUD's site.

 

New

State of Homelessness

Data Brief for the Detroit Continuum of Care

 

On July 25, 2024 HAND released the 2022 State of Homelessness Data Brief for the Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC).


In 2022, we saw a total of 6,221 people experiencing homelessness, a 9% increase from 2021. This follows three years of decreasing numbers since 2019. To better address these shifts, we’re presenting the 2022 State of Homelessness as a data brief instead of our usual Annual Report. The Data Brief highlights the most relevant core populations and outcome data for our community. Going forward, we'll produce a comprehensive Annual Report approximately every three years.

Download Report

To read past reports, go to HAND's website.

 

2024 Data Summit Highlights

 

The HMIS team collects, manages, analyzes, and reports data for the Detroit CoC homeless service system. Additionally, the team ensures that proper education and extensive technical support is given to service providers within the Continuum. Another important aspect of the HMIS team is sharing best practices in data with peers throughout the country.

 

At the 2024 Data Summit, hosted by MCAH and NC HMIS, four of HAND's HMIS team members presented on a range of topics. From proper Data Auditing to Returning the Humanity to Homeless Services, their presentations reflected the best of HAND's core values. 

"To effectively address homelessness, we must see beyond the numbers and honor the individuality of those we serve and our staff. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs are what truly define our work. By honoring their humanity, we can create a stronger, more effective, and compassionate system."


 — Shanna Cherubini,


Shanna Cherubini, Founder of MTAN Solutions, LLC and HMIS contractor with HAND, created a space to both explore her own vulnerability as a service provider while giving voice to people experiencing homelessness. 

 

Strategic System Improvement Plan for

Detroit’s Homelessness Response System

 

The Strategic Plan is a culmination of more than a year of planning taking place over the course of 2023 through early 2024. With guidance of Barbara Poppe and Associates, it was a participatory process driven by input from system partners, people with lived experiences of homelessness, service providers in the homelessness system and other community stakeholders. At the July 16 Detroit CoC General Membership Meeting, The City of Detroit, Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), Detroit CoC and other community partners within the homelessness response system revealed their five-year strategic system improvement plan to reduce homelessness in the City of Detroit. 

Learn more about the Strategic Plan project here.

CSH Trauma-Informed Care

An on-demand training in trauma-informed care is now available on HAND's virtual learning platform! The course, provided by CSH, will help you learn how trauma shows up, the key principles of trauma-informed approaches, and what it means to be trauma-informed. This training will only be available until August 31, 2024, so sign up today!

 

Please note that if you are already registered on HAND's learning platform, you do not need to resubmit the User Access Form. Instead, please use this link to enroll in the trauma-informed care training.

 

CoC Acronyms and

Key Definitions

A training on Detroit CoC Acronyms and Key Definitions is now available on HAND's virtual learning platform! The course will provide an overview of organizational jargon within the CoC, including commonly used abbreviations and key terms. Sign up now!

 

Please note that if you are already registered on HAND's learning platform, you do not need to resubmit the User Access Form. Instead, please use this link to enroll in the Detroit CoC Acronyms and Key Definitions training.

 

CoC Board Calendar

 

2024 Board Calendar-at-a Glance

The Board Calendar is a tentative timeline for various projects that are being worked on by the CoC.

Download
 
 

Upcoming Events

 

Capuchin Soup Kitchen

School Supply Drive

Now until Friday, August 16, 2024



You can help a student achieve this school year by making a donation to the annual Rosa Parks Youth Program School Supply Drive! The Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Rosa Parks Youth Program is collecting school supplies in an effort to help students achieve academic excellence. You can help by purchasing supplies from our Amazon (link) or Target (link) Back-to-School Drive.


Donations of like items outside of the wish list can also be mailed or dropped off to:


Capuchin Soup Kitchen

Attn: Megan Murphree

4390 Conner St

Detroit, MI 48215

 

Other News and Reports

 

Apply for the Zero Returns to Homelessness Initiative

Deadline to apply is August 12, 2024



Are you involved in finding housing solutions for individuals reentering their communities? Apply for the Zero Returns to Homelessness Initiative. In partnership with the Council of State Governments Justice Center, we will provide extensive technical assistance for up to six state teams. 


Teams will receive extensive technical assistance focused on solidifying long-term reentry housing plans, leveraging community leaders and resources, collaborating across state and local systems, and achieving a real, concrete expansion in the amount of housing available to people in reentry.


Applications are now open for the first cohort. The deadline is August 12, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact! 


Find out more and apply here.

Call for Proposals:

2025 CSH Supportive Housing Summit

April 23-25, 2025

CSH is seeking session topics for their 2025 conference that tackle challenges in scaling, preserving, and operating quality supportive housing. Proposals should address these concerns with innovative, practical, and effective solutions, demonstrating supportive housing is a viable and sustainable alternative to institutionalization and housing instability. CSH will prioritize proposals that center racial equity.


Find our more about proposal submissions here.

Endorse the National Tenants Bill of Rights

Sign here

The National Tenants Bill of Rights provides a legislative framework to enshrine the following tenants' rights:


  • A fair application
  • A fair lease
  • Freedom from discrimination and harassment
  • Habitable homes
  • Reasonable rent and costs
  • Right to organize
  • Safeguards against eviction


Article:

U.S. Supreme Court ruling sparks concern among metro Detroit homeless, shelter providers - Detroit Crains Business

 

Trainings

 

S.O.G.I.E.

Training Series

 

Family Support with LGBTQ+ Children

September 11 | 1pm - 4pm

Register here.

Inclusive Data Collection and How To Ask About SOGIE In Systems Of Care

September 16 | 1pm EST

Register here.

Gender Affirming Care

September 18 | 1pm - 4pm EST

Register here.

Trainings include 12 FREE CEUs through the NASW of Michigan. Trainers can be reached at training@ruthelliscenter.org  for more information or accommodations. 

Trauma-Informed Outreach and Engagement

Self-paced

In this self-paced course, learners will:

  • Discuss the need for trauma-informed care across outreach and engagement efforts and services.
  • Identify the different purposes and types of outreach that are provided in response to homelessness.
  • Describe key skills for engaging with people experiencing homelessness in a trauma-informed manner.
  • Explain how outreach and engagement efforts help address mental health and substance use needs for those experiencing homelessness.


3.0 Continuing Education Units (CEU) available.

Learn more and register here.


 

Webinars

 

State of Homelessness Webinar: A Path Forward

August 6 | 1pm EST

The National Alliance to End Homelessness will soon release its State of Homelessness Report: 2024 Edition. Following the release, the Alliance’s Homelessness Research Institute will present the report’s key findings and lead a discussion with several leaders on solutions to reduce unsheltered homelessness in their communities. A brief Q&A will follow the conversation.


Register here.

Michigan Takes Action:

Progress of the MCTEH Action Plan

August 13 | 3:30-4:30pm EST

A lot has happened since the launch of the 2023-2025 Action Plan. Join the Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness (MCTEH) to hear about what has been accomplished, the exciting work that lies ahead, and ways to stay involved and aligned with work at the CoC, state, and federal levels. This session is targeted to anybody supporting the work to prevent and end homelessness in Michigan.


Register here.

Beyond

Bake Sales

Innovative Ways to Fund Successful Homeless Awareness Month Activities

August 19 | 1:00pm EST

Prepare for Homeless Awareness Month (HAM) by fundraising. This webinar will teach you how to implement some basic project management and relationship techniques to fundraise for success. This webinar is for busy front-line workers who need ideas to grow resources. 


Register here.

 

Conferences

 
 

Save the Date

2024 Michigan Summit on Ending Homelessness

October 29 - 30, 2024

 

The annual Summit on Ending Homelessness provides a forum for federal, state, and local government, service providers, funders, and people with lived experience to share best practices in ending homelessness. This two-day event allows time for networking and collaboration for case managers and administrators who are diligently working to improve the welfare of people in Michigan who are living in poverty and homelessness. The Summit will take place at Lansing Center in Downtown Lansing. Registration details coming soon.


 

Employment Opportunities

 

Client Advocate


The Client Advocate will provide support to patrons of the warming center as needed in matters regarding shelter, treatment for alcohol & substance use disorder, and resource navigation. The Client Advocate will be responsible for maintaining guest records as it pertains to warming Center advocacy, and work closely with the Center Associate Director to collect data for potential Bridge Housing candidates.


Read the full job description here and contact William Kangas william@pfc.org.

Care Plan Manager


The Care Plan Manager at the Pope Francis Center Bridge Housing Campus is responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing comprehensive care plans for residents.


Read the full job description here. Contact William Kangas william@pfc.org for Pope Francis Job openings.

Caseworker - Bridge Housing


You will collaborate with a dedicated team committed to not just managing, but also enhancing our bridge housing program. Your work will directly contribute to creating a nurturing and welcoming space within the community, embodying our mission to provide not just shelter, but real transformation in people's lives.


Read the full job description here and contact William Kangas william@pfc.org.

Youth Outreach Navigator

As a Youth Outreach Navigator, you will develop and maintain relationships with community partners and external organizations to coordinate services for homeless youth, ensuring compliance with government regulations and adherence to the Housing First model. Responsibilities include conducting assessments at primary nighttime residences, maintaining accurate case documentation in HMIS databases, providing transportation, attending relevant meetings and training sessions, and collaborating with the Lead Outreach Navigator on case reviews.


Read the full description and learn how to apply on CHS's website under the title Outreach Navigator.

 

Resources

 

Food pantries & soup kitchens

Needs Resource Map

Food for Seniors

Focus: HOPE provides food boxes to participants who are 60 years old or older and reside in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb or Washtenaw counties. To learn where you can apply, call 313-494-4600 or email food@focushope.edu. If you need homebound delivery or have any questions call 313-494-4980.

Detroit Affordable Housing Database

Find affordable rental housing in Detroit on Detroit Home Connect, a resource to find multi-family housing based on your income and household needs. Search the Home Connect database here.

 

Mental Health Resources

 

Trevor Project

We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.


thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

DWIHN Mobile Crisis Unit

Call 844-IN-CRISIS (844) 462 - 74741, 7am to 11pm, to get you or a loved one connected to a crisis specialist and get a mobile crisis unit to their location.

My Safe Space Crisis Hotline

For young adults (313) 844-9136. The MCHS hotline connects youth experiencing housing and mental health crises to short-term mental health services.

ECHO Detroit 

ECHO Detroit is a free, confidential service designed to you help with: substance use;

behavioral health; domestic problems;

homelessness and housing insecurity;

other health concerns.


To get more information email info@echodetroit.org. To schedule an appointment, call or text (313) 674-5077

 

Supplement

 
Download supplement
 

⭐ Fun Corner 🏸

 

Riddle

A man looks at a painting in a museum and says,

“Brothers and sisters I have none, but that man’s father is my father’s son.”

Who is in the painting?

The answer will be revealed in the next newsletter

 

Connect with us!

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Questions? Want to submit an item for our newsletter?

Email Kimberly Benton at kimberly@handetroit.org

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