United States Interagency 
 Council on Homelessness          
September 28, 2017
 
We need your input to revise and strengthen the federal strategic plan. 
 
 
Worst Case Housing Needs Have Gotten ... Worse 
 
We all need to stay attentive to new and updated information and data as it emerges.  
 
HUD's new Worst Case Housing Needs Report is a key source of information about worsening housing needs in our communities, which could be creating increasing challenges for our shared progress toward ending homelessness.   
 
Read Executive Director Matthew Doherty's summary of key data from the Report.
 
Don't Miss Out! Is Your Public Housing Agency Seeking New HUD-VASH Vouchers?  
 
HUD has announced the availability of $40 million for approximately 5,500 new HUD-VASH vouchers.  
 
In order to be eligible, PHAs must respond to the Notice with a letter of support from their local VA(s).
 
Deadline: October 31, 2017
 
Read the Notice.
 
New Housing First Assessment Tool Helps Projects Align to Best Practices 
 
HUD's new Assessment Tool assists Continuums of Care and housing and service providers in documenting how closely their projects align to the Housing First model.  
 
The tool can also help track progress on implementing Housing First over time, and is a great way to initiate Housing First conversations among project staff.
 
HHS Releases Self-Assessment Tool for Early Childhood Programs Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness         
   
Early care and education providers play a critical role in identifying and supporting families with young children who are experiencing homelessness and connecting those families to other resources within their community.  
 
This Self-Assessment Tool is designed for child care, Head Start and Early Head Start, and public pre-k programs as a guide for welcoming and supporting families and children experiencing homelessness.  
 
 
Michigan just became the 27th state with a community that has ended Veteran homelessness! 
  
Congratulations to Kent County/Grand Rapids!
 
Read remarks from Vera Beech, Executive Director of Community Rebuilders, on their community's innovative approach to collaboration.