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Please join us for a kickoff virtual meeting about the Coordinated Access Network (CAN) policy oversight, day to day management structures, and evaluation.
When: October 7th, 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Where: Use this link to join
Who: Any homelessness system partner (service providers, public and
private funders, people with lived experience, other system partners)
who are interested in how the CANs operate and make decisions
Background:
Connecticut has a rich history of shared homelessness system operations throughout the state. This includes a joint implementation by the two Continuums of Care of the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) so that data can be used to identify needs and trends as well as to share service coordination across system partners. It also includes a shared method for identifying people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, learning about their needs, and supporting their sustainable housing plans through the Coordinated Access Network (CAN) partners.
While these shared approaches to system operations create huge opportunities for a cohesive approach to ending homelessness, it also means that in order to adapt to new needs, establish priorities, make improvements to processes, and manage day to day operations, there must be clarity regarding roles, responsibilities, and how the pieces fit together.
During 2024, the homelessness system clarified these expectations for the management of HMIS, resulting in the establishment of the Housing and Homelessness Data Strategy Board and adoption of a charter formalizing this structure that was adopted by the CT Balance of State (CTBOS) and Opening Doors Fairfield County (ODFC).
We would like to build on the process undertaken for HMIS to turn our attention to governance of the CANs. CTBOS and ODFC requested support from HUD Technical Assistance providers to support this effort. Natalie Matthews and Whitney Patterson will begin working with our homelessness system to think through and implement governance structures to support our shared coordinated access processes. Housing Innovations was also contracted by CTBOS and ODFC to conduct an evaluation of the coordinated access system. In order to successfully prioritize and implement recommendations from this evaluation, a solid governance model should be in place. Matt White from Housing Innovations will present his feedback regarding coordinated access governance as part of the CAN governance kickoff.
Sincerely,
The CCEH Team
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