R2004-105 AUTHORIZING FUND REALLOCATION

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� CITY OF DECATUR, ILLINOIS HOME COMPETITIVE REALLOCATION • The count of seven chronically homeless persons in shelters came from the 2002 biennial point-in-time survey conducted February 28, 2002. This survey depended on self- reporting for enumeration of subpopulations, including chronically homeless individuals. As a result, the number could well be low. — THE PARTICIPATING JURISDICTION The City of Decatur has provided steady leadership in serving the homeless and developing permanent housing. It is one of six principal partners in the Macon County Homeless Council. The Homeless Council is the Continuum of Care planning body in the area of homeless services, spanning from prevention to permanent housing for the formerly homeless. The Homeless Council is spearheaded by six organizations: the City of Decatur,Dove,Inc. (a faith-based social service agency),Heritage Behavioral Health Center (a substance abuse and mental health service agency), Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation (a community action agency),Decatur Housing Authority, and the Community Investment Corporation of Decatur. The City and its partners have a high level of expertise and knowledge. They offer high- quality services. Heritage has won several prestigious awards for excellent business practices and services, including its models for homeless clients. Dove has long been recognized as one of the nation's most effective community ministries. The City is also is a principal partner in a large-scale HOPE VI project for neighborhood revitalization of public housing. Within the past three years the City has been instrumental in assisting local service organizations to obtain two Shelter Plus Care grants,two Section 811 grants and a prestigious SAMHSA grant for street outreach to clironically homeless persons. City staff serves on various Homeless Council committees including Public Awareness, Partners, Permanent Housing, Review and Chronic Homelessness. CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY The Macon County Homeless Council's approach to chronic homelessness is summarized in siac words: No Magic Key,No Wrong Door. No Magic Key. Chronic homelessness must be addressed on multiple fronts. The problem has many causes, and it will have multiple solutions. There is no one step that unlocks the secret to eliminating chronic homelessness. Battles must be waged on several fronts: • Addressing individual needs of persons who are chronically homeless. • Developing services—mental heath, addictions, employment, and outreach—that are relevant, accessible and culturally appropriate for the target population. • Promoting public awareness of the issues of chronic homelessness, generating public support for efforts to eliminate it, and reducing unfounded fears. • Increasing the supply of permanent supportive housing. • Supporting state and national policies that are consistent with the goal of eliminating chronic homelessness. PAGE 2