No Images? Click here Newsletter for Homelessness ProvidersWelcome to the first issue of our Community Partner Newsletter. This newsletter contains important updates and action items for staff in Niagara’s Homeless-Serving System. Niagara’s Homeless-Serving System is a group of agencies and programs that coordinate to provide housing and support to people experiencing homelessness. Here's some ideas on how you can share this newsletter with your team:
Email homelessness@niagararegion.ca with feedback or questions. Current AccomplishmentsNiagara is Building for ZeroNiagara Region was accepted into the Built for Zero Canada (BFZ-C) Collaborative in July 2019. Built for Zero is a Canadian organization, led by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, that supports participating communities to work toward an end to chronic homelessness. Niagara Region will be connected to 32 other Canadian communities linked to BFZ-C that also believe ending chronic homelessness is possible. A “Home Team” was formed in fall 2019 to provide advice on Niagara’s participation in BFZ-C, comprised of a team lead, data lead, community liaisons and a champion lead. The Home Team will support ongoing engagement and information sharing with community members to help all parties involved work together toward ending chronic homelessness. Participating communities are coached in the adoption of proven practices and strategies, targeted to their local context. This includes the development of a By-Name List and Coordinated Access. A By-Name List is an up-to-date list of all known individuals experiencing homelessness across the region. A By-Name List makes HIFIS data actionable on an individual-level (ex. Did Kristina get housed? What are her housing needs?), and on a systems-level (ex. Did homelessness decline overall? More youth than last week?). A By-Name List is a key tool in achieving Coordinated Access. Coordinated Access is standardized processes for:
What's Happening NextRoadshows with Community ProgramsLisa Bell from the Homelessness Services Team has been teaming up with the Home Team to visit staff and tables across Niagara’s Homeless-Serving System to discuss Built for Zero Canada and to establish avenues for community feedback. E-mail Lisa.Bell@niagararegion.ca if you know of a community table or group that would be interested in learning more about Built for Zero. Actions NeededClose Goals in Case Management ModuleA reminder for all HIFIS users to close their goals (cases) in the Case Management module when:
Goals can be closed by:
Ways to Get InvolvedStaff working hard to house our neighbours have invaluable insights on ending chronic homelessness in Niagara. Here's a few ways to ask questions, provide input, or otherwise get involved in building for zero:
Veterans Experiencing HomelessnessThere are currently around 20 veterans accessing homelessness services in Niagara. The Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) website lists resources available for veterans experiencing homelessness. Referrals to these resources can be made through the number listed on the flyer (1-866-522-2122). Built for Zero Community Partner OrientationHomelessness Services Regional staff joined executive directors and senior management officials from community partner organizations in an orientation session on Niagara’s participation in Built for Zero Canada on Oct. 3, 2019. |