We, the undersigned homeless service providers have come together
because we share common concerns about Chicago’s Ten-Year Plan to End
Homelessness. We have witnessed how the implementation of the
plan has negatively impacted the homeless people we serve. We
feel that the following concerns must be understood and addressed:
Implementation of the current Plan to End Homelessness is not working.
Initiate a from-the-ground-up, in-depth evaluation of the Plan by an
independent entity not connected with the Alliance, any provider, or
any government body. The evaluation design and implementation
must have input from all stakeholders (providers, consumers, etc.)
Shelters are currently full and turning people away.
Discontinue shelter closings until completion of the evaluation.
Discontinue forced conversions to interim housing. Recognize that
service needs are different in various parts of the city for various
populations. Maintain the existing system as it is until there is
enough permanent housing to house people and evidence that some beds
are not needed.
There is insufficient ‘affordable’ permanent housing in Chicago.
Because of the ‘condo’ development in Chicago, more and more rental
units are being eliminated. Develop more long-term permanent
supportive housing – especially for persons with low to no income, families, and for persons without disabilities.
Certain ‘special’ populations are not being served.
Populations with high barriers to housing, such as ex-offenders,
victims of domestic violence, sex offenders, families with multiple
teens (especially males), and people without documentation are very
difficult to place in housing. Housing providers are wary of
these populations and skeptical about renting to them. Many of
these populations do not fit into the definition of ‘disabled’, so
placing them in safe, appropriate housing is very difficult.
The Interim Housing Criteria needs to be changed.
Since, to date, the Continuum has not been able to create the range of
permanent housing and the wrap around services described in the Plan to
End Homelessness, 120 days is not long enough to prepare individuals
and/or families to move into permanent housing and successfully
maintain an independent lifestyle. Although the Plan speaks of
“housing first,” the reality is that most of the permanent housing
available requires a significant level of “housing readiness” in order
for clients to succeed in housing. This reality should be
reflected in the time frame and services specified in the Interim
Housing model, and should allow for a generous range of flexibility by
Interim Housing providers.
The Super NOFA process is an annual life-and-death crisis for programs
funded under it. The process is therefore an annual threat to the
continuity of services in Chicago, rather than a planning process that
ensures continuity. Standardize the Super NOFA process.
If basic thresholds are met (audit, taxes, APRs, performance outcomes,
etc.), renew current providers the way that Shelter Plus Care grantees
are automatically renewed. Existing programs should not have to
compete year after year with one another. Every agency that is
providing services to the satisfaction of HUD, should be concentrating
their efforts on continuing to provide those services and not have to
worry about renewed funding. If there is not enough funding
available from HUD to continue to support existing programs that meet
all of the above criteria, then other funding sources must be
identified to ensure continuity of service.
The plan is extremely under-funded. Currently
providers are fighting for scarce resources. We are always forced
to make a choice between funding shelter beds that are needed now and
permanent housing which may take several years to come online.
Providers are asked to do more every year with no new funding.
The city must commit significant new resources to the plan for the plan
to be successful.
We hope that this document can start a conversation through which we
can collaboratively work towards the implementation of the above
recommendations.
Organizations Signing On:
A Little Bit of Heaven
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
Chicago Abused Women's Coalition
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Community Supportive Living Systems, Inc.
Cornerstone Community Outreach
Excellent Way
Family Rescue
Featherfist
Franciscan Outreach Association
Goldie's Place
Great Hope Family Center
Healthcare Alternative Systems
Humboldt Park Social Services
Human Resources Development Institute
Inner Voice
Institute of Women Today
Interfaith House
Korean American Women in Need (KAN-WIN)
Matthew House
New Phoenix Assistance Center
The Night Ministry
REST
Renaissance Social Services, Inc.
RRG Development, Inc.
San Jose Obrero Mission
Southwest Chicago PADS
St. Leonard's Ministries
Thresholds, Inc.
Unity Parenting, Homeless Youth Division
