Priority #1: Expand and Maximize Service Resources
Looks at components of service continuum and figures out how to do things differently/creatively.
Includes two strategies. The first strategy is focused on expanding substance
abuse services and the second is focused on expanding mental health services.
Priority #2: Expand and Maximize Housing Resources
Includes four strategies. The first strategy focuses on supporting and promoting
housing legislation. The second strategy focuses on determining new homeless
programs or projects that the Department could administer. The third strategy
focuses on expanding residential housing options for homeless persons with
mental illness, substance abuse issues, and co-occurring disorders. The fourth
strategy focuses on expanding housing development in the public and private
sectors.
Priority #3: Improve Cross System Policies, Planning and Services
Includes three strategies. The first is to improve intake and assessment processes
and procedures. The second is to prepare for federal changes to McKinney
Act funding (federal homeless dollars). The third is to improve statewide
planning and policy development on the delivery of housing and services to
persons who are homeless.
Priority #4: Increase Access to Mainstream Resources
Includes seven strategies. The first is to expand and develop creative outreach
procedures. The second is to improve processes and procedures for obtaining
SSI, Medicaid, AND, VA, TANF, Workforce Investment Act, and CHP+ benefits.
The third is to develop new processes in bringing people into the SSI system.
The fourth is to improve discharge-planning procedures across institutions.
The fifth is to develop effective pathways to accessing Medicaid benefits.
The sixth is to develop integrated treatment programs for persons with co-occurring
disorders. The seventh is to Address transportation issues for persons trying
to access mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Priority #5: Develop an Outreach and Education Campaign to Reduce the Stigma
of Homelessness
Includes two strategies. The first strategy is to educate elected officials,
policy makers, mainstream providers, and local providers regarding the special
needs of the homeless and system cross-over issues. The second strategy is
to develop programs and projects that reduce stigmas attached to persons who
are homeless, including those with special needs.