Dear Regional Network Coordinators,
As the pilot initiatives of the Plan to End Homelessness have begun, the first few months are a critical time to inform and be informed by community members and facilitate broad public involvement in ending homelessness. The Civic Engagement Working Group of the ICHH has conducted a statewide survey of successful stakeholder involvement, and the results are part of an online toolkit that we have just launched: ICHH Civic Engagement Tool Kit. It provides additional suggestions to promote community ownership about ending homelessness.
In our survey, we asked “In what way do you feel civic engagement has benefited the efforts to end homelessness in your region?” The responses were diverse and passionate – including increased funding, more organizational collaboration, easing the burdens associated with homelessness so that people can focus on getting housing – they agreed that it matters.
The Civic Engagement Working Group is prepared to help with community events that your group plans. We would be happy to attend, conduct outreach and raise awareness and help you reach out to potential volunteers with statewide resources like the Connect & Serve website. Please be in touch with us if you have questions about what is happening in your own region or just want to let us know about an event.
One Family Inc. in partnership with the Episcopal City Mission and the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation has issued a request for proposals for Regional Faith Based Action Grants. The goal of this proposal is to support collaborative efforts between ICHH networks and faith based groups who are endeavoring together to bring about an end to homelessness in their region. For more information please contact Emily Cohen at (617) 423-0504 X 205 or Katie Campbell Simons at (617) 482-4826 X 224.
Sincerely,
Bob Pulster, Director, Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness
Elizabeth Clay, Director of Grassroots Governance and Commonwealth Corps, Office of the Governor; Chair, ICHH Civic Engagement Working Group
