Windsor Community Solutions And More

A letter from Lisa Tepper Bates

News from CCEH

Dear Colleagues,

Winter in Connecticut brings challenges for us all, but particularly for those experiencing homelessness. We are very grateful to providers across the state who are working together in new ways through their Coordinated Access Networks to make sure that all in need are sheltered.

Even though the Jan. 27 blizzard forced a delay in the annual Point-in-Time Count of homelessness, we look forward to the opportunity through the PIT data to measure how we are doing in ending homelessness in Connecticut. Many thanks to the many providers and volunteers who are working to make sure that this year’s PIT is a success!

After a successful “100-day Effort” with the Rapid Results Institute to build a coordinated exit process in New Haven (which allowed providers to house more than 140 high-need individuals, working together as never before) Hartford, Eastern Connecticut and Fairfield County are launching their own 100-day efforts in March. Stay tuned for updates!

Best regards,

CT PIT 2015 is Feb. 18

With the Jan. 27 blizzard blanketing Connecticut on the scheduled week of the Point-in-Time count, Connecticut decided to postpone the PIT. The new date is Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The delay means more time to register to volunteer! If you are interested, in volunteer opportunities, please contact Jackie Janosko at jjanosko@cceh.org for more information. Opportunities are available statewide, please indicate where you would like to volunteer and we can match you to the area closest to you. More information is on our website.

Save the Date: ATI 2015 is May 14

The CCEH Annual Training Institute (ATI), is set for Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the CT Convention Center in Hartford.

It will feature 18 workshops in six tracks, covering Rapid Rehousing, exit strategies, Zero: 2016, and other important local, state and national innovations in ending homelessness. In partnership with the state Department if Education, we will also feature a special track dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless youth.

Our keynote speaker is Iain de Jong, president of OrgCode Consulting and developer of the VI/SPDAT assessment tool, who will talk about transforming our communities to end homelessness. More information and registration details coming soon!

Upcoming Training OpportunitiesOn Feb. 26, David McCarthy of Columbus House will be bringing his “Ready to Roommate” model for facilitating shared housing to providers across the state through a one-day training at South Church, 277 Main St., Hartford. The session will be in the Stanley Room, from 8 a.m., to 4:30 p.m. Register here.
In late March and April, Windsor-based Community Solutions will be conducting eight one-day sessions on Motivational Interviewing around the state.

Additional upcoming trainings include sessions on working with domestic violence survivors, and meeting the needs of runaway and homeless youth. Additional information and registration details for each will be announced via email and our website.

Budget Season 2015: Help Us Secure the Resources You Need

CCEH advocates at the state level for resources and policies to end homelessness. Check out our 2015 legislative opportunities, and join us in sparking change and advancing the goal! CCEH and the Partnership for Strong Communitiesare working together to advocate for and support providers.

Please come to Hartford and participate in 2015 Homelessness Advocacy Days April 1st and 2nd at the Capitol. Make your voice heard — meet with your legislators! CCEH/PSC will arm you with key messages, supporting documents, and facts to help share your story.

In order to prepare ahead of time, we are excited to share the following dates with you:

• Feb. 26 - Budget and Appropriations Hearings Webinar. Register online HERE.
• March 5 - Homelessness Advocacy Days Preparation Webinar. Register onlineHERE.

For more information, contact Sarah Fox (sfox@cceh.org) or Elizabeth Grim(elizabeth@pschousing.org).

DOH: 2-1-1 is the “Front Door” but all in need should be able to access shelter

The Department of Housing has clarified that, while we want to ensure that we direct those in need of shelter or housing services to enter the system through 2-1-1, our first priority must be to ensure that all who need can access shelter. Providers should work through CANs to meet immediate need of those seeking shelter, but help them access 2-1-1 to be screened and to enter the system. Please click here to read the full letter from Commissioner of Housing Evonne Klein.be homeful kick-off a huge success Thanks to all who attended the be homeful project kick-off event at the Avon Theatre in Stamford on Jan. 11!
More than 200 adults and children turned out for a kid-friendly sneak preview of the movie Paddington to celebrate his work as a spokesbear for CCEH and the issue of family homelessness in Connecticut.
A special thanks to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal for introducing the program and to People’s United Charitable Foundation for presenting a check for $25,000 to kick off the fund, which will end family homelessness in our state.
To learn more about be homeful or to find out how you can become a donor or volunteer, please visit behomeful.org or contact Madeline Ravich at mravich@cceh.org. Please also make sure to follow be homeful on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for your support!Webinar Feb. 5 on FY2016 Federal BudgetThe President is scheduled to release his FY 2016 Budget Proposal next Monday, February 2. The budget reflects the Administration’s funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and is meant to guide Congress as it continues to move through the appropriations process. The Alliance will host a webinar on Thursday, February 5 at 12 pm ET to review the Budget Proposal.
Details on our website.

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