Mapping the Homeless Service System

In an effort to better understand Metro Richmond’s homeless service system, Homeward has started mapping the available resources for those experiencing homelessness. This process includes identifying organizations that provide shelter, case management, and supportive social services, while learning more about the programs’ policies, procedures, and processes. The tasks used to develop this knowledge include:

  1. a completed survey of shelter providers,
  2. a forthcoming inventory of case management services, and
  3. a forthcoming assessment of supportive services including those provided by shelters for homeless and non-homeless persons.

The goal of this work is to develop a community resource that can be used to identify

  • which organizations participate in the homeless service system,
  • what services are available to clients,
  • where duplications in the service network exist, and
  • where efficiencies can be gained in the service system.