Community Collaboration in Action
As the planning and coordinating agency of the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC), Homeward staff members work closely with local leaders and community members in participating jurisdictions across our region. Greater Richmond is a diverse area and our localities range from urban to suburban to rural. The needs of those communities differ as well.
Homeward staff work closely with GRCoC agencies and local government partners to collaborate in ways that support their specific needs and environments while also supporting their residents facing the trauma of homelessness.
That collaboration happens constantly. For example, Homeward staff participate in ongoing coordination calls in Chesterfield County to help individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In Henrico County, staff are part of the monthly human services strategy calls. In Richmond, staff participate in the city’s Human Services Expert Cabinet Meeting that occurs every other week. In the town of Ashland, staff participate in planning and coordination efforts. These calls provide opportunities for Homeward team members to share updates, resources, and more.
The continuing conversations and the connections that come from these meetings highlight the importance of ongoing collaboration to support the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our region.
How do these collaborations begin? If often starts with a phone call or an email. In fact, Homeward has recently begun supporting Powhatan County to establish a more coordinated effort to address unsheltered homelessness in the rural county.
The community conversation began when a Department of Social Services outreach worker for Powhatan County reached out for help. Homeward staff facilitated deeper conversations about homeless services with key community stakeholders, including County Administration, Department of Social Services, emergency medical personnel, public safety (police and park rangers, in particular), and the Free Clinic of Powhatan.
Initial discussions focused on where homelessness occurs, who is impacted, pathways to homelessness, and challenges to addressing homelessness in the county. After this initial conversation, attendees then take part in Homeward’s Connections to Homeless Services training session. Everyone also has committed to participate in monthly calls that will help to improve coordination of homeless services in Powhatan.
Homeward’s role is central to ensure this collaboration occurs. Staff members help to align all stakeholders with each other and make sure they’re engaged with the GRCoC.
Homeward also provides resources and insights to facilitate services so they have the biggest impact possible.
Community engagement isn’t limited to local government officials or nonprofits. Anyone can get more involved in the GRCoC and how our region supports our most vulnerable neighbors.
Here are five tangible ways you can get involved:
· Attend an upcoming Connections to Homeless Services training session. These sessions are a great introduction to this work. They take place on the third Friday of every month from 10am – 11:30am. You can get more details and register online.
· Participate in the Housing Problem Solving in-person training session. The next session takes place on March 27th from 10am – 11:30am. You can register online to reserve your spot.
· Support local nonprofits that provide homeless services and are funded by the GRCoC or partners on the Homeless Connection Line.
· Share this Housing Resource Card with people in need.
· Know how to find accurate and reliable information about resources and services for those facing homelessness. Homeward’s website has a list of verified resources.
