Planning To End Homelessness

Information by State  Esta página en español  Print version   Debbie Jackson, Regional Coordinator, U. S. Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness, speaks with participants

The Charleston HUD office recently co-sponsored a meeting with the U. S. Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness to talk about creating a ten-year plan to end homelessness in cities across West Virginia. More than 40 participants from West Virginia were in attendance for the two-day session. The participants included Mayors, City Managers, State, Congressional and Senatorial representatives.

The U. S. Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness was established in 1987 with the passage of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. It is comprised of twenty federal agencies that fund homeless programs such as veterans services, help for substance abusers, homeless children, and unemployment assistance. The purpose of the agency is to coordinate their programs so as to maximize the effectiveness of the programs they fund.

Ms. Debbie Jackson, Regional Coordinator for the U. S. Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness, addressed the group providing statistics, suggesting funding opportunities, and encouraging the development of a ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness.

Ms. Jackson praised the State of West Virginia for beginning to develop its ten-year plan. Participants expect the plan to be complete by mid-March and hope for support from the Governor and legislature.