Stanislaus County is embarking on an ambitious program to find permanent housing for 100 homeless individuals most impacted by COVID-19 in the next 100 days.
The program is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's 100-Day Challenge Initiative, which was launched in Dec. 2019. 100-day challenges are part of a growing national movement to prevent and end homelessness, developed through the Rapid Results Institute in coordination with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. Through these efforts, communities that undertake the challenge by working together across systems to create a coordinated community response to end homelessness.
Participating cities and counties would receive technical assistance through the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to assist with these efforts and develop sustainable models moving forward. The state will also assist local communities in seeking philanthropic support for these 100-day efforts.
"With the support of a Results Institute coach, each of these jurisdictions will rapidly assess how things are working, set an ambitious goal regarding the number of individuals they will house in 100 days, identify necessary changes from their current processes and approaches to achieve the goal, and then implement their 100-Day Challenge and lock in the lessons learned to drive lasting change," said Stanislaus County Deputy Executive Officer Tina Rocha in a news release.
Stanislaus County's efforts in the challenge will focus on those individuals already utilizing Project Roomkey. Project Roomkey is a statewide effort that secured motel and hotel rooms for homeless individuals most vulnerable to COVID-19. FEMA is helping with up to 75 percent of cost-sharing re-imbursement.
Stanislaus County's effort will be focused on 100 homeless individuals that are 65 and older and/or individuals experiencing homelessness with underlying medical conditions. The goal is to move these individuals into safe and stable housing, which can include Permanent Supportive Housing and housing units focused on the care of veterans, individuals dealing with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorder, and individuals with disabilities.