In 1997 the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition began meeting to plan the annual Stand Down, now known as Project Homeless Connect. In 2000, the coalition applied for its first Continuum of Care (CoC) grant, which initiated a move into addressing more issues associated with homelessness. The Coalition was formally incorporated as a 501(c) 3 in March 2004. This year, HOTHC received a Certificate of Achievement from Texas Homeless Network and was nominated for the 2010 Award for Outstanding Homeless Coalition.
 
For 13 years, the coalition has fostered homeless outreach through programs like Project Homeless Connect, the 9-1-1 Veterans’ Services Project, and distributing 211 cards in the region. The group has grown from 12 individuals in 1997, to 43 memberships, including organizations and government agencies. Monthly meeting attendance ranges from 45-50 individuals.
 
The Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition was a key stakeholder in formalizing the Mayor’s 10-year plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Waco. Through the CoC grant process the coalition has been instrumental in bringing more than $4.62 Million of homeless assistance to Waco.

The coalition fosters public education and community awareness through Homelessness Management Information Systems (HMIS) Training, SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) Training, workshops at events such as the Baylor Poverty Summit, and speaking circuits within the community. A 2007 documentary titled, “Homeless in Waco,” depicts life on the streets of Waco and the plight of the homeless.  In 2010, Barbara James, from Texas Homeless Education Office (T.H.E.O.), and Ken Martin, from Texas Homeless Network (THN,) presented a workshop titled, “Children, Homelessness and Education: Identifying Challenges, Creating Solutions.” In addition, members of the coalition work with local law enforcement, code enforcement and the downtown Public Improvement District.
 
“Through community planning and visioning that includes our homeless we have experienced less duplication of services,” according to Teri Holtkamp, City of Waco Homeless Plan Coordinator. She also advises these results stem from the coalition’s conscious effort to eliminate duplication of services, and improve collaboration among agencies serving the homeless. The HOT HC advocated the initiation of, and continues to support the expansion of, HMIS in Waco/McLennan County. The coalition also facilitates inter-agency case management concerns, and works with local foundations to guide collaborative efforts within the region. 
 

According to Holtkamp, “Since the inception of the Homeless Coalition many partnerships have been formed and relationships built.” One example is the establishment of scattered site permanent supportive housing, through a collaborative effort including Heart of Texas Mental Health Mental Retardation (HOTMHMR), the Veterans Administration (VA), and City of Waco. Another is through collaborations among the VA and coalition members, such as the Salvation Army, and the establishment of the PATH program at MHMR.
 
  “More opportunities to merge new energy with existing agencies reducing the amount of new not for profit agencies and making stronger agencies to serve our homeless population,” according to Holtkamp, “Making a concentrated effort to work on priorities set by the needs expressed by the homeless, HMIS reports and the agencies involved in the Homeless Coalition help to fill the gaps in services desperately needed by our homeless.” Each spring, the HOTHC meets to discuss data collected from Project Homeless Connect (PHC), identify existing gaps in services and establish priorities for the coming year. In 2010, the priorities identified are: Emergency Housing for Families and Children, Transportation, Permanent Supportive Housing, and building HMIS. The processes work together to accomplish the goals set in the Mayor’s 10 year Plan to End Homelessness, based on current needs. 

.   On November 1, 2010 the City of Waco Housing Office assumed administration of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). “The city is excited,” according to Teri Holtkamp, City of Waco Homeless Plan Administrator, “We look forward to the opportunity to build upon the foundation HOT COG has created.”
 
“HMIS is a great tool for coordinating services for individuals in need of assistance,” according to Holtkamp, “It also allows the city to understand local needs and aids in program implementation among community social service agencies.”
 
The city is already working with HMIS Coordinator, Natalie Searing, to identify ways to improve the effectiveness of HMIS for local agencies. A number of opportunities exist. When the City of Waco assumes administration of HMIS, the program will be the main focus for the HMIS Coordinator. Accessibility to the Coordinator will increase. More attention will be given to capacity building.  
 
Although HMIS has contributed to obtaining over $4 million for participating agencies, since its inception in 2002, more accurate service analyses promise to increase funding opportunities. To facilitate the demand for higher quality data, according to Holtkamp, the city plans to cross-reference data for accuracy & at some point look into the possibility including the data for the working poor who use services.
 
According to Holtkamp, “Support from the community is essential for a strong system.” Local service providers can support expanding HMIS updates, and usage by making referrals through the HMIS system, checking the HMIS delivery mechanism for incoming referrals, and making sure data is updated accurately. Some ways the community can get involved in supporting the expansion of HMIS include, individuals encouraging non-profit or religious organizations they are associated with to join the system, individuals asking service providers if they need an HMIS card when receiving services, and making referrals to the HMIS Coordinator about agencies serving the homeless who could be contacted and updated about the benefits of using the HMIS system as part of their agency or ministry.  
 
Agencies interested in joining the HMIS program may contact Natalie Searing at (254) 750-5601, or by e-mail at nataliew@ci.waco.tx.us

  

Link to ActLocally Calendar of Events 

ActLocally is a community-wide Calendar of Events

December 17, 2010      11:45 am
Monthly Coalition Meeting

  “Not analyzing the trends of consumers when the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is available, is like navigating by the stars when GPS is available,” according to Teri Holtkamp, City of Waco Homeless Plan Coordinator. Foundations insist on measurable data before funding projects/programs. The use of HMIS provides greater access to funding from foundations by providing efficient access to measurable data. HMIS also provides the only means of accessing federal funds through certain HUD, and other government programs.
 
From 2001 to 2009 HUD’s Continuum of Care grant program has provided over $4.62 million toward addressing homeless issues in Waco. Since the HMIS program started in 2002, social service providers in Waco have received over $4 million. In 2006, alone, member organizations of the HOTHC service providers in Waco received over $1 million.
 
According to HMIS Coordinator, Natalie Searing, “The HMIS license is an investment that allows organizations to more effectively manage, or reduce, overhead and increase funding opportunities.” Instant information exchange allows the most efficient service coordination possible. Trending reports help gage changing needs of consumers and prioritize an organization’s budget. Networking opportunities are made available through local, state and national trainings. Natalie also advises that local training and consultations in the use of HMIS are provided as part of the license fees. Training sessions in basic HMIS usage are available upon request. Natalie is available for consultations, in person, by phone or online from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
 
For more information about HMIS contact:
Natalie Searing
HMIS Coordinator
Housing and Urban Development Department
City of Waco
Phone: (254) 750-5601
E-mail: nataliew@ci.waco.tx.us