The Ambassador Program was created to serve the homeless population within the Detroit CoC shelters and housing programs. The main purpose of the ambassador program is to empower clients. This may be done through policy creation, education, resource connection, advocacy, and 1:1 client mediation. Exact program functions will be determined based upon emerging community needs and group interest and capacity.
The Ambassador Program was created to serve the homeless population within the Detroit CoC shelters and housing programs. The main purpose of the ambassador program is to empower clients. This may be done through policy creation, education, resource connection, advocacy, and 1:1 client mediation. Exact program functions will be determined based upon emerging community needs and group interest and capacity.
We’re excited to share that the Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC) has been awarded $40 million in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual CoC Program Competition! This funding will support vital programs and services aimed at preventing and ending homelessness in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
A huge thank you to our partners and providers who work tirelessly to support our community. Read the full breakdown of how this funding will be allocated on our CoC Funding page.
Tasha Gray, Executive Director, HAND
In late December, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count data. The PIT count gives us a snapshot of homelessness throughout the nation on any given night. Homelessness is at an historic high, rising 18 percent since 2023. People experiencing homelessness for the first time, families, and new arrivals have contributed to the sharp increase in the past year. Detroit is not far removed from what is happening nationally. We witnessed a 16 percent increase from 2023 to 2024 PIT Count.
With COVID era funding and eviction protection expiring, we are seeing more people become homeless and even more quickly than before. Also, housing choice vouchers are not funded at the level of need. Another challenge of homelessness is better coordination is needed between other systems (corrections, foster care, etc.) and the homeless systems to lessen the inflow into the homeless system.
One bright spot for the nation and Detroit has been the decline in homelessness amongst veterans, dropping 8% nationally and 7% locally. The nation has invested in VASH, a program for veterans where housing choice vouchers and supportive services are offered. Likewise, SSVF (Supportive Services for Veterans Families) targets time-limited housing support and services for veterans and their families.
We need to double down on what is working and find solutions where gaps exist. Let us finish what we started with Veterans and apply the lessons learned to all populations. Moving forward together, we will END homelessness.
— Tasha Gray, Executive Director, HAND
October 25 the final FY2024 Detroit Continuum of Care Application and all project applications were submitted to HUD. The application and the Project Priority Listing have been publicly posted to HAND's website, and may be accessed here. This is the CoC application the CoC general membership voted to approve on October 15, 2024.
The 2025 Board applications are now open for submissions! The CoC Board is responsible for the governance and oversight of the Detroit CoC as well as carrying out specific responsibilities entrusted to the board by the Continuum at large (more information on the function of the board and the responsibilities and qualifications of board members can be found in the application linked below).
Board elections will occur CoC November 19 at the Detroit CoC General Membership meeting (register). Only General Membership may vote.
The direct application is here and additional information about the 2025 Board Elections is here. Nominations closed October 8th Below is the list of the available vacant seats, along with a timeline of key election dates.
Member-at-Large (2 seats open)
At-large seats are defined as stakeholders and partners otherwise not listed in other elected categories (service providers and/or currently or formerly homeless individuals. Some examples of eligible Members at Large include:
Faith-Based Organization, Homeless Advocacy or other appropriate advocacy agencies, Business Entities, Public Schools and/or Higher Education Institution, Department of Community Health, Healthcare for the Homeless and/or Hospital, Police Department, Workforce Development, Department of Corrections, Landlords, Philanthropy/foundation.
Community Advocate (1 seat open)
These seats are reserved for persons with lived experience of homelessness (PWLEH). Per our most recent update to the Governance Charter, these positions will be elected by the Detroit Advisors Group (a committee of PWLEH that provide oversight to the CoC).
Homeless Service Provider (3 seats open)
Services must be conducted in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck
September 17 - Applications released
October 8 - Nominations Due
October 25 - Direct Applications Due
November 4 - Applications posted for review on our website
November 19 - Board elections will occur
November 25 - Elected members notified
January 2025 - Board Orientation Series will begin
For regular updates on the election, subscribe to our newsletter.
The Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC), the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), and the City of Detroit conducted a one-night Point-in-Time count of persons experiencing homelessness in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park on January 31, 2024.
In 2022, we saw a total of 6,221 people experiencing homelessness, a 9% increase from 2021. This follows three years of decreasing numbers since 2019. To better address these shifts, we’re presenting the 2022 State of Homelessness as a data brief instead of our usual Annual Report. The Data Brief highlights the most relevant core populations and outcome data for our community. Going forward, we'll produce a comprehensive Annual Report approximately every three years.
This report reflects the The Detroit Continuum of Care’s collective vision to respond to prevent and end homelessness, grounded in racial equity, where:
The system is led by people who have experienced homelessness and who reflect the community;
Members of the community rarely experience homelessness, and when they do, it’s for a short time and only once;
Homelessness and housing priorities are intentionally aligned for housing security Housing and services are rooted in dignity.
July 16, 2024 - The City of Detroit, the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC) and community partners in the homelessness response system revealed their new a five-year strategic system improvement plan to reduce homelessness in the City of Detroit.
Equity, justice, and the leadership of people with lived experience of homelessness play key roles.
Every household receiving assistance through the Detroit's homelessness response system receives services based on their household needs.
Detroit's homelessness response system has enough housing resources .
People experiencing homelessness are holistically supported through effective, sustainable partnerships.
Funding will be coordinated in Detroit's homelessness response system.
Emergency, rehousing and prevention services are designed to ultimately reduce overall homelessness and first-time homelessness.
A Strategic Plan Oversight Commission (SPOC) was formed in 2023, with 5 people representing the City of Detroit, HAND, and the Detroit Continuum of Care and 5 people with lived experience of homelessness. The SPOC was charged with guiding the planning processes for the development of a new five-year Strategic System Improvement Plan for Detroit’s homelessness response system.
To drive progress toward its vision, the Plan features eight Improvement Action Areas focused on system-wide improvements and on strengthening core elements of the homelessness response system:
Establishing the Structures Necessary for Plan Implementation, to develop effective governance and project management structures that ensure effective implementation of all plan activities.
Leading the System toward Equity and Justice, to uplift the perspectives and leadership of people with lived experience of homelessness and to ensure programs and services are designed and implemented with a leading focus on equity and justice.
Enhancing Staffing and Capacity Across the Homelessness Response System, to ensure housing and service providers get the support, training, and compensation they need to provide high-quality, individualized services.
Advocating for Resources to Expand System and Improve Quality of Programs, to expand and improve federal, state, and local funding to both prevent and resolve experiences of homelessness.
Building Upon Existing Improvement Efforts, to sustain focus on apply lessons learned from improvement efforts focused on coordinated entry system, youth homelessness, and Veteran homelessness.
Strengthening and Reimagining Shelter, to improve facilities and programs so that people receive the same level of holistic, trauma-informed services, and case management across programs.
Expanding Housing Supply and Building an Effective Rehousing System, so that people are quickly connected to safe, stable, and affordable housing when they experience homelessness.
Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness, to reduce the number of people sleeping outside and connect them to housing and services solutions.
The full plan will be released in late July 2024.
Learn more about the plan on the City of Detroit’s website.
