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TextFrequently Asked Questions about 100,000 Homes Fairfax
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership
to Prevent and End Homelessness has joined the national 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national
movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless. Please
look below to find answers to some of the commonly asked questions about
the 100,000 Homes Fairfax
campaign.
What makes the 100,000 Homes Fairfax initiative different?
The 100,000 Homes model provides homeless individuals with caring,
individually tailored support services at each stage of their journey
from homelessness to housed. As of Dec. 10, 2012, the national campaign
has already housed 23,151 people, with more than 90 percent of those
helped remaining stably housed.The Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership
to Prevent and End Homelessness has generated results, decreasing the
homelessness rate by rapidly moving families and individuals into housing
with services. However, those experiencing chronic homelessness
have been harder to help. That’s why the partnership is joining The
100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for
100,000 chronically homeless. The campaign provides concrete, innovative
tools and infrastructure that will help us put a real face on
homelessness.
How does the new Registry information differ from the information
volunteers have been collecting for years?
Registry week incorporates both the basic demographic characteristics
normally collected in the annual Point in Time count with data collected
via a new Vulnerability Index (VI) tool. The VI is a survey used to
identify and prioritize the street homeless population for housing
according to the fragility of their health. The tool, developed by
Dr. Jim. O'Connell of Boston's Health care for the Homeless program,
identifies specific health conditions that are markers for increased
mortality. The data will provide more useful information for providers in
creating successful housing placements and getting vulnerable individuals
off the street.
How will you use the information that is collected to help end
homelessness?
The data collected through Registry Week will help service providers
identify and prioritize for housing those homeless people who have health
conditions that indicates that they are at the highest risk for
mortality.
Why are the registry surveys taking place so early in the
morning?
Most surveys conducted during Registry Week will take place between 4:00
and 7:00 AM. This is done to ensure that those individuals who are
surveyed are among the unsheltered homeless population. Unsheltered
individuals and families tend to be those who are not seeking or engaging
with service providers on their own and will most likely remain homeless
without proactive assistance.
Do the homeless want to be surveyed? Won't I just be bothering
them?
Most people who are engaged during Registry Week conducted across the
country are willing to engage with surveyors if not the first night then
the second or third. Volunteers are trained on how to interact with
homeless individuals and gain their trust. Similar to the annual Point in
Time count, information is needed about the size and characteristics of
the homeless population in order to bring the right amount of housing and
service resources to a community.
If these people are chronically homeless, doesn't that mean they want
to stay on the streets?
Most chronically homeless people want housing. Less than 5 percent of
the chronically homeless decline permanent housing when offered, as long
as the only requirement is to pay the rent and be a good tenant.
Is there a way that I can contribute monetarily?
Yes, you may donate online to
help our most valuable neighbors find a home by supporting the
100,000 Homes Fairfax campaign.
Learn More about 100,000
Homes and How You Can Help
- About Registry Week and Volunteer Opportunities
- Return to 100,000 Homes Fairfax
- Donate to the 100,000 Homes Fairfax Campaign
For more information about 100,000 Homes Fairfax, contact Tom Barnett in the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness.
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