Investing in housing programs that provide options to individuals that do not make sufficient funds to live in many US housing markets. In addition, provide supports to those individuals that require medical/mental health assistance and increased supports. Case management to populations that comprise a large section of the chronically homeless population

Captialize the National Housing Trust Fund. Provide vouchers to make the units affordable. And build the capacity on nonprofit organizations to do the development in both urban and rural areas.

Creating enough supportive housing for people who need it will ultimately end and prevent future chronic homelessness. Housing and services, combined, is the best answer.

Increase the number of Section 8 vouchers available in communities. Create and fund additional Section 8 Vouchers for the chronically homeless with multiple barriers to housing. Be sure to include onsite support services focused on working with people to remain stable and embedding them into the community.

If we build communities of affordable housing where everyone is required to work in order to live there. That would even include going to school and working part-time. The community must form a coalition in which they must do community service to bring the communities together. I believe working together will make them feel that are helping the solution.

One issue facing chronically homeless individuals is the lack of low-threshold, harm reduction focused direct housing. Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness often have difficulty tolerating behavioral restrictions in permanent supportive housing. It is unreasonable to believe that the root cause of an individual's homelessness will resolve itself when that individual moves into housing.

Low threshold, harm reduction focused direct housing focuses on keeping individuals housed while addressing the root causes of their homelessness instead of creating a more pronounced crisis by evicting the individual from housing and exacerbating the crisis that precipitated their homelessness.

In order for people to work most effectively, they must understand their goals and believe in those goals. Almost no one I know believes that ending chronic homelessness is possible. It is an aspirational (political) goal, so it can't be as effective as a concrete goal that people can believe in.

Since closing State Hospitals in the 60's and 70's, our homeless shelters and prisons have evolved into the de facto mental health system. Yet those returning from incarceration are shut out of most housing due to background checks that have never been substantiated to enhance public safety. In our State, a recent survey indicates 41% of the identified homeless have criminal records. As long as we exclude them from housing, they will continue on the treadmill of crime, prison, homelessness....

In particular, SAMHSA services funding should be coordinated with HUD investments in capital and operations to create viable projects

Provide opportunities for anyone in need of a place to live to participate in the renovation and restoration of housing. This project would be part of the president economic stimulus package. Can take practical elements from Habitat for Humanity. People could learn on the job skills while at the same time invested in their future. In addition for individuals who cannot do actual building skills, other options will be available in the community to participate and give back while awaiting a place to live.

A team approach of an attorney, physician, case manager and SSA rep has proven incredibly successful in getting hundreds of homeless housed and Medicaid. Expand this effort and you will see the same results.

For many individuals who have been homeless for a long time, no income is a huge barrier. SSA benefits provide, at least, a start and can be a tool for returning to employment.