Idaho launches homeless response system

A new approach to homelessness response should do a better job of meeting the needs of persons experiencing a housing crisis. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association said it has teamed with local housing and homeless service providers to establish a new standardized approach for helping people effective January 22.

The system brings together a network of community partners across the state to create a collaborative, objective environment to provide services to vulnerable people.

“We are hopeful that by implementing this change and creating increased provider collaboration even those with the most extreme cases of homelessness will be able to find stable housing faster,” said Brady Ellis, vice president of IHFA and chairman of the Idaho Homeless Coordinating Committee (IHCC).

The cornerstone of the system is the creation of access points across the state where homeless or at-risk persons can find help identifying appropriate resources.

The access points are here:

Those in need of immediate shelter will continue to access emergency shelter in their communities.