History — Central Virginia Continuum of Care

Our History

Formed in 1994, the Central Virginia Continuum of Care (CVCoC) consisted of one agency, Miriam’s House, a transitional housing provider and the only of its kind receiving federal homeless assistance funding in the Central Virginia region. Initially the purpose of the CVCoC was to conduct the annual homeless surveys, disseminate public information regarding resources for homeless persons, and research and write the grant known as the Continuum of Care to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The CVCoC has grown dramatically in size and influence over homelessness response in the Central Virginia region. Recognizing its growth; the necessity to think strategically about how regional partners can align efforts to prevent and end homelessness; and to comply with the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009 requirement to engage in thoughtful systems-level planning – the CVCoC embarked on a strategic planning effort in 2015.

The CVCoC is currently designed to address critical issues related to homelessness through a coordinated community-based process of identifying and addressing needs utilizing not only HUD funds, but also mainstream resources and other sources of funding. This includes, without limitation, initiating, managing, and implementing programs and activities designed to address and respond to the needs of homeless citizens of Central Virginia, especially those who are disadvantaged, disabled, and in need of supportive services.

The Background

Until 1987, homelessness was mainly considered a local issue. Originally named the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act addressed homelessness at a federal level for the first time. After signing it into law on July 22, 1987, financial support was given to individual agencies serving the homeless. From 1987 to 1994, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) collected applications and awarded funding accordingly to individual agencies.

In 1995, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recognizing the importance of community wide planning and coordination, required that communities come together to submit a single, comprehensive Continuum of Care application.

The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Resources

National Alliance to End Homelessness

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development