Local Progress

Across the country, communities are making progress in ending homelessness. Here we highlights strategies, programs, and innovations in some of these communities.
  • Chicago, IL
    Through the adoption of a Housing First approach that helps individuals and families return to housing more rapidly by providing access to affordable housing with supports, Homelessness in Chicago decreased 12 percent from 6,715 in 2005 to 5,922 in 2007.
  • Columbus, OH
    Through a focus on prevention and regular performance measurement, family homelessness in Columbus, OH decreased by 46 percent between 1997 and 2004.
  • Denver, CO
    Relying on comprehensive evaluation, permanent housing creation, and mental health service provision as key initiatives, Denver reduced chronic homelessness by 36 percent between 2005 and 2007.
  • Hennepin County, MN
    Due in large part to the creation and implementation of the Minnesota Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP), Hennepin County reduced family homelessness and homelessness among children between 2000 and 2004.
  • New York, NY
    In 2002, the city placed 22 percent of families who entered shelter in permanent housing; in 2003, 28 percent were placed; and in 2004, 33 percent were placed.
  • Norfolk, VA
    Through the introduction of a Housing First program, the centralization of the family intake process, and expansion of the permanent supportive housing stock, homelessness in Norfolk dropped by 25 percent between 2006 and 2008.
  • Portland, OR
    Total homelessness in Portland decreased by 13 percent from 5,103 in 2005 to 4,456 in 2007. The unsheltered count decreased from 2,355 to 1,438—a decrease of 39 percent.
  • Quincy, MA
    Since 2004, Quincy, MA has more than doubled the amount of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals, which has resulted in a dramatic decline in the chronically homeless population.
  • San Francisco Bay Area, CA
    San Francisco and Alameda County, CA have achieved decreases in chronic and family homelessness, respectively, by implementing Housing First and prevention strategies.
  • Westchester County, NY
    Key initiatives, including income supplements for rental assistance, resulted in a 57 percent reduction in family homelessness in Westchester County, NY from 2002 to 2006.
  • Fairfax-Falls Church, VA
    By focusing on permanent housing and creating a centralized intake system, the Fairfax-Falls Church community reduced family homelessness in their community.
  • Wichita, KS
    Between 2005 and 2009, the total homeless population in Wichita/Sedgwick County decreased by 47 percent, and the chronic homeless population decreased by 61 percent.