Homelessness is complex. Collaboration is key.
In July, housing professionals from around the country, including seven CCC staff members, gathered at the National Conference on Ending Homelessness in Washington, D.C.
Sharing CCC’s Unique Approach to Homelessness
For over 20 years, CCC has been at the forefront of housing services in Virginia, actively working to improve outcomes and provide the highest level of support to those experiencing homelessness.
CCC’s street outreach team program continues to evolve, combining housing-focused mobile case management with trauma-informed, person-centered outreach that meets people literally where they are.
“Every day, our team engages with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the community,” said Claire FInch, CCC program supervisor “We visit encampments and meet individuals where they're at to build trust and rapport and help connect them with our services. Assets like specialized outreach roles and the housing resource center help us provide flexible, coordinated support while maintaining strong housing outcomes for the people we serve.”
Finch, a featured conference speaker, shared her experience in her presentation “Light Touch, Low-Cost Pathways to Housing.” With a focus on practical strategies listeners can implement in their own communities, Finch provided ways to help people who are unsheltered move into permanent housing.
“I hope attendees left with the understanding that meaningful housing outcomes don't always require large financial invest
ments,” reflected Finch. “Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and persistence can help remove barriers and create pathways to housing.”
Sharing CCC's Knowledge and Experience
CCC’s Hopewell program supervisor, KeKe Cody also attended the conference and met with Virginia congressional staff.
“We shared our knowledge and perspective,” said Cody "and we tried to give them more tools to understand our work and its impact.”
Everyone, not just officials, can be advocate says Cody
The answer to homelessness is complex. But the National Conference on Ending Homelessness showed that collaboration is key. “It was inspiring to be surrounded by people from across the country who share the same commitment to ending homelessness,” said Finch. “We came away with new ideas, strategies, and valuable connections that will help strengthen our work.”
