The Lee County Continuum of Care (CoC) is a group of community stakeholders who work together to address the needs of individuals and families who are homeless Lee County. The group includes funders, service providers, local businesses, and advocates who meet monthly at the Lee County Homeless Coalition General Meeting. The work of the Continuum of Care is carried out within several sub-committees, which plan for community education, advocacy, the Homeless Management Information and Coordinated Entry Systems, and community resources and needs.

Governing Board

The Continuum of Care is overseen by a Governing Board made up of community volunteers that represent a variety community sectors, including providers of housing, supportive services, health care, education, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, community advocates, and homeless or formerly homeless persons. The Governing Board meets quarterly to evaluate the performance of community programs and identify strategic planning initiatives.

Funding

Lee County Human and Veteran Services serves as the Collaborative Applicant to compete on a national level for Homeless Continuum of Care (COC) funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The application includes over $1.6 million in requests for renewal projects and new requests for projects (when available) that address the needs of Lee County’s homeless. Funds support programs for permanent housing, emergency shelter, and services for the homeless are provided by the following funded agencies:​

• Community Assisted & Supported Living Inc. (CASL Inc.)
• The Salvation Army, a Georgia Corporation, Inc.

2018 Continuum of Care Funding Cycle

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) competitive Continuum of Care (CoC) funding cycle will soon open. Currently funded project performance is being reviewed, and agencies are being asked to voluntarily reallocate funds to create new projects.

All new and renewal applications for the 2018 competition we reviewed by the local ranking committee according to the Ranking Committee Procedures using the 2018 Ranking Tool.

2017 Continuum of Care Funding Cycle

All new and renewal applications for the 2017 competition were reviewed by the local ranking and review committee according to the Ranking Committee Procedures using the 2017 Ranking Tool on​ May 16, 2017. New and renewal project applicants were notified of the final scoring results on May 19, 2017.  ​​

The following projects were selected for 2017 funding by HUD:

• The Salvation Army – Rapid Re-Housing
• The Salvation Army – Rapid Re-Housing Expansion (NEW) 
• Community Assisted and Supported Living – San Souci
• Community Assisted and Supported Living – Broadway
• Community Assisted and Supported Living – Broadway Expansion (NEW)
• Community Assisted and Supported Living – S + C II
• Community Assisted and Supported Living – S + C I
• Lee County CoC Planning (NEW)

In addition to the COC application, Lee County has competed state-wide for additional funding to support programs for the homeless. When available, the Florida Challenge Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, Homelessness Prevention-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Grant, and the Florida Homeless Housing Assistance Grant have provided a variety of needed services and housing opportunities to various non-profit agencies in Lee County.

Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness

Lee County’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness was developed by eight subcommittees, but many community groups are involved in its implementation, and are working to accomplish the goals set forth in the plan. Organizations enter accomplishments made toward the goals of the plan in the corresponding Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness Database. A quarterly report on the progress is presented to the Lee County Human Services Council.