10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Waco

Click here for detailed information on the City of Waco's 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.

Unsheltered Homeless Count

In accordance with a mandate from HUD, member agencies of the HOT Homeless Coalition, numerous volunteers, homeless individuals, church members and City employees took part in a point in time count of unsheltered homeless persons during January 2007.  The attached file details the results and methodology used.

Click here for the results of the 2007 Homeless Count

Why did we count?

• Help us prepare data for the Continuum of Care Grant
• Help us know this sub-population in our community – Who are they?
• Help us understand the causes of homelessness
• Help our community know/plan needed services/resources
• Help raise public awareness
• Help us know where homeless live besides in shelters
• Help us track the progress we are making to reduce homelessness

What is HUD’s definition of homelessness?

According to HUD, a person is considered homeless only when he/she resides in a place not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings (on the street).

What is HUD’s definition of Chronic Homelessness?

An unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more OR has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness in the past three (3) years. To be considered chronically homeless, persons must have been sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g. living on the streets) and/or in emergency shelter during that time.

What is HUD’s definition of an episode?

A separate, distinct, and sustained stay on the streets and/or in an emergency homeless shelter.

**Note: HUD’s definition of chronic homeless does NOT include families. Also, in order to be considered chronically homeless the person must have a disabling condition.

What is a disabling condition?

• Substance abuse problem (alcohol or other drugs)
• Serious mental health/illness problem (schizophrenia, bi-polar, depression, personality or conduct disorder, PTSD, ADHD)
• Developmental Disability
• Someone receiving a disability or pension check (ex SSI or VA disability)

Annual Stand Down

A time when community service agencies come together to help the homeless understand what resources are available to them.

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