This is a community indicator measure. It is provided to show an understanding of the overall community health. The County organization does not directly control the outcome of this measure; however, a number of programs and initiatives the County is undertaking can have an impact.

The CoC is a dynamic force engaged in efforts to reduce and prevent homelessness, ensure delivery of comprehensive, high-quality services to persons who are homeless, and create permanent housing opportunities for very low income and long-term homeless persons. From 2016 to 2017, the CoC added 120 new permanent supportive housing units and provided rapid re-housing assistance to 374 families, 910 individuals, and 282 youth. The number of chronically homeless persons in Cuyahoga County has declined by 83% since 2009 as a result of the CoC’s efforts to plan, organize, and deliver housing and services to prevent homelessness, assist people while they are homeless, and support those who move into stable housing and achieve self-sufficiency. The unduplicated single adult population is declining due to diversion efforts at coordinated intake. The increase in families seeking shelter may reflect that short-term rental assistance is only accessible through a shelter stay. This may draw unstably housed families to the shelter system to access housing resources.

Future priorities of the CoC include:

1. The addition of 62 new permanent supportive housing units in 2018 and another 66 in 2019. 
2. Development of a comprehensive plan to end youth homelessness.
3. Managing efforts to continue the County’s progress toward ending veteran homelessness.