KANSAS STATEWIDE HOMELESS COALITION INC

Statewide Initiatives - KSHC coordinates with communities throughout the state to provide advocacy, training, education, and support to end homelessness in Kansas. We receive funds from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to provide housing crisis counseling to households without insurance. KDADS also provides funds for us to educate Kansas' young adults ages 16-24 on how to avoid controlled substance misuse and homelessness. We are training youths in how to navigate post-secondary education, securing employment and to practice safety, wellness and financial literacy. In 2024, KSHC used funds awarded to KSHC in 2023 from MolinaCares to develop an assessment on Youth Needs Assessment for Young Adults ages 16-24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the 9 BoS CoC regions. The objectives of the assessment were to 1) Review and analyze housing and supportive service programs in the 9 BoS CoC regions for strengths, assets, challenges, and opportunities for young adults ages 16-24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness in these regions. 2) Identify strengths, gaps, and challenges in young adult housing programs and services based on needs as identified by young adults ages 16-24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the 9 BoS CoC regions. 3) Analysis of current young adult homelessness programs', and services' capabilities to meet identified needs and gaps in the 9 BoS CoC regions. 4)A complete needs assessment report will include a summary of findings and recommendations. KSHC's Destination Home program is a joint initiative with Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). The program marks a significant milestone for the agencies' partnership and collaboration. By leveraging each organization's strengths and expertise, the partnership aims to improve the lives of those in need and provide better care and services to the community. Destination Home was designed to support the creation of permanent housing solutions and introduce a Housing First model across the state. Furthermore, it aims to provide a supportive transition process to help individuals move from state institutions into the community. The Director of Destination Home has contributed to the development of policies and procedures aimed at facilitating the transition of individuals from state institutions to community living. Destination Home has taken steps to enhance the delivery of health services to individuals in Kansas. The program has begun to send key stakeholders through Health and Wellness Life Coach training programs. This approach is intended to offer a more comprehensive and holistic method of providing health services to the community. In 2024, KSHC through our Destination Home department, began a new initiative, called Built for Zero (BFZ). In 2024, KSHC strengthened its partnership with KDADS and joined Community Solutions, a national nonprofit organization, to implement Built for Zero (BFZ). BFZ aims to effectively end homelessness for entire populations. KDADS has asked KSHC to serve as the backbone agency for implementing BFZ across the Continua of Care (CoCs) in Kansas.