Billings Continuum of Care (CoC)

Making Homelessness Brief, Rare, and Non-Recurring in Yellowstone County

A coalition of leaders joining forces to re-imagine our homeless response!

  • Change the Status Quo
    • Of how we address homelessness from isolated and competitive to coordinated and effective.
  • Assess & Plan
    • Together to create effective and efficient action that combines our strengths. A robust assessment and shared planning is currently in progress.
  • Share Data
    • In meaningful ways to guide action.  Current data sharing includes a Data Dashboard and use of the Pathways system.
  • Optimize Efforts
    • By working together in a manner that combines our strengths, reaches more people, and saves more money.

Working together from data, we are housing our most vulnerable:

  • “Front Door” agencies assess anyone in need (whether their client or not) in order to break down barriers and serve more people.
  • A comprehensive list of housing provides a clear view of resources.
  • A shared database keeps agencies connected and working together. 
  • Case Conferencing takes place every other week to prioritize our most vulnerable and house them first.   
  • Developed and secured funding for a diversion fund.
  • Provides rental assistance and other needs to prevent homelessness.
  • Gives people a hand up during crisis to get them back on their feet before the situation spirals out of control. 
  • Diversion has been shown to not only help individuals but to also save tax payer money and reduce the burden on social systems.
  • A new grant project through Montana Healthcare Foundation. 
  • Involves assessment, planning, and coordination to support homeless persons who are also high utilizers of local services.
  • Reduces the burden on social and safety systems while saving money long-term.
  • The Billings CoC is widely supported by the community.
  • Key Leadership Team members include:
Alternatives Inc. – Besaw Integrity Consulting – Billings Clinic – Billings Housing Authority - City of Billings – Community Crisis Center – District 7 HRDC – Downtown Billings Alliance - Mental Health Center – MT Dept. of Corrections, Probation & Parole Division – Mary Underriner - Montana Rescue Mission – Rimrock Foundation – RiverStone Health – St. Vincent Healthcare – Tumbleweed  – Volunteers of America (VOA) – YWCA – St. Vincent DePaul – Yellowstone County

 

  • United Way of Yellowstone County Serves as the Backbone
  • The CoC values community collaboration and supports other coalitions; including Community Innovations and Substance Abuse Connect.

Thank you Montana Healthcare Foundation for your support, funding for the assessment and capacity building that got us to where we are now, and current funding our Housing is Healthcare project!