Reports:
Merced County
10-Year Plan to End Homelessness: A Final Report to the Community
Merced County 2011 Homeless Count and Survey Report
Video from the first Community Stakeholders meeting to develop a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, October 20, 2010
Latest newspaper articles:
Merced Sun-Star (May19, 2011): Plan to assist Merced's homeless complete. MCAG to hear ideas today; effort would make housing the first priority for county.
About
What is the Merced County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness?
The Merced County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness will incorporate innovative initiatives or “best practices” that have helped jurisdictions across the country prevent and end homelessness into a 10-year plan of action. During the past decade approximately 900 cities and counties across the country created over 350 10-Year plans to end homelessness for chronically homeless persons and other homeless adults and children. Many of these jurisdictions have reported significant decreases within their homeless population.
Why is the Merced County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness Being Initiated?
On a given day like today there are approximately 400 adults and children who are homeless. In addition, there are 74,000 county residents who live below the poverty level according to the U.S. Census Bureau and are at risk of becoming homeless.
When Will the Process Begin to Create the Merced County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness?
The process will begin in October, 2010 and is expected to be a seven month task that will be completed by May, 2011. There will be a series of community meetings that will begin with a Community Stakeholders Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Other community meetings will include other stakeholder meetings and focus groups.
Who Can Participate in the Creation of the Merced County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness?
The public is encouraged to participate in the creation of the 10-Year Plan. In particular, representatives from business associations, civic groups, corporations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, homeless and formerly homeless persons, local government, neighborhood associations, and non-profit agencies are invited to participate.