Homeless Program/Continuum of Care
History of the Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Providers Taskforce (CHAP)
Subsequent to the passage of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, twenty eight (28) organizations and offices, both public and private, were designated by the Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Commissioners as members of the Comprehensive Housing Assistance Plan (CHAP) Taskforce. The Neighborhood Services Department of the City was designated to coordinate the Taskforce. It began meeting in 1987 and continues to be the focal point of homeless assistance planning and service implementation in the community.
In June 1988, the Taskforce met to identify and discuss the needs of both the homeless population and of the service providers attempting to meet those needs. Agreement was reached concerning a number of needs, loosely grouped into housing, health and program needs. Under housing, needs were voiced for more low-cost housing, transitional housing families, increased funding for eviction prevention and rental assistance programs. Finally need was expressed for a centralized warehouse for the distribution of furniture and household goods.
As a consequence of the efforts of the Taskforce, funding in the early 1990s was allocated toward the development of homeless facilities. Taskforce members have worked diligently to continually provide updated information regarding the needs of the homeless community and homeless service providers. The group works to identify funding sources that will assist the community in providing an increased level of service to the homeless community.
In 1992, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) eliminated the requirement for communities to develop a "CHAP" (Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Plan). As a result, the CHAP Taskforce name was changed to "Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Providers." The Taskforce has also been expanded over the years to include any organization or office serving homeless families or individuals in the community.
CHAP Taskforce members have served on virtually every committee in the community that deals with homeless issues and has been instrumental in redirecting the efforts for homeless service delivery in the community. Since 1995 the Taskforce has played a key role in increasing homeless funding to the community through the competitive HUD SuperNOFA Homeless Programs grant. Approximately $9 million has been awarded to various homeless assistance providers in the community. This funding has helped to meet the needs identified by the CHAP Taskforce for our community.
The Taskforce is coordinated by Homeward Pikes Peak, and the group meets the second Tuesday of every month at 3:00 pm at the United Way office located at 518 North Nevada Avenue. For more information about this Taskforce, please contact Dr. Robert Holmes, Executive Director of Homeward Pikes at 955-0731 or via email at bobholmes@ppunitedway.org.
Each year the Housing Development Division, Homeward Pikes Peak, and CHAP work together to update the Continuum of Care for Homeless Services for Colorado Springs and make application for additional grant funding under the competitive Continuum of Care process administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition, Homeward Pikes Peak is the coordinating agency in charge of the development of the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. If you are interested in applying for funding under the Continuum of Care grant or participating in the development of the Ten Year Plan, please contact Bob Holmes, Executive Director Homeward Pikes Peak.
