Undersecretary Gornstein Chairs Last Meeting of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness - December 16, 2014
Through Council’s Efforts, Massachusetts is National Leader in the Housing First Movement
BOSTON – Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - Marking the Patrick Administration’s commitment to reducing homelessness in the Commonwealth, Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein today presided over a meeting of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH).The ICHH has met monthly since 2008, and today’s session marks the final under Governor Deval Patrick’s leadership.
“Homelessness is a complex and multi-dimensional challenge that requires a comprehensive response at all levels of government,” said Undersecretary Gornstein. “The ICHH has played a critical role in coordinating programs and strategies across multiple state agencies so that we can better serve those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in the Commonwealth.”
In November 2007, Governor Patrick signed Executive Order No. 492 establishing the ICHH. Since then, the ICHH has served as the body responsible for implementing the state’s plan to prevent and end homelessness. The ICHH was chaired until June 2013 by former Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, and is comprised of the heads of 14 state agencies. Now chaired by Undersecretary Gornstein, the ICHH is working on several initiatives to increase effectiveness and collaboration among state agencies and with community partners. All of this work is organized around the goal of ensuring everyone in the Commonwealth have a safe, affordable place to call home. The ICHH currently has five active committees focusing on ending homelessness for veterans, youth, individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, older adults, and survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
"Our efforts in moving from a shelter-based to a housing first model is about providing individuals and families who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with stability and predictability so that they can begin rebuilding their lives. It also seeks to efficiently leverage resources and taxpayer dollars,” said Timothy Murray, former Lieutenant Governor and current President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Click here to read the full press release.
For more information on the ICHH’s work, view its report at: http://www.mass.gov/hed/docs/dhcd/news-updates/ichh-initativeoverview2007-2014.pdf 