Heading Home Ramsey

According to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a Continuum of Care is a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency. It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness. Heading Home Ramsey is responsible for the long-term strategic planning and ongoing work to reduce and end homelessness in Ramsey County and ensures compliance with the HEARTH Act and the Continuum of Care Interim Final Rule. Responsibilities include:

• Continuum of Care operation and planning.
• Submission of a collaborative application to HUD for CoC program funding.
• Designation of a Homeless Management Information System.
• Operation of a Coordinated Entry system.
  • A Coordinated Assessment system, also referred to as Coordinated Entry, is used to provide an initial comprehensive assessment to clarify needs and help identify appropriate housing options. A specific single point of contact for specific sub-populations (families, single adults and youth ages 16 to 24) facilitates immediate access to resources and ensures that people experiencing homelessness are provided assistance as quickly as possible.

Vision

We work together to create a community where homelessness is rare, brief (with adequate crisis response), and non-recurring; where we eliminate racial disparities; and everyone is housed.

Mission

Prevent and end homelessness by delivering effective, people-centered, integrated responses that are racially equitable and driven by community voice, advocacy, and learning.

Values

Racial Equity: We transform systems, policies, and practices to reduce the disparities, eliminate inequities, and improve outcomes for all.

Client Centered: Informed by those with personal lived experience of homelessness, honoring all individuals and families experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect while allowing for self-determination in making decisions about their lives.

Trauma-Informed: We provide services that respond to all types of trauma and ensure safety while minimizing the risk of incidences of trauma.

Housing First: We believe in quickly connecting individuals and families to permanent housing without preconditions or barriers and ensuring ongoing opportunities for engagement in services to support long-term stability.

Community Level Approach: We believe the best solutions come when we work together, as a collaborative community, and with other systems that impact our ability to end homelessness.

Data Informed: We use qualitative and quantitative data to address inequity, guide decision-making, allocate resources, and improve accountability.

Bold and Innovative: We foster effective responses to the complexity of homelessness and provide leadership and advocacy to end homelessness.

• HHR Policies & Procedures (PDF)
• HUD CoC and ESG Virtual Binders
• MN HMIS Knowledge Base