Detroit launches strategic plan to improve homelessness response system through 2028

The Detroit City Council meeting on April 17, 2025, focused on the strategic systems improvement plan for the city's homelessness response system, which is set to guide efforts from February 2024 through February 2028. Key officials from the Housing and Revitalization Department, including Tara Lindsner, Chelsea Neblett, and Tasha Gray, presented the plan's objectives and progress.

The meeting began with an overview of the homelessness response system, emphasizing the importance of the Continuum of Care (CoC) model. This model involves a network of agencies working together to provide resources and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tasha Gray explained the Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM), which serves as a referral system to connect those in need with available housing resources.

The strategic plan, developed in collaboration with Barbara Poppe and Associates, aims to create a roadmap for improving the homelessness response system over the next five years. It includes six primary goals, such as ensuring equitable access to services, increasing housing resources, and enhancing partnerships to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

Key action steps outlined in the plan include establishing necessary structures for implementation, enhancing staffing across the system, and advocating for additional resources. The plan also emphasizes the need for effective shelter systems and reducing unsheltered homelessness.

During the discussion, council members raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current system and the need for long-term solutions. They highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as financial instability and health issues. Officials responded by detailing ongoing efforts to connect individuals with employment resources and wraparound services, including post-placement case management to help families maintain stable housing.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to regular reporting on progress and the importance of community involvement in addressing homelessness. The strategic plan aims not only to provide immediate assistance but also to create sustainable solutions that will ultimately reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Detroit.