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DeKalb delegation returns from Texas study tour with housing-first and coalition recommendations
Summary
Delegation members reported lessons from San Antonio and Houston: centralized coalitions (501(c)(3) continuums of care), low‑barrier crisis response, permanent supportive housing, data-driven HMIS, and integrated behavioral health and animal services.
DeKalb County commissioners and local leaders who traveled to San Antonio and Houston to study homelessness responses told the full Board of Commissioners on Aug. 28 that both cities rely on broad public‑private coalitions, consolidated continuums of care and Housing First models to move people into permanent housing.
Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, who led the delegation, and delegation members described cross‑sector partnerships, single‑campus service models and data systems that the group said reduced chronic homelessness and improved outcomes for people with behavioral health needs.
Why it matters: DeKalb County is considering options to strengthen its local response to homelessness. Delegation members emphasized that both San Antonio and Houston operate regional, HUD‑designated continuums of care run as independent 501(c)(3) entities, which the presenters said allowed faster funding decisions, expanded philanthropic revenue streams and impartial governance.
What the delegation saw: key takeaways presented…
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