|
|
 |
Practical Applications
The National Survey of Programs and Services for Homeless Families exposes the structural context that determines how states provide for homeless families, addressing their education, employment, health, and housing needs. The fiscal and programmatic overview presented in the National Survey reflects the challenge of developing programs for homeless families in an environment of limited funds. This resource guide acknowledges the frustrations that homeless families face when negotiating complex networks, and encourages the resourcefulness that service providers demonstrate in their efforts to support their clientele. As the first virtual space to merge budgetary information with local struggles, successes, and observations about family homelessness across the entire United States, the National Survey speaks to various audiences. Some of the potential users of this resource guide are:
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
This resource guide offers detailed information about funding sources and budget allocations for selected programs in each state. It exposes the division between policy and practice, and reflects how funding flows can both enable opportunities and set limitations for program development. Government officials can use the National Survey to ensure accountability and fiscal responsibility in providing services for homeless families. The National Survey is also a venue for policymakers to inform their own perspectives on the needs of their homeless communities.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
This project identifies government agencies, programs, and advocacy groups that are available to assist shelters with operational and programmatic issues, or with policy-level concerns. It also offers the opportunity for shelters to compare their programs according to similarities and differences in the populations they serve. In this way, the National Survey supports the spread of creative ideas in service provision.
RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY GROUPS
The information provided in the state snapshots of funding, programs, and services available to homeless families should enrich research and advocacy agendas. By drawing upon existing research along with perspectives from a number of key players in the fight to end homelessness, the National Survey consolidates and clarifies the information necessary to understand family homelessness in the United States.
|
|
