Homelessness is a complex issue rooted in societal gaps and systemic failures. Solving it demands unified community efforts rather than individual or isolated interventions. In Chicago, our response is spearheaded by the Continuum of Care (CoC), guided by a charter and a Board of Directors. The Chicago CoC Implementation Structure (CoC IS) provides the organizational backbone, following the Collective Impact model to execute initiatives effectively.
“Collective impact is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems-level change.”
Collective Impact Forum
This structured approach ensures Chicago CoC activities align with defined objectives, promoting seamless collaboration and effective communication. The Implementation Structure empowers targeted decision-making, gathers collective feedback, and implements impactful measures to address homelessness systematically. Governed by CoC Board priorities and System Goals, this framework involves key stakeholders, including All Chicago, community lead agencies, and individuals with lived experience, ensuring a coordinated response. For inquiries regarding the CoC IS Guidebook and operations, please email cocprograms@allchicago.org. Ongoing feedback on operations and the guidebook can be provided via the linked form, guiding collaborative efforts effectively.
CoC Implementation Structure Key Components
Strategic Priority Areas (referred to as Lines of Action)
A line of action (LOA) serves as a dedicated strategic priority within the Chicago CoC, serving to centralize and coordinate efforts. LOAs specifically target matters necessitating stakeholder engagement, tackling intricate challenges that demand substantial systemic change. They may be established in response to a surge in resources or focused attention, requiring a well-coordinated response. The success of LOAs hinges on widespread CoC input and leadership, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and informed decision-making.
CoC System Goals
In 2018, the Chicago CoC established system-wide goals inspired by the collective impact approach. Each Goal is accompanied by metrics designed to quantify progress, offering detailed outcomes data that delineate our advancement toward the goals. These goals guide the selection of strategic priority areas and lines of action, providing a framework for focused and impactful initiatives.
Intentional Opportunities for Influence and Action
The CoC Implementation Structure (CoC IS) fosters collaboration and communication while allowing the community to engage in targeted decision-making. The CoC IS is comprised of work done on behalf of and in partnership with the CoC. This includes the work of the community’s lead agencies, affinity groups, and groups that provide a forum for people with lived experience.
Lead Agency Work
Lead Agencies carry out duties on behalf of the CoC to support Chicago’s relationship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Their work is governed by (MOU) with the CoC Board of Directors. Lead agencies are selected by the CoC to push for progress in preventing and ending homelessness and are accountable to the System Operations and Performance Committee (SOPC) of the CoC Board.
