Membership

New organizations and individuals interested in addressing homelessness are welcome to join at any time during the year. By eliminating membership fees, the Lowcountry Continuum of Care (CoC) ensures that financial barriers do not prevent organizations and individuals from participating in its collaborative efforts to end homelessness.

What is CoC Membership?

The Lowcountry Continuum of Care (CoC) operates with a clear vision and a strong commitment to addressing homelessness comprehensively. By bringing together various organizations and individuals who share a common goal of ending homelessness, the CoC leverages collective expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact.

The focus on engaging the community to address underlying causes of homelessness is crucial for implementing effective, sustainable solutions. By involving community members and stakeholders in the process, the CoC can gain valuable insights and support, ultimately leading to more impactful interventions.

The CoC's commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and proactive measures demonstrates a holistic approach to ending homelessness and alleviating its hardships in the Lowcountry region. This collaborative effort will yield positive outcomes and make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by homelessness.

Ways to join the CoC

The Lowcountry CoC is committed to the vision of ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief and one-time. Sign up to stay informed on what is going and and how you can get involved.

The CoC accepts applications for membership from organizations and individuals who wish to work collaboratively to end homelessness in the Lowcountry.

The Lowcountry CoC is able to share upcoming events and announcements that will help those experiencing homelessness. Submit your detailed information and we will help get the word our to our community partners.

Committees, Workgroups & Collectives

Joining a committee within the Lowcountry Continuum of Care (CoC) presents a valuable opportunity for members to actively contribute to the organization's efforts in addressing homelessness. By participating in a committee, members can provide feedback, share expertise, and offer insights on various aspects of the CoC's work, ultimately helping to shape its strategies and initiatives.

Here are some key benefits of joining a committee within the CoC:

  1. Opportunity for Input: Committee members have the chance to provide feedback on a wide range of topics related to the CoC's activities, including program development, policy implementation, resource allocation, and community engagement efforts.

  2. Collaborative Decision-Making: Committees facilitate collaborative decision-making processes, allowing members to work together to identify challenges, explore potential solutions, and make recommendations for action.

  3. Specialized Focus: Committees often focus on specific areas or issues within the realm of homelessness, such as housing development, outreach and engagement, data collection and analysis, or advocacy. This allows members to delve deeply into topics of interest and expertise.

  4. Professional Development: Participation in a committee can contribute to members' professional development by providing opportunities to expand their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and build networks with colleagues in the field.

  5. Impactful Contributions: By actively engaging in committee work, members can make meaningful contributions to the CoC's efforts to end homelessness and alleviate its hardships in the community.

General Membership Committee

This committee is comprised of community members who are interested in coming together to discuss solutions. Its responsibilities include:

  • Issuing a public invitation for new members, at least annually

  • Developing a plan of outreach to the full diversity of stakeholders

  • Training and educations regarding community issues, funding and endorsement

Coordinated Entry System & Data Committee

Chairperson: Marielayna Rossillo

By combining the HMIS and CES committee, members are able to discuss data, polices and prodecures and the homeless system. This committee is composed of current system end users. Any project that is required by HUD to enter data into HMIS is required to participate.

  • Reviewing and providing feedback regarding the Coordinated Entry System

  • Updating policies related to CES

  • Ensuring the CoC is meeting HUD guidelines related to CES

  • Overseeing the HMIS project, including HUD-funded agencies’ compliance

  • Overseeing HMIS Lead

  • Planning for HMIS training and local technical support

  • Developing and implementing a plan for HMIS protocols to meet HUD requirements

  • Developing and implementing a plan to offer HMIS participation to non-HUD-funded agencies

Monitoring and Performance Committee

Due to the extensive training regarding HUD policies and procedures, this committee is made up of members from the Project Selection Committee. Responsibilities include:

  • Establishing local CoC system performance metrics and standards

  • Evaluating CoC system performance

  • Establishing local performance metrics and standards for ESG and HUD-funded projects

  • Evaluating performance of ESG and HUD-funded projects

CoC Project Selection and ESG Endorsements Committee

This committee is composed of selected members and appropriate representatives from the community and does not include any funded agencies. Members are voted on by the CoC Governing Council. Responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the CoC’s structure, policies, and procedures comply with HUD expectations

  • Assessing the CoC’s HUD-funded agencies compliance with HUD and the CoC expectations

  • Planning for appropriate projects for the annual HUD application

  • Reviewing LOI’s and determining projects to be included in the annual HUD application

  • Endorsing projects for ESG funding

Landlord Engagement Committee

This committee is composed of program staff who are recruiting landlords for projects serving those who are experiencing homelessness. Responsibilities include:

  • Identifying and sharing strategies to build relationships with landlords

  • Discussing challenges and working together to house people quickly

Youth Committee

Chairperson: TBA

This committee is composed of community members interested in discussing solutions to ending youth homelessness. Responsibilities include:

  • Developing collaborations with youth who have or still are experiencing homelessness

  • Building stronger connections with county and state child welfare, education, and criminal justice agencies

  • Expanding housing options for youth, including rapid re-housing 

  • Ensure youth needs are met through the CoC’s Coordinated Entry system

Point-In-Time Count Workgroup

Chairpersons: Marielayna Rossillo and Heather Carver

This committee is composed of community members who are interested in volunteering. This committee is open to all community members. Responsibilities include:

  • Monitoring the planning and implementation process of the count

  • Maintaining consistent Point In Time Count Standards

  • Involving community stakeholders in the count

Outreach Collective

Chairpersons: TBA

This committee is composed of organizations who are conducting outreach to connect those sleeping outside to housing.