The Community Health Center Association of Connecticut’s STICH AmeriCorps program will soon enter the 2018-2019 program year with a new partner and host site: Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH). It is with great appreciation and excitement that we welcome CCEH—a statewide agency that seeks to prevent and end homelessness in Connecticut—to our team of federally qualified health centers. Their expertise leveraged through a full-time AmeriCorps member will offer vital resources to the community.

Improving community health is a complex mission that requires broad-based understanding and collaboration. Combating the scourge of homelessness, too, requires a similar attitude that is both innovative and nimble. To this point, CCEH’s STICH member will serve as a Health and Homeless Systems Liaison. The role will increase communication and programming among multiple entities including community health centers, McKinney Vento liaisons, school-based health centers, Coordinated Access Networks (CANs), and other homeless response systems across the state. The member will also coordinate the 2019 Youth Count implementation among community health centers. Read further details about the position on CCEH’s website here.

Societal issues such as domestic violence, poverty, addiction, food security, human trafficking, and mental illness are all areas which impact the intersection of homelessness and health. We hope that this partnership and the work which stems from it will break down barriers so that organizations may tackle these daunting challenges alongside one another. Diversity fosters strength, and building connections among different agencies, people, systems, and working groups across Connecticut will bring us closer to achieving mutual goals. Whether you’re improving community health, eradicating homelessness, or otherwise trying to solve a seemingly intractable problem, bringing more perspectives to the table is advantageous. Ultimately, the benefits will be reaped by those you serve.

Click here to learn more about CHCACT’s STICH program – and apply for the next service year!

Have a great week!

Andrew