What is the Council on Homelessness?
The Council on Homelessness is an advisory board appointed by the Board of Supervisors. This Council provides a forum for the homeless Continuum of Care to communicate about the implementation of strategies to prevent and end homelessness. The purpose of the forum is to educate the community on homeless issues and advocate on federal, state, county and city policy issues that affect people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The Council on Homelessness also establishes the local process for applying, reviewing and prioritizing project applications for funding in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Assistance Grant Competitions, including the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program.
Who Can Apply?
All Council members must reside, or be employed, in Contra Costa County. Applicants who wish to be considered as a Consumer for the Consumer/Consumer Advocate Seat must have a lived experience of homelessness (i.e., be homeless or formerly homeless). Applicants who wish to be considered as a Consumer Advocate for the Consumer/Consumer Advocate Seat are not required to have lived experience of homelessness.
How long would I serve?
Council on Homelessness members serve for a two-year term, which may be renewed.
What do Councilmembers do?
Members of the Council assist with and provide guidance to the development and implementation of long-range planning and policy formulation of homeless issues in Contra Costa County. They attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees, and attend quarterly General Membership meetings as required.
What is the time commitment?
The Council on Homelessness meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in varying locations. Continuum of Care meetings take place on the 3rd Friday of the first month of each quarter from 10 am – Noon in varying locations.
Members of the Council also participate in various subcommittees including:
- Consumer Advisory Committee
- Coordinated Entry Oversight Committee
- Ensuring Equity Committee
- Performance Measures Committee
- Policy and Advocacy Committee
- Point in Time Count Committee
What qualities is the Council seeking in an applicant?
Council members must demonstrate a professional interest in, or personal commitment to, addressing and alleviating the impact of homelessness. A person must contribute unique expertise, opinions, and viewpoints on homeless issues. Where a potential Council member represents a coalition, consortium, association, neighborhood group, or voluntary organization, the nominee must represent to the Council the group's mission.
Where can I learn more about the Council on Homelessness?
cchealth.org/h3
What seats are open?
The following seats are accepting applications:
- CoC/ESG Program Grantee
Must be from agency funded by CoC or ESG funding
- Community Member
Must live or work in Contra Costa
- Employment and Human Services (EHSD) Representative
Must be employed by Contra Costa EHSD department
- Faith Community Representative
Must be affiliated with the faith community as an employee, volunteer or congregant
- Health Care Representative
Must work in the health care field
- Public Housing Authority
Must be an employee of a Public Housing Authority in Contra Costa County
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying to become a member of the Council on Homelessness,
- Complete the online application here:
NOTE: Select "Contra Costa Council on Homelessness" from the drop down menu and complete the form and enter the Seat Name you are applying for (see above re: "open seats".
- We also encourage applicants to send a separate email to cchomelesscouncil@hsd.cccounty.us with a personal statement explaining why they are interested in being part of the Council on Homelessness.
- You may be contacted for an in person or phone interview.
How long are applications being accepted?
- Applications and personal statements need to be received by 5 p.m. Friday, November 30th.
When will I know if I got a seat on the Council?
- We expect to notify people of the status of their applications in early January.
Whom do I contact if I have questions?
Jaime Jenett, Continuum of Care Planning and Policy Manager
Contra Costa Health Services: Health, Housing and Homeless Services
Tel: 925-608-6716 Cell: 925-464-0152 Email: Jaime.Jenett@hsd.cccounty.us
