What We Do

Based on a Collective Impact Model, ODFC uses the goals and objectives set forth by the federal Opening Doors strategic plan as a common agenda that embodies five major themes: 

  1. Increase leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement;

  2. Increase access to stable and affordable housing;

  3. Increase economic security;

  4. Improve health and housing stability; and

  5. Retool the homeless crisis response system.

 
 

Shared metrics established by federal legislation are in place to measure ODFC success and includes the reduction in length and time people are homeless; rate at which people return to homelessness; reduction in first time homelessness; and overall reduction of people who are homeless. ODFC is structured by a governing body of experts and key cross-sector participants who directly and indirectly work with this population. 

The efforts of ODFC are embedded in the working committees supported by dedicated staff from two agencies that keep members on task and committees’ work plans on schedule. Referred to as the “backbone organizations,” Supportive Housing Works and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness strategically partner to provide ongoing facilitation, technology and communication support required for a working collaboration.  

ODFC uses the goal and objectives set for by Opening Doors - CT, in alignment with the federal Opening Doors plan, to guide its work. These goals are:

  • Finish the job of ending chronic homelessness by 2020

  • Prevent and end homelessness among families, youth and children by 2020

  • Set a path to ending all types of homelessness