** 8/09 Update **

 Anticipating the need for another session related to Review of/ Input on Draft Language,  the HSRA Update Work Group will be hosting a Feedback Session #4 – Review of/input on draft language (Thursday, September 08)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The ICH is launching a community process to support an update to the Homeless Services Reform Act (HSRA), key local legislation that governs the provision of homeless services in the District.  The legislation was enacted over a decade ago, and since that time, there have been a number of changes at the Federal level – including the passage of the HEARTH Act – and across the field more generally in terms of new strategies and evidence based practices.  Additionally, with the development and adoption of Homeward DC plan, an update to the HSRA is required to better align efforts and support successful implementation of the plan.

To manage the community process, the ICH HSRA Update Work Group is inviting written comments on the existing law via Drafts.dc.gov. The written comments will be compiled and categorized to help identify themes and hot button issues, which will then be used to structure public feedback sessions in late July and early August.  The ICH HSRA Update Work Group process this summer precedes the Council’s legislative process, which will of course provide further opportunity for public input.

The proposed schedule (times and locations to be confirmed) are listed below here.  Please monitor the website (ich.dc.gov/events) for any updates/changes to this schedule.

• Written Comment Period on Current Law (July 11 – July 22)
• Feedback Session #1a – Review of/input on comments received  (Sponsored by COHHO - Thursday, July 21)*              
• Feedback Session #1b – Review of/input on comments received  (ICH Strategic Planning Meeting - Tuesday, July 26)*
• Feedback Session #2 – Topical Deep Dive (Half Day Forum:  Thursday, August 11)
• Drafting of new language (August/early September)
• Feedback Session #3 – Review of/input on draft language (Thursday, August 25)
• Feedback Session #4 – Review of/input on draft language (Thursday, September 08)
• Legislative Process  (September – December)

*Meeting content and format for 7/21 and 7/26 will be the same.  Participants are encouraged to attend one of these sessions and the 8/11 session.