CATALYST - WINTER 2019 Volume 2 No 1 | Page 9

WINTER 2019 coalition partners revealed an increase in the number of homeless students, limited access to safe and affordable housing, especially for young professionals seeking to work in the area, and overcrowding and homelessness caused by property damages resulting from severe weather. “Our coalition has made housing a priority in our Community Health Improvement Plan,” said EarlyCares Project Manager Kimberly Scott. “The Foundation grant allowed us to work closely with Hope Ministries’ Neighbor to Neighbor Program, a multi-week training program that helps community residents move from homelessness to independence and self-sufficiency.” Georgia that provides technical assistance and additional funding to develop a comprehensive housing plan based on community needs. “GICH offers so many resources-from code enforcement to tax credits and infrastructure,” added Scott. “Our support from Healthcare Georgia Foundation is helping us increase our ability to create innovative solutions to all the types of housing issues facing our residents.” ◼ In addition, the coalition hopes to join the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, a two-year program sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association and the University of BLAKELY, GA The EarlyCares coalition is looking to create sustainable solutions to critical housing issues facing residents in their community. ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY FOR ALL 9