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HOMELESS AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITIES See Action Plan Table for this year's activities. Implementation of Everyone Home: the County-wide Homeless and Special Needs Housing Plan Activities to address the housing needs of the homeless, persons with serious mental illness, and those living with HIV/AIDS center on the implementation of the Everyone Home Plan. Planning efforts began in 2004 as a unique collaboration among community stakeholders, cities and Alameda County government agencies representing three separate care systems -homeless services, HIV/AIDS services and mental health services -that share overlapping client populations and a recognition that stable housing is a critical cornerstone to the health and well- being of homeless and at-risk people, and our communities. Nine agencies came together to develop one plan with mutual goals and a joint effort for implementation. Alameda County has a history of collaborative efforts, but until now they have been focused primarily at the consumer or provider level -not at the systems level. Making adjustments and changes at the systems level requires active participation by top community leaders and government representatives. Since its publication in 2006 the Plan has been adopted by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and 11 cities, and endorsed by numerous community organizations, with more added daily. Implementation of the Everyone Home Plan is now being spearheaded by a community based organization of the same name. It is guided by a Leadership Board comprised of members appointed from its original sponsoring agencies and key community constituencies such as consumers, cities, non-profits, businesses and faith based organizations. Everyone Home envisions a system of care in Alameda County that by 2020, ensures all extremely low-income residents have a safe, supportive and permanent place to call home with services available to help them stay housed and improve the quality of their lives. Everyone Home partners are working on five core strategies: 1. Prevent homelessness and other housing crises. It is far more cost-effective to support people to maintain their housing and thereby avoid eviction, costly emergency shelter, and a lengthy housing search. 2. Increase housing opportunities for homeless and extremely low-income households. 15,000 additional supportive housing units will provide affordable housing and services to extremely low-income persons and families. 3. Deliver flexible services to support stability and independence. Culturally competent, accessible, and coordinated support services must accompany housing. Such services will help people increase their independence, improve their quality of life and retain their housing even through crises. Over time, these services create a significant reduction in the use of costly emergency medical and social services. Action Plan - FY08 City of Pleasanton Page 24