Summit County Continuum of Care
About Us
A Home for Everyone. A Stronger Summit County.
Connecting local organizations in a coordinated response to prevent and end homelessness for all people and households in Summit County.
Mission, Vision, and Purpose
Our shared direction keeps Summit County focused on preventing homelessness, responding quickly when it occurs, and helping every household find a safe, stable place to call home.
Our Mission
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program fosters a communitywide commitment to ending homelessness—creating pathways from shelter to hope, stability, and a place to call home.
Our Vision
Summit County is a county in which people without stable housing is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Everyone has access to the resources and support necessary to obtain and maintain decent, safe, and affordable housing that enhances quality of life.
About Our Program
Our History
Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has encouraged counties to address housing and people without stable housing challenges through a coordinated, comprehensive, and strategic process. This model enables counties to develop the capacity to envision, organize, and plan long-term, long-lasting solutions to prevent and end people in housing crisis.
The Continuum of Care represents a formal countywide plan with performance reviews submitted to HUD annually. Planned goals and action steps are developed to organize and deliver housing and supportive services that meet the specific needs of in housing crisis or at risk of homelessness, supporting their transition to stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency. The local plan also includes coordinated strategies to prevent a return to homelessness.
The CoC planning process and committee tasks are ongoing throughout the year and culminate in an annual funding application submitted to HUD. This application requests financial support for locally identified projects that address the causes and needs of people without stable housing in Summit County. Local participation, coordination among service providers, and measurable progress toward established goals are key factors determining the level of HUD funding our CoC receives each year.
Our Purpose
The Summit County Continuum of Care (CoC) is the convener and problem solver leading a countywide commitment to end homelessness. We bring together nonprofit providers, local and state partners, and community stakeholders to align funding, coordinate services, and drive solutions that quickly rehouse individuals and families while minimizing harm and disruption.
We believe every person has inherent worth and deserves a place to call home. This principle guides our work and our commitment to serving all communities with compassion, dignity, and accountability.
Through strategic collaboration, we work to promote access to and effective use of mainstream resources, strengthen systems of care, and support individuals and households in achieving lasting self-sufficiency.
We work with all communities to serve all ensuring that no one is left behind and that every person has access to the support they need to move from crisis to stability.
Together, we are building a coordinated, equitable system that prevents homelessness, responds swiftly when it occurs, and moves people into safe, stable housing.
We believe homelessness can be ended and we are working every day to make that a reality in Summit County.
What to Expect
At the Summit County Continuum of Care, our staff is committed to serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and collaboration. The expectations below reflect the standards and values that guide our work every day. They are designed to ensure high-quality service, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to ending homelessness in Summit County.
Commitment to Our Mission & Values
Our staff upholds the CoC’s mission with integrity, respect, and a deep commitment to equity. We approach all interactions with cultural humility and a focus on supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Collaboration Across the Community
We believe that ending homelessness requires strong partnerships. Staff work cooperatively across agencies, systems, and departments—sharing information and resources to strengthen coordinated efforts.
Professionalism & Accountability
You can expect our team to meet deadlines, honor commitments, and take ownership of their work. We communicate proactively with partners to ensure transparency and follow-through.
Data-Driven & Detail-Oriented Practice
Accurate, high-quality data is essential. Staff collect, enter, and maintain information in HMIS and related systems, using data to drive decisions, identify gaps, and improve outcomes.
Use of Evidence-Based Approaches
Our team stays informed about HUD priorities and best practices in homelessness response. We strive to use proven, effective strategies in all programs and initiatives.
Continuous Learning & Improvement
Staff participate in ongoing training, CoC meetings, and professional development to remain informed about local, state, and federal policies and to strengthen their skills.
Clear, Direct, and Respectful Communication
We prioritize timely, transparent, and professional communication with partners, clients, and the community. Staff avoid gossip or indirect communication and address issues constructively and directly.
Protection of Privacy & Confidentiality
You can trust that our staff strictly follow HMIS privacy standards, client confidentiality requirements, and all related policies. Sensitive information is handled with the highest level of care.
Flexibility, Problem-Solving, & Initiative
Homelessness response is a dynamic environment. Staff adapt to changing needs, identify challenges early, and bring forward thoughtful, proactive solutions.
Representation of the CoC With Excellence
Every staff member serves as an ambassador for the Continuum of Care. We strive to build trust through consistent, high-quality work and reliable partnership with the community.
Our Committees
Leadership and lived experience shape the work. Explore the groups that guide SCCoC and create meaningful ways for community members to lead.
Board Committees & Leadership
Explore SCCoC’s committee structure, leadership roles, and the groups guiding strategy, governance, funding, and system performance.
Youth Advisory Board
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) provides young people with lived experience of homelessness a meaningful voice in shaping SCCoC programs, policies, services, and priorities, helping ensure the community’s homelessness response reflects the needs, perspectives, and ideas of youth.
Lived Experience Committee
Ensures the voices, expertise, and recommendations of people with lived experience of homelessness directly inform SCCoC policies, priorities, and strategies.