Building Partnerships –
Strengthening
Housing Stability.
Working together for a stronger, more connected Summit County.
A Message from our
Executive Director, Christopher Richardson
This quarter, the Summit County Continuum of Care continued advancing collaboration, innovation, and community partnership to strengthen homelessness response efforts across Summit County.
Through expanded provider coordination and increased lived experience leadership, strategic we are building stronger systems and creating more person-centered solutions.
Thank you to our partners, supporters, and community members who make this work possible.
Community Impact at a Glance
· Expanded lived experience leadership
· Strengthened provider and community partnerships
· Continued development of the Housing Provider Think Tank
· Enhanced transportation stability initiatives
· Youth Advisory Board participation at state and national conferences
· Increased community outreach and public engagement
· Hosted our first Homeward Collective Friendraiser
· Strategic Planning during the 2026 Board Retreat
$26,500 in New Grant Funding
Invested in initiatives that advance transportation, leadership, provider collaboration, and housing stability.
GAR Foundation
Awards $20,000 Grant
The GAR Foundation awarded the SCCoC a $20,000 grant to support the Lived Experience Committee, helping strengthen leadership development, engagement, and community informed system planning.
Synthomer Foundation
Supports Housing
Provider Think Tank
The Synthomer Foundation awarded a $4,000 grant to support the Housing
Provider Think Tank, a collaborative initiative bringing together providers, advocates, faith communities, and public partners to strengthen coordination and
long-term systems improvement.
Impact
These investments strengthern community systems, elevate lived experiences, and remove barriers to housing stability across Summity County.
Youth Leadership & Advocacy
Members of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) represented Summit County at conferences in Washington D.C. and Columbus this quarter, helping elevate youth voice and lived experience perspectives in conversations surrounding homelessness and systems change.
Board Leadership & Strategic Planning
The CoC extends sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors and staff for their continued leadership and collaboration. During the 2026 Board Retreat, Board members and staff engaged in strategic discussions focused on:
- Governance & Sustainability
- HUD Funding
- Community Engagement
- System Improvement
Provider Spotlight: Harmony House
Harmony House, Inc. is a valued partner in the Summit County Continuum of Care, dedicated to serving young adults experiencing homelessness through safe housing and comprehensive supportive services. By offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, case management, life skills development, and connections to education and employment, Harmony House helps young people build a foundation for long-term stability and independence. Their unwavering commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community makes them an essential part of our collective effort to prevent and end homelessness in Summit County.
Building Stronger Systems for Lasting Change
The CoC is actively preparing for the upcoming HUD NOFO competition, a critical funding opportunity that supports housing and homelessness response efforts nationwide.
Focus areas include:
· HUD Funding Readiness
· System Planning & Coordination
· Data-Informed Solutions
· Long-Term Systems Improvement
Philanthropy & Community Partnership
This quarter’s investments from the GAR Foundation highlight the important role philanthropy plays in advancing housing stability and strengthening collaborative systems.
These investments support:
· Innovative Community Initiatives
· Provider Collaboration
· Lived Experience Leadership
· Transportation and housing stability efforts
· Long-term systems improvement
The Homeward Collective
The Homeward Collective Friendraiser brought together community members, advocates, and partners for an inspiring morning focused on ending homelessness in Summit County. Alongside meaningful conversations and connection, attendees supported a personal hygiene drive, helping provide essential items to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Together, we strengthened community partnerships, raised awareness, and took another step toward creating pathways home for all.
Thank You for your Continued Partnership
Together, we are building partnerships, strengthening housing stability, and creating a community where everyone has a place to call home.