Continuum of Care Plan

The Continuum of Care is a community-based, long-range plan that addresses the needs of homeless persons in order to help them reach maximum self-sufficiency. The Continuum of Care is developed through collaboration with a broad cross section of the community and based on a thorough assessment of homeless needs and resources. The Continuum of Care is recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing homelessness.

HUD Definition of the Continuum of Care:

"The Continuum of Care is a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness."
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Trainer Guide on Continuum of Care Planning and Implementation

HUD has developed an excellent guide describing the Continuum of Care planning process. See the HUD Continuum of Care guide for more information.

Fundamental Components of a Continuum of Care System

The Continuum of Care system is a coordinated set of services. The fundamental components of this system are described below. Not all homeless persons will need services from each component in the Continuum of Care. A full range of services should be available, however, in order to meet the needs of different subpopulations of homeless persons.

The fundamental components of the Continuum of Care system do not work in isolation from one another. Rather, the Continuum of Care system is a dynamic system in which services are linked through referrals and networking. This linkage helps homeless persons access services more easily and progress toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Homeless persons do not necessarily move through the system in a linear fashion.

Continuum of Care Chart & Definitions