In May of 2021, Fremont County, CO joined an elite group of 14 communities in the U.S. that have reached functional zero for veteran homelessness, a milestone that indicates that fewer veterans are experiencing homelessness than can be routinely housed in a month. This certification comes from Built for Zero, a national initiative of more than 90 cities across the country working to measurably end homelessness, led by the nonprofit Community Solutions.  Reaching functional zero for ending veteran homelessness doesn't mean that the region's veterans are no longer facing challenges that may cause them to become homeless. Rather, it means that a coordinated system of care has been established that connects homeless veterans to housing and services, effectively ending their homeless status soon after they've been identified. The system of care has to be maintained and continually fine-tuned to remain effective. After sustaining an end to veteran homelessness for over a year, Fremont County has now reduced chronic homelessness by over 60%.  This work is also supported by a first in the nation state-level Built for Zero partnership where state leaders in CO are rapidly spreading practices across state and clearing the path for local outcomes.   Learning objectives: - Foundational knowledge about Built for Zero work in Colorado and nationwide - How the nonprofit, Community Solutions, presents a replicable model for nationwide impact - How this can be done in your community.

Panelists:

• Evan Caster, Sr. Manager of Homeless Initiatives, Community Health Partnerships
• Deedee Clement, Executive Director, Loaves & Fishes Ministries of Fremont County
• Melanie Lewis Dickerson, Portfolio Director, Community Solutions
• Zac Schaffner, Supportive Housing Services Manager, Colorado Department of Local Affairs