The August 12 cover story in MetroPulse was, as we’ve mentioned elsewhere, quite good.
It did contain some information that elicited a correction from Stacia West, Research Associate with Knox HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). Ms. West’s letter to the editor was published in the subsequent edition of MetroPulse. Here’s the conclusion:
Data from KnoxHMIS indicates a decrease in the number of people entering chronic homelessness coupled with a significant increase in the number of individuals who are already experiencing chronic homelessness who are now accessing the necessary services to emerge from chronic homelessness. We consider that to be a positive outcome of the coordinated efforts of the Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and the many homeless service providers in the area.
Keeping track of people who are homeless in our community is extremely challenging, but with the help of vital partners like Knox HMIS, we’re gaining a better understanding of the population we’re serving. Our thanks to Knox HMIS, and also to the dozen agencies that are using HMIS as a normal part of their practice. Working together, we’re making a positive impact on chronic homelessness in our community.