Date of Award

Fall 11-23-2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Monica Swahn

Second Advisor

Courtney Burton

Third Advisor

Johnny Fambro

Abstract

Introduction:

Contemporary circumstances have increased the occurrence and risk of homelessness for millions of Americans. The Macon Coalition to End Homelessness (a group of homeless service providers in the Macon-Bibb County) has noted the need for a comprehensive, evidenced-based plan which would more efficiently coordinate and dispense services for homeless people; with the eventual goal of preventing/mitigating the influence of factors which initiate, perpetuate, and prevent the pathways that would lead one to establish an independent life.

Aim:

The explicit purpose of this capstone project is to analyze the processes inherent in the development and implementation of a community-based intervention aimed at homeless populations: the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Macon, Georgia. The development of preventive policy initiatives and the intended target of the community-based initiatives are direct public health measures.

Methods:

This evaluative study tracks the initial development, planning, writing of a community-based intervention. The study tracks the progress of the various phases of the development of the plan. It should be noted that the author of this study was also a member of the 10-Year Plan Steering Committee and the primary author of the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Macon, Georgia. These dual roles allowed the author to have unrestricted access and support regarding information pertinent to these processes.

Results:

The study analyzes the steps needed in completing a successful implementation of a 10-year Plan. Additionally, this project delivers a draft of the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Macon, Georgia.

Discussion:

Finally, suggestions for further steps to be taken by the MCEH for successful buy-in and establishment of a 10-Year Plan are made. This includes strict adherence to the tenets of other succesful10-Year Plans; increased community support (both financial and in terms of volunteerism/direct service) including but not limited to governmental sponsorship, community-wide awareness, and strong private-sector support; and, the development and reliance upon systems which utilize measurable objectives – of note, this would include a more accurate census mechanism. Further examination of factors such as these should result in a tailored, highly-effective preventative community-based intervention

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/1954451

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