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
Recommended Citation
Gazy, Michael G., "What is a City but the People?: An Evaluative Study of the Development and Implementation of a 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Macon, Georgia." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2010.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1954451