A Message from the Leadership As in years past, our focus in 2017-2018 was centered on outcomes that improve the quality of life in our communities. The Council of Community Services is a recognized leader for its work on ending homelessness in the Roanoke Valley, providing 2-1-1 VIRGINIA information and referral services throughout the Commonwealth, preventing the spread of HIV, treatment services for those with HIV, and engaging community through volunteer management services and organizational capacity building activities. The Community Housing Resource Center assisted 490 individuals in 215 households to maintain stable housing through distribution of $467,048 for direct housing assistance. We placed 172 individuals in 60 households in permanent housing working closely with a network of 160 landlords in the process. Working with the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care we succeeded in reducing chronic homelessness by 74.3% between 2012 and 2018. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA handled 124, 527 inquiries from 85,000 individuals throughout the Commonwealth with referrals to the resources needed to resolve problems in areas of financial assistance, housing, utility assistance, mental health services, and other pressing needs. We made over 240,000 referrals and identified more than 115,147 individual caller needs. The Drop-In Center provided 98 clients with emergency financial assistance and 108 clients with transportation assistance. Through use of our HIV and Hepatitis C testing, we tested 2,545 individuals while providing education and case management services to clients that helped them navigate and find needed supportive services. We provided strategic planning services to nonprofit organizations and coalitions such as the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care that resulted in stronger outcomes and increased funding for the clients they serve. We produced publications such as the Annual Point-in-Time report and infographic. As leaders we know that there has never been a time when pursuit of positive change has been more important. We recognize that the pace of change is rapidly increasing and the need to find common ground and solutions to pressing community problems is greater now than ever. As such, we remain committed to providing the leadership needed to bring our community together to seek solutions that result in an improved quality of life for all who live in our community.
Chris Chittum Chairman of the Board
Daniel W. Merenda President