Stop Homelessness and Reduce Poverty

(S.H.A.R.P.)

Purpose

SHARP is a coalition of homeless service providers, individuals interested in issues related to homelessness, and university representatives, that meets monthly to unite in action toward the goal of ‘stopping homelessness and reducing poverty’. The purpose of the monthly meeting is to share information, identify issues that may require action, organize and support events that raise awareness of poverty and homelessness, and advocate with ‘service consumers’ for policy and system change.

History

In the early 90’s, area homeless service providers formed a group called COP, Coalition of Providers, so that all levels of providers could work together to address the issues related to homelessness. Prior to this, Baltimore City’s mandated Homeless Providers Directorate provided only Executive Directors with that same opportunity. Shortly thereafter, the Baltimore City Office of Homeless Services and Action for the Homeless joined forces and began co-hosting a monthly provider meeting known as the Roundtable where providers could ask questions or discuss policies and other issues.

Simultaneously, because the Directorate was not intended to address advocacy issues, a second group comprised of homeless service providers was formed. This group, known as CASH, Coalition of Advocates in Solidarity with the Homeless, addressed such issues as reduction in State benefits and the lack of emergency shelter. This group quickly earned a reputation for direct confrontation and creative action with and for people who were homeless.

As administrations and staff changed, these two groups merged and evolved into what is now SHARP, a self-led coalition of providers that meets monthly to share information, and resources and support action. More recently, this group has shifted its focus to include a greater emphasis on raising public awareness of issues related to poverty and homelessness, and outreach to those beyond the provider community .

Mission

SHARP, a coalition of public and private organizations and individuals, works to increase awareness, promote effective services and advocate for sound public policies toward the elimination of homelessness and the reduction of poverty.

Membership Levels:

Membership is defined by an organization’s commitment to the SHARP Coalition through the appointment of a representative who attends monthly meetings on a regular basis, and who is authorized to make decisions on behalf of their organization regarding official recommendations made or positions held by SHARP.

There are two levels of membership, Active and Supporting. An Active Member is one who:

• Participates in regular monthly meetings

• Participates in SHARP sponsored events

• Supports advocacy efforts and actions

• Provides information, including statistics, best practices and human interest, about poverty and homelessness

• Receives and disseminates all SHARP correspondences

Benefits to Active Membership include:

• Active decision making roles and voting privileges

• Access to most current information regarding homeless services

• Use of the Coalition’s statistical and best practice information

• Organization’s name on stationary

• Increased visibility

• Support of a diverse group of service providers and professionals

• Leveraging and networking ability

A Supporting Member is one who:

• Participates in periodic meetings, activities or events

• Supports Advocacy efforts

• Provides the name of a contact person for their organization

Benefits to Supporting Membership include:

• Access to most current information regarding homeless services

• Increased visibility

• Support of a diverse group of service providers and professionals

• Leveraging and networking ability

SHARP accepts new members at any time throughout the year. Individuals are also invited to become Coalition members.

At all times, the provider representatives to the BHS Board of Directors are active members of the coalition. In addition, at least one member of the Service Provision and Planning Advisory Committee (SPPAC) must be an active member. These two membership positions are critical in maintaining a two-way flow of information between the provider community and BHS, gives ‘voice’ to direct service providers who are not represented on SPPAC. Recommendations for representatives for these positions are made to BHS leadership by Coalition members as determined by a majority vote.

Meetings:

SHARP meetings are held the last Wednesday of every month and are open to members and non-members alike. A standard agenda is followed each month, and attendance and minutes are recorded. This information is organized and stored by the Coalition Chairperson.

Relationship to Baltimore Homeless Services (BHS):

SHARP is an additional venue for disseminating information from BHS to the provider community. The monthly meeting provides an opportunity to further evaluate information and decisions shared and its impact on services provided as well as the impact on the consumers of those services. It is a forum for fluid communication between BHS and the ‘provider’ community. Feedback regarding policies, services, practices, and current trends is communicated by the provider representative to the BHS Board and by the SPPAC representatives to the Advisory Committee’s monthly meetings, working in partnership toward a common goal. BHS also assigns a staff liaison to attend monthly meetings.

11/22/06

Revised 5/3/10