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Together, we help diverse groups across the state unite and speak with one voice, working collectively to effect change.
 

OUR ADVOCACY

While CHOM's direct work is providing housing, CHOM is deeply dedicated to advocating for equity.

CREATE, FACILITATE

 CHOM initiated and coordinates the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, a parent-led 4,000-member advocacy organization for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The Coalition has developed a lifelong continuum of care for populations with intellectual/developmental disabilities - a continuum of care that has been widely accepted, codified, and is in the process of being implemented - among other initiatives.

PARTICIPATE

CHOM staff actively participate in and play leadership roles in the Statewide Homeless Council, Regions I, II, and III Homeless Councils, the Maine Continuum of Care (MCOC), the Emergency Shelter Assessment Committee (ESAC), the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition (MAHC), and the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board, among other groups.

RESEARCH

CHOM plays an active role in researching and disseminating information about Federal, State, and local legislation and policy initiatives.  CHOM plays an integral role in assisting groups, coalitions, and organizations in taking action to support policies, legislation, and initiatives pivotal to the successful community inclusion of vulnerable populations.

 Click here for some of CHOM's research

 

HOMELESS ADVOCACY

All of CHOM's work is rooted in vigorous advocacy, working to ensure that everyone is included as part of the community.  This is done through local, municipal, State, and Federal collective, grassroots advocacy efforts designed to ensure that people have access to the resources needed to live and thrive.​  

CHOM has established collaborative relationships with advocates in Maine, who all work together to effect positive, lasting change for vulnerable populations. 

CHOM plays an active role in the Maine Homeless Policy Committee, a joint standing committee of the Statewide Homeless Council and the Maine Continuum of Care. This committee is comprised of steadfast advocates across Maine working on policy initiatives to end and prevent homelessness.

Importantly, through this work CHOM has cultivated strong relationships with Maine Legislators and Members of Congress to see that vulnerable populations in Maine are at the forefront of policy decisions and resource allocation at all levels of government.

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TRUSTED SOURCE FOR INFORMATION

 CHOM compiles & disseminates Federal and State Legislation updates with great frequency, which are reviewed monthly at Statewide Homeless Council, Regions I, II, and III Homeless Council, MCOC, and ESAC meetings. 

CATALYST FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION

CHOM collaborates with advocates across Maine to ensure our voices are heard at all levels of government.  CHOM plays an integral role in assisting groups, coalitions, and organizations in taking action to support policies, legislation, and initiatives pivotal to the successful community inclusion of vulnerable populations.  CHOM assists these groups with regularity in drafting correspondence speaking to the efficacy of policy initiatives that would assist vulnerable Mainers.

EXPERTISE ON ENDING HOMELESSNESS

CHOM staff are routinely invited to provide their expertise on the ways in which communities can work towards ending and preventing homelessness in various venues.  CHOM is called upon frequently to present on its expertise both locally and nationally.

Click here for some of CHOM's previous presentations.

IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLNESS

Housing is a key social determinant of health. 

UNITE FAMILIES

Families adequately supported and brought together create a reduction in state custody and foster care costs

ADVOCACY GOALS

REDUCE COSTS

Smart policies create system-wide cost savings in emergency services, shelter, and healthcare costs

ACHIEVE DIVERSITY 

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Everyone deserves to be part of their community.

INCREASE SELF ESTEEM & SELF WORTH

People feel secure, healthy, and feel best when they belong, and have a safe and stable place to call home

GENERATE ACCESS

People thrive when we remove barriers and create access to jobs, social interaction, and education

BE AN ADVOCATE!

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JOIN US!

CHOM is constantly advocating for critical policy initiatives and legislation that will end homelessness and improve the lives of vulnerable populations. 
Find out how you can help. 

GIVE BACK

People always do better when they know that others care about them. Whether it is as part of your organization's charitable efforts, or just something you feel strongly about, inquire about  ways to help.

TELL US YOUR IDEA

If you have an idea about how you can help, let us know. We're always looking for new ways to carry out our mission. 
Call us; we're always happy to hear from you!

CHOM advocates for improved mental health and substance use disorder systems in Maine

An example of this advocacy is an Op-Ed about the ways in which we can work towards a more inclusive system of care

CHOM Because it makes sense infographic.
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