REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON THE HOMELESS

Incorporated on June 17, 2004, as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, Inc. began doing business as the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) in July 2022. Today, RTFH serves as San Diego Countys lead agency for homelessness response and coordination.Our VisionRTFH is the homeless policy expert and lead coordinator for the introduction of new models in the San Diego region and implementation of best practices. Collaboration in the region and utilizing data are key ways to end homelessness, and we continue to expand the network of those who are touched by homelessness improve lives.Continuum of Care (CoC) LeadershipRTFH serves as the HUD-designated Continuum of Care (CoC) lead agency for San Diego County. The CoC promotes a coordinated, community-based approach to addressing homelessness, bringing together service providers, individuals with lived experience, and local leaders to develop and implement strategies that meet the diverse needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The CoC Board oversees planning, funding coordination, and system-level performance to ensure resources are used effectively and equitably. This includes managing the annual competitive process to apply for HUD funding through the Continuum of Care Program, which primarily supports housing and services for people experiencing homelessnessespecially those with the highest needs. Key Programs and InitiativesHomeless Management Information System (HMIS): RTFH manages the HMIS for the San Diego region and Imperial County, providing essential data and insights on homelessness to inform policy and drive system performance. Coordinated Entry System (CES): RTFH operates the CES, a critical tool for assessing and prioritizing individuals and families experiencing homelessness for housing and services.WeAllCount (PIT Count): RTFH conducts the annual Point-in-Time Count, known as WeAllCount, to gather data on the number and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness in the region. Diversion Programs: RTFH implements diversion strategies to address immediate housing crises and help individuals avoid entering the shelter system by identifying alternative housing solutions. Flexible Housing Pool (FHP): In collaboration with partners like Brilliant Corners, RTFH administers the FHP to secure housing for people experiencing homelessness, including veterans, youth, and families, by leveraging various funding sources and landlord partnerships.Annual Conference: Since 2022, RTFH has hosted a high-impact conference that gathers local, state, and national experts, elected officials, service providers, and individuals with lived experience to collaborate; serving as vital platforms for sharing best practices, fostering partnerships, and energizing the community's collective efforts to combat homelessness.Governance StructureRTFH operates under a dual-governance model to fulfill both nonprofit and federal Continuum of Care responsibilities:RTFH Board of Directors:A 16-member board focused on organizational oversight, strategic direction, and nonprofit governance. This structure was formalized in October 2020 to enhance RTFHs capacity to fulfill the requirements of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Continuum of Care Advisory Board:A 33-member body representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders including government entities, health systems, philanthropic partners, faith-based organizations, service providers, law enforcement, and those with lived experience tasked with CoC planning and oversight.Regional VisionReduce and end homelessness in San Diego, ensuring that if this situation does happen for anyone, it remains a rare, brief and non-recurring instance; not an outcome.