The Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) serves as the HUD-designated Continuum of Care (CoC) for the Midlands region of South Carolina.  As the CoC, MACH brings together local governments, service providers, community partners, and individuals with lived experience to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the region’s response to homelessness.

 

What Is a Continuum of Care?

A Continuum of Care is a community-based planning body required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Its purpose is to promote collaboration, improve system performance, and ensure that resources are used effectively to prevent and end homelessness.

 

MACH’s Role as the Continuum of Care

In its role as the CoC, MACH is responsible for:

• Coordinating a community-wide approach to addressing homelessness

• Establishing and maintaining CoC policies and standards

• Supporting a coordinated entry system to help households access housing and services

• Conducting the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

• Monitoring system performance and outcomes

• Facilitating collaboration and planning among partners

• Serving as the local body for HUD’s Continuum of Care Program

 

MACH does not provide direct housing or emergency assistance. Instead, it works to strengthen the systems and partnerships that make housing possible.

 

Who Participates in the CoC?

The Continuum of Care is made up of a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Nonprofit and faith-based service providers

• Local and state government partners

• Housing providers and developers

• Healthcare, behavioral health, and education partners

• Advocates and individuals with lived experience of homelessness

 

Participation in the CoC is open and encouraged.  Organizations, community partners, and individuals who want to support the Midlands' response to homelessness can get involved with MACH.