For the first time since the rise of homelessness more than 25 years ago, communities have been able to articulate a detailed, practical strategy for ending homelessness among families with children; a strategy that works.

Leading communities are using proven program models and systemic reforms to save children and their parents from homelessness. These communities are rapidly moving families from shelters and the streets back into housing, finding families who are about to lose their housing and heading off the crisis, and targeting the most intensive interventions where they are most critically needed.

And these communities have achieved results: in those that have concentrated on getting programs right and have made the tough decision to focus on solutions, the number of families that bear the trauma and pain of homelessness has declined.

Today’s economy makes the path toward ending homelessness steeper. With rising unemployment and housing problems caused by foreclosures, some communities are finding more families falling into homelessness. This challenges the homelessness system to be more effective, while stressing the importance of larger efforts to improve incomes and make housing more affordable.

At the same time, there are significant opportunities. In a season of political change, new leaders will be looking for meaningful and practical new undertakings. Recent events have highlighted the importance of housing affordability and significant new resources will most certainly be invested in housing over the next few years. Further, the critical role the public sector must play in creating a workable housing system in the nation has been underscored. Finally, people working on homelessness have developed an impressive track record that is becoming better known. And all of this is taking place in an environment that is open to improvement and change to increase effectiveness and achieve goals.