The Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (TJACH) is the lead organization for homelessness in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, consisting of the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. TJACH has existed as the Continuum of Care entity for the planning district since 1998, and voted in May 2008 to become the lead organization on homelessness as described in the Community Plan to End Homelessness. The final plan was adopted by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission on May 7, 2009.
Purpose:
TJACH’s mission is to end homelessness by ensuring a sufficient supply of permanent housing and supportive services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. TJACH’s main activities will be coordination, planning, research, advocacy, fundraising, data collection and analysis, convening work groups and serving as the Continuum of Care entity. TJACH will identify and implement strategies to end homelessness, including the strategies in the Community Plan to End Homelessness. TJACH will manage and provide operational oversight for the Haven at First and Market (formerly known as the First Street Church Project), a dynamic, multi-purpose community space that features centralized resources for the hungry, disadvantaged and homeless.
Facility:
The Haven at First and Market consists of four basic elements:
o The Annex providing offices and conference space for TJACH, homeless service providers, and agencies and organizations providing supportive services.
o The Day Haven, a space for people to gather during the day.
o Kay’s Kitchen, which will provide breakfast five days a week and bag lunches for those who work. An on-the-job training program will allow clients to gain valuable employment skills in the food service industry.
o The Sanctuary, a multi-use venue for performances and other cultural/arts events.
Contact Jocelyn at the CACF office for more information.