The Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties

The Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties Our mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals in Jasper and Newton Counties (Missouri) who experience any aspects of homelessness.

The Homeless Coalition meets the second Monday of each month, to coordinate services and share information that helps individuals experiencing homelessness. We welcome anyone in the community to join our meetings, if you have information to share or are a provider of services. Coalition members participate in local and statewide meetings, including the Governor's Committee to End Homelessness and Missouri Housing Development Commission. We maintain a data system that collects information and reports trends on those in our community who are homeless. The Coalition also serves as a liaision with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, writing our community's collaborative application for HUD funding each year, and ensuring that "best practices" are used in homeless services, and that service goals are met by providers.

09/15/2026

We are incredibly thankful to the Jasper Products HR department for their recent food drive donation! Because of caring businesses and community partners like you, we are able to give our neighbors the support they need. Thank you for investing in our community ♥️🥫🫂

09/15/2026

What Is Coordinated Entry?

One of the most common questions people ask is, "How does someone get connected to housing assistance?" In Jasper and Newton Counties, that process begins with Coordinated Entry. Coordinated Entry is a standardized process that helps ensure people experiencing homelessness are assessed using the same criteria and connected with housing programs for which they may be eligible.

Completing a Coordinated Entry assessment does not guarantee immediate housing. Housing resources are limited, and each program has its own eligibility requirements. The assessment helps identify a household's needs and ensures that available housing opportunities are offered through a fair and consistent process rather than on a first come, first served basis.

The goal of Coordinated Entry is to make the homeless response system easier to navigate while helping communities prioritize limited housing resources for households with the greatest needs. In future posts, we will explain what happens after an assessment is completed and how different housing programs serve different populations.

NEXT IN THE SERIES Part 16: What Happens After a Coordinated Entry Assessment?

09/14/2026

What Is Street Outreach?

For many people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, a street outreach worker is the first connection to the local homeless response system. Outreach teams meet people where they are, whether that is in a tent, a vehicle, an abandoned building, or another place not meant for human habitation. Their goal is to build trust, understand immediate needs, and provide information about available resources.

Street outreach is often a gradual process. Some people are ready to accept assistance immediately, while others may need multiple conversations before they feel comfortable engaging with services. Outreach workers may provide resource information, complete assessments, verify homelessness when appropriate, and help connect people with healthcare, case management, Coordinated Entry, or housing programs.

Successful outreach is built on respect, consistency, and relationships. While outreach alone cannot solve homelessness, it plays an important role in helping people begin the process of connecting with the services and housing opportunities available in our community.

NEXT IN THE SERIES Part 15: What Is Coordinated Entry?

09/13/2026

Community Partnerships Make the Difference

Addressing homelessness requires more than housing programs alone. It also involves healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, schools, veterans' services, local governments, landlords, employers, faith communities, recovery programs, transportation providers, and many others. Each plays a role in helping people achieve and maintain housing stability.

Some organizations provide emergency assistance. Others focus on long term housing, healthcare, education, employment, or financial stability. While each organization has its own mission, many work together through The Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties to improve coordination and reduce barriers that can make it difficult for people to access services.

Strong partnerships do not eliminate every challenge, but they help create a more connected system where organizations can share information, learn from one another, and better respond to the changing needs of our community.

NEXT IN THE SERIES Part 14: What Is Street Outreach?

09/12/2026

How The Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties, Regional Commission, and Community Partners Work Together

As our community's response to homelessness continues to grow, several groups have distinct but complementary roles. Understanding those roles helps explain how decisions are made and how organizations work together.

The Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties focuses on coordinating the homeless response system and fulfilling the responsibilities of the Continuum of Care. The Regional Commission on Homelessness provides broader community leadership by bringing together representatives from many sectors to help implement the Community Plan and address regional challenges. Individual organizations continue providing the direct services they know best, whether that involves emergency shelter, healthcare, behavioral health, housing, outreach, food assistance, employment services, or other forms of support.

Each part of the system has a different purpose, but none operates in isolation. Progress depends on communication, shared planning, and a willingness to work together toward common goals while recognizing that every organization brings different strengths and areas of expertise.

NEXT IN THE SERIES Part 13: Community Partnerships Make the Difference

09/12/2026

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT... Teresa is an absolute blessing to this ministry. She handles everything we throw at her with a smile.. Always willing to tackle the hard stuff, everything from creating spreadsheets to creating and designing all the great posts you see...So grateful for the team we have in the office.. Next time you come in make sure to say hi..

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1601 S Wall Avenue
Joplin, MO
64801

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