The Akron/Summit County Continuum of Care represents a broad collaborative effort of homeless service providers, supportive service providers, hospitals, The University of Akron, banks and foundations. Homeless providers are working together to further enhance a system providing emergency, transitional, and permanent shelter to homeless individuals, families, and special needs populations. The Continuum of Care system provides the homeless with not only shelter, but supportive services to equip them with the tools necessary to assist them in overcoming this difficult period in their lives. The Continuum of Care Committee has been meeting on a regular basis to further evaluate the needs in the community and to identify existing gaps.