The Committee was created in 1988 by the legislature and is comprised of gubernatorial-appointed members from a consortium of community organizations, private and public, not-forprofit and for-profit entities. The primary activities of the SHCC have been to coordinate and allocate funds for homeless programs.

It directs state and federal funds to homeless and housing service providers throughout the state. Resources include money from the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund, Critical Needs Housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Shelter Program, and revenues generated by voluntary contributions to the Homeless Trust Fund via state tax returns. It also provides oversight and approves allocations of funding for providers of homeless services. The committee ensures that services provided to the homeless are utilized in a cost-effective manner and works to facilitate a better understanding of homelessness. Programs are devoted to emergency housing, self-sufficiency, placement in employment or occupational training activities, special services to meet unique needs of the homeless with mental illness and those who are part of families with children. Contracts are awarded to providers based on need, diversity of geographic location, coordination with or enhancement of existing services, and the use of volunteers.