BlueHub Capital’s Post

A recent Washington Post article sheds light on the severe shortage of affordable housing. As an organization committed to changing lives through affordable housing, we recognize the urgency of finding innovative solutions to ensure that America's working families have access to safe homes. The Biden Administration's $5.5 billion initiative aims to boost affordable housing and support community development, but it's clear that more must be done at every level of government and society. This challenge requires us to rethink our strategies, streamline regulations and promote new types of housing that cater to low- and moderate-income families. Personal stories from those facing housing insecurity highlight the human side of this crisis, reminding us that behind every statistic is a family striving for stability and opportunity. At Highridge Costa we are committed to rolling up our sleeves and working with all stakeholders to develop solutions that address these needs and advocate for policies that support affordable housing initiatives. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that everyone has a place to call home. #AffordableHousing #HousingCrisis #CommunityDevelopment #PolicyReform #InnovativeSolutions #HousingForAll #HighridgeCosta https://lnkd.in/e4vQEgrK

#Opened #40years #ago #this #week, #Federal #City #Shelter #remains #essential #DC #GreaterGreaterWashington #January17 "An #unprecedented #partnership between the #federal #government, #the #city, and the #Community #for #Creative #Non-#Violence, the shelter was originally #envisioned #as #a #short-#term #answer for the swelling ranks of people sleeping on the streets of the nation’s capital. #Forty #years #later, homelessness has become a permanent feature of US cities, and ‘2nd and D’ #remains an #essential #part #of the #District’s #social #service #landscape. #With the #Bowser administration #proposing wide-ranging #cuts #to #housing #and #homeless #services to address projected budget shortfalls, #this #situation #is #unlikely #to #change any time soon."

We had the honor of showcasing #AzurePrintedHomes at the state Capitol in Sacramento yesterday, alongside lawmakers and community leaders. One of our 3D-printed homes was on display, highlighting innovative solutions to address California's homelessness crisis. This home, just over 100 square feet, offer a temporary, dignified space for individuals to stay while they transition to permanent housing. State Senators Josh Becker and Catherine Blakespear, Assemblyman Gregg Hart, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Elizabeth Funk, CEO of #DignityMoves emphasized the urgency of the situation, with 67% of California's homeless population unsheltered. Senate Bill 1395, the Interim Supportive Housing Act, seeks to streamline the building process on unused land, making it easier for cities to quickly deploy interim housing solutions. We're proud to be part of this movement, providing eco-friendly, cost-effective, and rapidly constructed housing that can make a real difference in people's lives. As Mayor Mahan noted, these units are more than just shelter—they’re a stepping stone to stability and a better future. Let's continue working together to address homelessness and bring hope to those who need it most. 💪🏠 #HousingCrisis #Innovation #3DPrinting #AffordableHousing #Sustainability #California Josh Becker Catherine Blakespear Gregg Hart @Matt Mahon Elizabeth Funk Joanne Price

Exciting news for housing and homelessness resources in California! The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has announced over $4.8 billion in funding set to be released in the upcoming year. This funding, part of the 2024-2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) calendar, encompasses various state and federal funding sources, with specific dates for release, application deadlines, and anticipated award dates outlined. Key highlights from the NOFA calendar include approximately $2 billion allocated from Proposition 1 and the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act, along with ongoing multifamily finance funding like the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Notably, programs previously managed by the Interagency Council on Homelessness, such as the $2 billion in HHAP funds and the $150 million Encampment Resolution Program, will also be included. Excitingly, HCD will be introducing three NOFAs for Tribal Entities, providing over $190 million for multifamily, homeownership, and infrastructure projects. Stay tuned for more updates on these opportunities to address housing and homelessness challenges in California. #HousingFunding #HomelessnessResources #CaliforniaHousing

Santa Clara County has found success with a reformed homelessness prevention program that removes many of the restrictions that can impede the effectiveness of traditional homelessness prevention programs. "Santa Clara County’s Homeless Prevention System, or HPS, is a program administered by a network of local nonprofits that provides financial assistance to tenants at risk of eviction HPS is part of a family of interventions predicated on the notion that the cheapest way to address homelessness is by keeping struggling tenants from being turned out on the streets in the first place. Most other eviction-prevention programs demand proof of stability and will only work with those who have temporary issues like an unexpected expense. Santa Clara's HPS is different, providing assistance without a pre-set time limit for people who were are still housed but on the brink. HPS recognizes that the challenges its clients face aren’t likely to be over in a month. A parent might need several months of financial assistance to figure out how to pivot out of working three jobs, or take the time to get trained to seize a new opportunity, or to extract themselves from an unaffordable housing situation. Most of the funds go out in direct payment to landlords, but it can also be used for gas and car payments or to pay for other bills., The no-strings-attached assistance, which averages $6,000 to $7,000 per household over four months, also has a wider community impact: For every $1 spent, the community saw $2.47 in benefits, the 2023 study concluded. Approximately 95% of families that used the service remained in stable homes. Defenders of this proactive aid model emphasize that societal costs start to spiral once people are out on the streets, where job loss, contact with the criminal justice system and emergency room visits can quickly follow. Research found that the highest acuity, or most serious, homeless residents cost the county $85,000 annually. It makes the $6,000 it might take to stabilize a resident’s finances over several months look like a bargain."

There is no “one size fits all” solution to homelessness. But there are proven models that work. And a housing-first approach, lead by an integrated housing & homelessness agency, in collaboration with a network of trusted local partners, experts in their respective areas, is a surely a recipe for success. Do yourself a favour: take a minute to follow the links below & read about our latest initiative in Shepparton. It’s an absolute cracker!

"There’s plenty of evidence to support policies that reduce homelessness, including housing-first initiatives and land-use reforms that spur housing development. The cities that implement these practices are the ones seeing the greatest reductions in homelessness, Berg said. Take Houston, where homelessness has fallen 63% since 2011. The city uses a housing-first approach to move people experiencing homelessness into their own homes and apartments, where some stay for several months while they connect with services like counseling and substance misuse treatment. Once they’re back on their feet, they can more easily secure permanent housing. Strategies like housing first require collaboration and buy-in from all parties involved: government agencies, nonprofits, residents and people experiencing homelessness. Criminalization, meanwhile, separates people from their support networks. It worsens the situation and often creates more tensions in communities, Berg added. " #americafirst #usa #stategovernment #localgovernment #housing #homelessness #homelessnessawareness #homelesssupport #urbanplanning #urbandesign #urbandevelopment

Big moves in the fight against homelessness: Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced $131 million in new funding for cities to resolve encampments, with nearly $50 million heading to the Bay Area. But here’s the catch: cities must comply with state housing laws to receive the funds. This funding could be a game-changer, but it’s about more than just money—it’s about accountability. As cities work to clean up, they’ll need to make sure their housing policies are in check or risk losing this support.  https://lnkd.in/dCMWqpVi

Move-ins are underway at the Solaire Apartments in San Jose. This 130-unit apartment complex includes 64 units specifically allocated for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness that have project-based housing vouchers. The Solaire Apartments are the product of a collaboration between the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing, Eden Housing, Inc., and The John Stewart Company. In support of the residents in the 64 units, HomeFirst will offer intensive case management. Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition from chronic homelessness to stable housing and provide ongoing support to help residents sustain tenancy. Three HomeFirst Case Managers and one Resident Services Coordinator will work on-site. These dedicated employees will empower residents to connect with resources, increase their income, and achieve other goals that they set. The units come furnished, and HomeFirst is providing each unit with a Welcome Kit funded by Destination: Home that contains home essentials. This additional support will help ease the financial strain placed on an individual when they move into a new home and help establish a sense of belonging for those moving in. As residents settle into their new homes, HomeFirst extends gratitude to all who partnered on this project. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community where everybody has a home. #endhomelessness #partnership #permanentsupportivehousing

The issue of homelessness transcends mere lack of shelter, encompassing a complex interplay of social exclusionary factors that only exacerbate poverty, limit opportunities and create barriers to full participation in society. Effectively addressing homelessness demands more than short term fixes. It requires holistic solutions that go beyond housing to facilitate meaningful societal integration that break the cycle of housing instability permanently.