F. M. Kirby Foundation, Inc.’s Post

As the temperatures drop, it’s hard not to think about the impact on those most vulnerable: those who lack stable housing. Recently, Homeward Iowa released a report detailing the challenges of unsheltered families in our community. This is important for many reasons, but primarily, it allows a first-hand account of how we can do better to support those who are trying to meet the most basic of needs. When I say we I mean: nonprofit organizations, donors, funders, neighbors, neighborhood and business associations, elected officials…literally all of us. Making these changes is no small feat–it will take financial investment, policy shifts, and collective voices. It will take all of us. It will not be solved in one year or by any one person or group. Consider, as you look towards the holidays and new year, what impact you would like to see in our community next year and how you can play a role. There are many individuals and nonprofits working in our community to solve homelessness and housing insecurity. We are grateful to know and support so many. It is incumbent upon us to support those doing this work and challenge ourselves to do better for the change we want to see in our community and world. https://lnkd.in/gxV4dXPv

🏠 This Giving Tuesday, help us make a difference! Every day, the Housing Resource Line (HRL) answers calls from individuals and families facing the unimaginable—eviction, homelessness, and housing insecurity. Over the past year, the HRL has successfully connected more than 170 Richmond residents to over $250,000 in financial assistance, providing hope and stability when it’s needed the most. But we can’t do it alone. This Giving Tuesday, we’re aiming to raise $10,000 to ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Every dollar you give makes a difference: it provides the resources, guidance, and support to keep our community housed. 💡 Your Impact: $25 provides resource referrals for one family. $50 supports personalized housing stability plans. $100 connects residents to emergency financial assistance. Join us today to create a future where everyone has a place to call home. Together, we can make housing stability a reality for all. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_-NJ58Z ❤️ Every gift counts. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday unforgettable. #GivingTuesday #SupportHRL #AffordableHousing

PARTNERSHIP, PARTNERSHIP, PARTNERSHIP! We are well aware that Housing First is not defined as Housing Only. Wraparound services is what allows are participants to thrive within the Housing First model. It is impossible for agencies to provide effective services operating as silos. One agency providing all services for the increasing population is extremely taxing both administratively and financially. Knowing this, it is imperative that we connect with all service providers alike; governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, clergy, public health organizations, educational institutions, etc. Each entity has felt the effects of the current housing crisis, just as each bear heavy responsibility of servant leadership. One agency alone will not eradicate homelessness, it must be a collective effort. Write the MOUs, provide the LOS (Letters of Support) and begin the partnership.

Did you know? California currently has the highest population of individuals experiencing homelessness. At SDS Capital Group, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right. Through the SDS Supportive Housing Fund (SHF), we're dedicated to transforming this belief into action by financing the construction of permanent supportive housing (PSH) for those most in need. Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved:  https://lnkd.in/dtkztWCk  #SDSCapitalGroup #ImpactFundInvesting #RealEstate #SocialImpact #PermanentSupportiveHousing #PSH #PrivateInvestments #UnhousedCrisis #LAUnhousedCrisis #Over20YearsOfImpact 

When it comes to addressing homelessness, good intentions aren’t enough. States and cities should fund nonprofits for results, not just the services they provide. Far too often, public contracts reward effort over impact. But if people aren’t being meaningfully helped—if lives aren’t improving—then we need to rethink how we allocate resources. Performance-based contracts should be the standard for public funding, especially in homeless services. This doesn’t mean punishing nonprofits doing critical work; it means incentivizing innovation, accountability, and measurable outcomes. It means shifting from simply counting beds or meals to asking: How many people found stable housing or employment? How many are succeeding in recovery programs? How many have been supported in rebuilding their lives? Homelessness is a solvable problem, but only if we focus on what truly works. By funding results, we ensure that every dollar spent creates real, lasting change.

With the frigid temperatures over this week, Boston's homelessness crisis becomes a life or death scenario. In Massachusetts, needless NIMBY litigation continues to stall, delay, or ultimately kill housing development. Such litigation restricts housing supply, or raises housing costs that get passed along to the consumer (if projects ever get built). While the legislature made great strides in amending Section 17 of the Zoning Act (G.L. c. 40A) over the summer, it will take months, and perhaps years, to see the anticipated chilling of such baseless litigation. In the meantime, it is imperative that we in the local real estate industry support those in need of housing through local organizations like St. Francis House. On February 9th, St. Francis House will be holding its annual Winter Walk on the Boston Common, to raise funds for SFH and other organizations working to end homelessness in Boston. Housing or shelter is a basic human right, and no one should be without a warm place to go every night. Please join me in walking or supporting the SFH team here: https://lnkd.in/eaSeZusH.

Homelessness is increasing at unprecedented rates, affecting individuals and families across our communities. Rising housing costs, economic pressures, and a lack of affordable options are driving this crisis. This issue highlights the urgent need for systemic solutions, including expanding affordable housing, improving access to services, and fostering community support. Understanding and addressing homelessness is critical to building a more equitable future. Check out our website to learn more about this growing issue! #HomelessnessCrisis #AffordableHousing #CommunityAwareness #EndHomelessness #Utah #Help #MakeaDifference

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass ruling, a decision which effectively criminalizes homelessness, the McGregor Fund stands with leaders and advocates in the fight ahead for our unhoused friends and neighbors.   The City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson decision allows jurisdictions to fine and arrest individuals sleeping in public, even when no designated shelter is available. This decision will place already marginalized populations at greater risk, disproportionately impacting persons of color and exacerbating existing barriers to acquiring permanent housing and other critical supports.   Learn more about the Grants Pass decision and its consequences from our partners:   Funders Together to End Homelessness: https://lnkd.in/ePZa4Y2S   National Alliance to End Homelessness: https://lnkd.in/epXphUWK   CSH, the Source for Housing Solutions: https://lnkd.in/eEGQR2aK   Housing Narrative Lab: https://lnkd.in/emq4E5rg

🌟 Creating Hope through Collaboration: The Power of Resolution Strategies Funding🌟 In a world where homelessness can often feel like an insurmountable challenge, Resolution Strategies Funding shines brightly as a beacon of hope. Thanks to RTFH, this innovative program not only helps individuals and families find permanent housing within weeks but also transforms the narrative surrounding homelessness. Just this week, we witnessed the incredible impact of this initiative as three families received the assistance they desperately needed. One of those families was awarded funding within a day! This rapid response underscores our commitment to providing immediate solutions and restoring hope to those in need. The heart of this program lies in collaboration and partnership. We've come together as a community—nonprofits, local businesses, government agencies, and volunteers—to change the story of homelessness. It’s about uniting diverse voices and resources that normally wouldn’t work together, proving that working side by side can create powerful solutions. Each success story isn’t just a victory for the families involved; it’s a source of inspiration for the providers as well. Knowing that our efforts lead to tangible change fuels our passion and commitment to this mission. We are all Lamplighters, illuminating the path toward a brighter future for our neighbors who are struggling. Together, we can shift the narrative. By fostering understanding and building connections, we can transform lives and strengthen our community. Let this be a call to action for everyone: let’s join hands, share our resources, and ignite hope for a future where homelessness is no longer a reality but a thing of the past. Together, we can create lasting change!

🔑 Systemic Solutions for Housing Stability 🔑 Transitional housing isn’t just shelter—it’s a foundation for growth. With $3.6B in federal grants allocated to homeless services in 2025, collaboration is key. Bright Mind’s Street Care program bridges gaps through digital tools and community mentoring, aligning with initiatives like Covenant House’s 73% success rate in youth housing transitions. Let’s partner to scale impact. 👉 Explore partnerships: https://lnkd.in/eEwnd23k #HousingPolicy #SystemicChange #NonprofitCollaboration #CommunityWellness #TechForSocialGood #EducationAndHousing #VolunteerLeadership #USAHousingSolutions #BrightMindImpact #StreetCareInitiative #EmpathyDrivenSolutions #CriticalThinkingMatters #HealthyCommunities #SocialImpact2025 #CorporatePartnerships #NonprofitInnovation #CommunityEngagement