Father Bill's & MainSpring’s Post

If you want something different, you have to do something different. Helping people experiencing homelessness get the resources, housing and treatment they need isn't a mystery. We know how to do this. What we are lacking is a coordinated effort to bring together our resources to rapidly triage, assess and provide help to the over 10,000 men, women and children living unhoused in our San Diego region. Sunbreak Ranch is a well-thought through concept for providing a safe, temporary place for those living in encampments across our region to relocate to where they can have their basic needs met AND be surrounded by all the services they need in one place. Let's get smart about this San Diego and build Sunbreak Ranch ASAP. Humans are suffering right now, scared for their lives and perishing on our streets. Here's what we need to do: 1. Secure a piece of land in San Diego County that is centrally located (mid-county) and offers space for SunBreak Ranch. 2. Raise funds to cover the construction of SunBreak Ranch and operating/maintenance expenses for 2 years to start (Reach out to SunBreak Ranch leadership for the amount they need). 3. Build the site. 4. Open it up for those experiencing homelessness. 5. Provide triage services, temporary housing and a safe, dignified community for these individuals and families to rest, heal, rebuild trust and discover a path for their life off the streets. 6. Help these individuals find jobs, healthcare services, education, long-term care or another path based on their individual circumstances. 7. Provide compassionate, healing support and inspiration. I'm in to help Sunset Ranch accomplish its goals. Are you? #sunsetranch #sandiego #homelessness #endinghomelessness #wecandothis Drew Moser John (J.C.) Peterson HomeAid San Diego HomeAid

Take action 📣 email your representatives today! Join us in requesting a federal funding expansion for shelters and safe haven programs for women and children. By clicking this link–– https://lnkd.in/gkKQAPxe ––you can quickly send a message to your members of Congress on behalf of the more than 1.2 million women and 2.5 million children experiencing homelessness in the United States every year. WLP's Executive Director, Jennifer Hanlon Wigon, is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Women's Shelter Network, which has submitted a request for a $55,000,000 increase to Emergency Solution Grants. This funding has a 15% set aside of Formula Grant funds to be directed to women’s and children’s shelter and safe haven programs in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Bill. Women and children often encounter traumatic life events prior to experiencing homelessness and require high-special-need services to address the impacts of gender-based violence and trauma. Frontline organizations are facing significant challenges in responding to growing homelessness rates. Additional funding is crucial for basic operations, human services, and enriched supportive services that facilitate successful transitions to long-term stable housing. Collectively, we hold the power to save and change the lives of countless women and children across the nation.

Continuing Education- Sharing is caring.

Dive into the heartwarming story of a homeless man and a homeless cat who find solace in each other's company. This touching tale is more than just a story; it's a gateway for meaningful conversations about homelessness, loneliness, and the incredible bond between humans and animals. Perfect for teachers and families, this book serves as a compassionate starting point for discussions on how we can better support both homeless individuals and animals. Let's use this story to open up dialogues on empathy, kindness, and the vital role of companionship in our lives. @Kathy Christensen #homeiswheretheheartis #bookrecommendations #empathy #homelessness #animalcompanionship #educationalreads #heartwarmingstory

🏠 How do you end homelessness? One life at a time! 🏠   Our core programs and services are designed not only to meet immediate needs like food and shelter for unsheltered neighbors but also to help each person find their path to long-term self-sufficiency.   We’re building a system of care that is changing the state of homelessness in San Diego County.   For many living on the streets, finding the help they need is confusing. And shelter beds in the region are at 96% capacity.   Operation Navigation is our solution to this crisis. By opening 3 more Navigation Centers across the County, we’ll nearly double our number of shelter beds.   Once their immediate needs for shelter are met, guests will transition to longer-term housing or Mission Academy, our residential program downtown where they can rebuild their lives, like Cynthia did.   Your support directly impacts lives through initiatives like Community Outreach, Navigation Centers, Mission Academy, Hunger Relief programs, and more. See what you are making possible at https://lnkd.in/dRzWvJSx. #EndHomelessness #OperationNavigation 

Definitely take a look at this article to learn more about what we need to get a low-barrier homeless shelter in Pensacola!

Sharing this Illinois Housing Development Authority #capital opportunity for the acquisition and development of #non-congregate shelter, #fixed site, #permanent shelter facilities in Illinois. Key dates: *Webinar: Wednesday, August 14 at 10:30am: https://lnkd.in/gEQMaB_g *Preliminary Project Assessment Due: Monday, October 7, 2024 *Final application Due: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Thrilled that Illinois Housing Development Authority continues to support emergency and transitional housing #facilities. Now, more than ever, shelter facilities are crucial spaces for our unhoused neighbors and so that housing operators and #nonprofits that serve them have access to permanent, fixed site assets for financial and operational sustainability. According to the Home Illinois Prevent and End Homelessness, emergency shelter is a key resource in the landscape of housing insecurity crisis interventions, and rightsizing emergency shelters is critical infrastructure in a homeless crisis response system continuum. Access to transitional housing is often the key to securing a permanent housing solution. IFF (CDFI) has been providing real estate solutions to emergency housing operators, community organizations and government partners, including #technical #assistance, #real estate #project management, one-on-one coaching, peer learning on topics like zoning, site control, community engagement, operations and occupancy expenses for fixed site shelter. By managing a #pipeline of projects, we also support the alignment of capital for projects, serving diverse populations, including new arrivals, justice-involved individuals and families for #nonprofit program and policy alignment for system wide change. Get in touch if you have a shelter project you are considering in Illinois!

Vista's new homeless shelter is set to open soon. We were invited to apply but unfortunately had to decline due to state funding requiring a drug-allowed shelter. This same issue has plagued other areas, with calls for low barrier drug-allowed shelters and taxpayer-funded drug housing. While these initiatives may seem well-intentioned, the reality is that not even one low barrier shelter has reduced homelessness. At Solutions for Change, we unabashedly set high standards because we believe in the God-given potential of each and every soul we serve. Our goal is not just to serve individuals, but to empower them to become overcomers. We pray for Retread Inc and their leadership, and for the shelter users that they see their worth and get into a sobriety-based program. Remember, it's not about the numbers served, but the numbers who no longer need service. Let's work together to serve and solve. #WeAreOneUs #ServeToSolve #SolutionsForChange #MakeOvercomers #CrushTheChurn

Shelter diversion is a crucial practice that helps prevent homelessness. Families who are facing a housing crisis only need to make a simple call to start the process. By diverting families from shelter and finding alternative solutions, we can keep families together and out of the shelter system. Let's work together to make shelter diversion a best practice across the country. #homelessnessprevention #shelterdiversion #housingcrisis

Subject: Urgent Call to Action: Help a Homeless Young Lady Dear Compassionate Community, I come to you today with an urgent plea—a call to our collective humanity. The Circle of Life Inc Transitional Homeless Shelter is on a mission, and we need your support more than ever. Let me share our story: Our Mission: We reach out to the public, businesses, corporations, and foundations to acquire donations that directly impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Our immediate goal: $20,000. Every dollar counts. The Young Lady in Need: She’s 25 years old, four months pregnant, and homeless due to domestic violence. Health challenges—ADHD, depression, and Autism—makes her journey even more difficult. What She Needs:                                                        A Job: If you know of any opportunities, please send them our way. Emergency Housing: A house or apartment with at least two bedrooms. Furnishings: Donated items to turn her shelter into a home. The Reality: Yes, there are shelters in the city, but they’re full. The need outweighs the available resources. In Philadelphia alone, over 4,000 people are homeless. It’s a crisis we cannot ignore. Your Call to Action: Pause. Reflect. Imagine yourself in her shoes. Then, consider making a donation. Every contribution matters. How You Can Help: Contact Us: Geraldine Churchwell, Founder & CEO Call leave voicemail or text: 215-954-3799 Email: msgerry@thecircleoflifeinc.org Visit our website: www.thecircleoflifeinc.org Mailing Address for Donations: To drop off donations, please call Yumy Odom at 908-334-1793. Mail checks/money orders to: The Frator Heru Institute 2227 N Broad St, 3rd Fl Phila PA 19132 Donate via PayPal: Visit The Frator Heru Institute. Specify that funds are direct donations for administration/operational expenses for The Circle of Life Inc. Tax-Exempt Donations: Your generosity is IRS tax-exempt under Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Blessings Await: Let’s be the silver lining in her storm. Together, we can rewrite her story. With gratitude, Geraldine Churchwell