Jennifer L. Rich’s Post

Today we kicked off Homelessness Week - ‘Homelessness Action Now’ by hosting an internal Haven Home Safe event discussing the challenges, misunderstandings and successes of working to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In addition to being awestruck by the incredible work of our staff a few key action themes emerged: 💙 We cannot do this alone. Often the best client outcomes are the result of formal and informal partnerships and community support to deliver outcomes. 💙 Advocacy makes a difference. Our councils, state and federal governments are listening to us. We heard examples of community support resulting in change such as local planning permits changing to support homeless families. It is up to each of us to shout from the rooftops about issues that impact the communities we live in and to raise issues with government bodies working to make a difference. 💙 The current system (without access to sufficient social housing) is causing more trauma and delaying outcomes. While we wait to build more homes, we need some flexibility in how we (and other services) deliver support to people with complex needs. Despite the challenges, the passion and dedication of our staff could not be clearer. We are so proud of the work our staff do and taking the time to reflect on this was a great way to start Homelessness Week. 

Let’s find a way. The last few years have been tough for Portland. As much as we’ve struggled with issues like homelessness, we’ve had to deal with cynical notions that Portland is done. Seems that too many people have been quick to give up on us. We at Impact NW have been part of this city since 1966. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that Portlanders don’t give up. We find a way. Amid the negativity and finger pointing, Impact NW is doing something remarkable. We are harnessing all of our capacity to prevent people from losing their housing - with great success. Not only have we served 83% more people since the pandemic (now more than 30,000), we are proud to say that well over 90% of the people we support remain housed. That’s what finding a way looks like. Here’s what else we know. You don’t give up either. You live here and, like us, you are also finding a way. Let’s team up. Join us for ‘We Are Impact’ as we raise support to fuel Impact NW’s homelessness prevention efforts. After all, it’s up to us. We live here. We know how to find a way - Together. Get your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/gvswXgFb #WeAreImpact #HomelessnessPrevention #Portland #EndHomelessness

In Charlotte, we're witnessing a critical challenge that touches the heart of our community — the rising tide of homelessness. This year, we're turning our focus toward understanding and addressing the complexities of housing instability in our city. Insights from the 2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness report by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services have been eye-opening: ⬆️ The count of individuals facing homelessness in our community is on the rise. ⬆️ An increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness without shelter. ⬆️ People are spending more time in emergency shelters than before. The availability of affordable rental options is dwindling. ⬆️ An increasing number of low- and moderate-income families are finding it hard to secure and maintain housing. ⬆️ The rate of evictions is climbing. Charlotte, we're curious to hear your thoughts. Were you aware of these issues? Do these findings surprise you? More importantly, how can we come together as a community to support those in need and find sustainable solutions to these challenges? Let's start the conversation and more importantly, let's start taking action. If you're ready to make a difference or want to learn more about our involvement and what you can do, let's talk. Together, we can make a change. #charlottecommunity #housinginstability #homelessnessawareness #takeaction #strataimpact

Supporting Homelessness Week: ADC’s Commitment to Change This Homelessness Week 2024, we want to shine a light on an issue that impacts over 120,000 Australians every night. While many of us take for granted having a roof over our heads, countless individuals and families face the harsh reality of homelessness, with nearly a quarter being children. At ADC, we believe in using our resources and influence to drive meaningful change. That’s why we are proud to partner with Homes for Homes and committing a portion of our development project revenue to combatting homelessness and delivering homes to those in need. Together, we are working to transform lives and create a future where everyone has a place to call home. We encourage you to join us in supporting this vital cause. Let’s spare a thought for those struggling and take action to change these statistics. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a difference. Adam Zorzi Roderick Hamersley Timothy Tjhung Nick King Cassandra Thompson #HW2024 #HomesforHomes #HomelessnessWeek #ADC #HomesForHomes #EndHomelessness #CommunitySupport #MakeADifference

Homelessness is a very serious issue in the City of Seattle and across King County, with African Americans making up a disproportionate number of people seeking shelter and permanent housing. Africatown Community Land Trust, or ACLT, based in Seattle’s Central District, is a community-based organization confronting this issue head-on. Located on 16th and Yesler, the Benu Community Home, operated by ACLT, opened in December 2021 and is a low-barrier enhanced shelter for single adult males. Just a few weeks ago, ACLT celebrated Benu Community Day. The day served as a rallying call to showcase the impact of Benu Community Home and, to unveil the Benu Impact Report, which detailed the transformative work being done to uplift unhoused Black men in Seattle and King County. As the city grapples with a homelessness crisis—where nearly 30% of the unhoused population are Black despite making up less than 7% of the total population—Benu Community Home stands as a lifeline for change. The Benu Report detailed a holistic approach to not just providing shelter, but creating a foundation for renewal, support, and empowerment. Benu’s model transforms lives by offering a safe space to heal, build community, and reclaim opportunity. This segment was produced by Kennesha Poe-Buycks, Carlos Imani, and The Elite Collective for Back2Besa and originally aired on October 5th on FOX 13 Seattle. Click to see the full episode: https://lnkd.in/gN4gUCh6 #BlackMediaMatters #WWConverge #ACLT #BENUCommunityHome

Homelessness and housing is complicated. We know that. As someone who has been deeply engaged in thinking about solutions to homelessness since founding Hollywood Arts in 2005 - a school focused on preventing young adults from falling into chronic homelessness - I thought I had a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. However, recently, as a result of working on behalf of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with the incredible Brittney Weissman, Kerry Morrison, Aaron Taxy and the dynamic team at Hollywood 4WRD, I've learned even more. Over the past few months, our team has engaged in candid conversations with various stakeholders, delving into areas often overlooked in mainstream discussions about housing and homelessness. The insights we've uncovered have challenged my preconceptions and expanded my perspective, despite my years of experience in this field. What we've discovered through this process is truly remarkable. The depth of research, the diversity of voices we've included, and the innovative approaches we've explored have shed new light on longstanding issues. I believe you'll find these revelations as compelling and thought-provoking as I have. I strongly recommend making time to attend this event. https://bit.ly/3TsOheN Join me in learning about and reimagining solutions to one of our city's most pressing challenges. #HousingCrisis #HomelessnessPrevention #CommunityDevelopment #SocialImpact #InnovativeSolutions

Yesterday the 100 in 100 initiative was launched in Grand Rapids. “An effort to house 100 individuals who are experiencing homelessness in 100 days with an intentional focus on chronic homelessness.” So encouraging to see this private/public partnership. Homelessness is a community-wide problem, and the entire community needs to be part of the solution. Grand Rapids Chamber City of Grand Rapids Mel Trotter Ministries Degage Ministries DeVos Family Foundation Dwelling Place Frey Foundation Heart of West Michigan United Way - Let's recognize every person has having inherent dignity and value. - Let's be proximate to others who are different than us. - Let's engage others with a posture of humility. - Let's seek first to understand, then to be understood. https://lnkd.in/eedUNWJX

Our organization is centered on ending homelessness, and this Indigenous Peoples’ Day we are mindful of the unique challenges that Indigenous communities face, including homelessness. Indigenous people in America experience homelessness at disproportionately higher rates compared to other groups, a consequence of historical and systemic injustices. For many Indigenous individuals, homelessness is not just a lack of physical shelter but a disconnection from their cultural and community ties. Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and housing programs across the nation represents a meaningful step towards addressing these challenges. Today, we elevate the powerful work being accomplished at Chief Seattle Club to ensure a world without homelessness. https://lnkd.in/ggRbz7-v

In 2021, we committed to a transformation of our homelessness response system. We aligned investments to focus on reducing unsheltered homelessness. Together, the All Neighbors Coalition has reduced unsheltered homelessness by 24% since that system transformation began. Our next big milestone is a 50% reduction in unsheltered homelessness as compared to 2021 levels. If we stay the course with continued public and private investments in proven strategies for housing and support services, we can reach this goal by 2026. Together, we will make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in Dallas and Collin counties! #endhomelessness #Housingforward #allneighborscoalition

In 2024, 3,280 people were experiencing homelessness across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. Since 2020, we've seen a 17% decrease in overall homelessness and a 33% drop in unsheltered homelessness. Thanks to Houston's Housing First model, homelessness has been reduced by an incredible 60% since 2011! But as COVID-19 relief funding comes to an end, we need $50 million annually to sustain this progress. Without continued funding, homelessness could rise by 60% again by 2026. 😟 Houston's success has been built on strong collaboration with local leaders, public-private partnerships, and a commitment to permanent housing solutions. Let's keep pushing forward to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gsDYq27h #HoustonStrong #HousingFirst #EndHomelessness #SupportOurCommunity #PublicPrivatePartnerships #TogetherWeCan