Alicia (Liss) Engels’ Post

📣 DFP Proudly Joins the Property Industry Foundation as National Partners At Development Finance Partners (DFP), we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Property Industry Foundation (PIF) as National Partners. This collaboration stems from a shared belief in the power of industry expertise to drive meaningful change. As a company immersed in the property development space, PIF’s direct involvement in building projects for homeless youth—through collaboration with the property and construction industry—felt like a natural fit for us. By aligning our efforts with PIF’s mission, we aim to raise awareness and foster impactful partnerships that deliver real solutions for vulnerable youth. Our Co-founder Baxter Gamble reflects on this alignment: “The Property Industry Foundation’s reputation for addressing youth homelessness through innovative and meaningful industry collaboration caught DFP’s attention. Supporting homeless youth aligns with DFP’s values of community support and social responsibility.” Co-founder Matthew R. adds: “Youth homelessness is an issue that resonates deeply with our team. PIF’s focus on building and renovating homes provides not just shelter but a foundation for young people to thrive. We’re proud to support this cause and encourage others in the industry to join us in creating real impact.” Learn more about this partnership and how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/gubEnwwx

As I wrap up my week in Ottawa at the CAEH National Conference on Ending Homelessness, I’ve been reflecting on what a privilege it is to be here and listen to subject/experience experts. I want to share what I’ll be taking back to my desk on Monday: 🏠 First, a big announcement from Minister Sean Fraser committing $50M to a Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund. The fund is intended to bring new, forward-thinking projects to help prevent housing loss and speed up housing solutions. 🤝🏻One panelist said something that stuck with me; she described how communities can be “big enough to work in silos, but small enough that it’d have to be an active choice to do so.” When people realized that siloed approaches were blocking collaboration, a shift happened in her community and they were able to develop permanent, fully funded supportive housing with private developers, nonprofits, and health centres. 👂🏻In another session, “Centering Lived Experience in Governance, Policy, and Program Design,” Ottawa’s Expert Steering Committee highlighted the missing piece at tables of power. Hearing voices from across the country underscored how far NB has to go in creating safe, appropriately-compensated spaces for those with lived experiences to be part of the conversation. Highly recommended researching the EST to learn more about their impressive work. 🔨 Finally, there were a number of affordable housing projects showcased, with one theme resonating across all: dignity in development. How do we start including future residents in the design process so that its inclusive, sustainable, and is celebrated?

“We have, right now, a 91% acceptance rate for individuals accepting housing,” Warren said. “So it's really not the case in most cases that people don't want resources, and they don't want housing. They do. Often, it's just that the system has failed them, and they've lost confidence in it.” This stat echoes what we saw in the #CAHomelessnessStudy. Participants desperately wanted housing but everywhere they turned, they came up against barriers: poor credit, no savings, no phone to receive calls, no documents, no transportation, no money for rental applications. We can solve unsheltered homelessness in communities across the nation, with a robust blend of prevention, evidence-based encampment resolution strategies, and more accessible temporary shelter and permanent housing options. Learn how: https://lnkd.in/gn4eUwte https://lnkd.in/g-ty5ve3

“Our lived experience is our superpower because we can build connection and trust with people, in a second.” – Betsy Craft, Collaboratory Participant We are deeply grateful to Tatiana Flowers and The Colorado Sun for shining a light on the Neighborhood-Based Resource Hub pilot. This Hub is the result of an incredible collective effort through Elevated Denver’s first Collaboratory, where community members—those with lived experience, service providers, business leaders, and policymakers—came together to co-create solutions. The Collaboratory was instrumental in shaping the Hub by bringing together diverse voices and experiences, including the lived experts who know firsthand the challenges of navigating homelessness. Through research, prototyping, and testing, we refined the model to ensure it truly addresses the needs of individuals newly unhoused or on the cusp of homelessness. This community-driven approach is what makes the Hub so powerful. It’s not just about connecting people to resources, but creating a trusting space for individuals and families to feel supported as they navigate an overly complex system of support, guided by Peer staff who have been there themselves. We want to extend our deepest thanks to all who were part of this process—from the Collaboratory participants to the Champions who have supported us every step of the way. Without your dedication and insights, this solution would not be possible. Read the full article and join us in this movement for meaningful change: https://lnkd.in/gCGSyx_D.

The public, private, and nonprofit sectors do work together to achieve notable success. This is one of those projects where One80 Place, The Michaels Organization and Spandrel Development are partnering to develop 70 affordable housing units. #innovation #affordablehousing #realestateinvestment

As Wichita takes significant steps toward addressing homelessness, the transformation of the former Park Elementary School into a Multi-Agency Center (MAC) symbolizes a broader commitment to community well-being. The MAC represents a forward-thinking approach: uniting essential services and resources under one roof to address the challenges faced by unhoused individuals. While such initiatives are not new nationally, this marks a pivotal moment for Wichita, signaling a shift toward a more comprehensive solution. As a conservative, I believe in prioritizing the essential functions of government—ensuring public safety, supporting infrastructure, and preserving the quality of life for all residents. Earlier this year, I proposed reallocating funds originally intended for a $6 million pickleball complex at South Lakes to support the shelter after state-level matching funds fell through. With a looming budget shortfall of $22 million over the next three years, difficult decisions must be made to prioritize spending. To me, addressing homelessness is a higher function of government than recreational expansions. The Council is expected to address updates to camping ordinances in the coming months to ensure laws are enforced while encouraging individuals to seek the services available through the MAC. Allowing people to live on the streets, when we provide a safe space and life-changing resources, is neither compassionate nor equitable for our community. This work requires both policy innovation and community participation. In a city that values responsibility and kindness, we have an opportunity to lead with integrity, ensuring no one in Wichita is left out in the cold. Addressing homelessness with compassion and accountability benefits us all, creating a community where everyone has a chance to thrive.

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re working with Dixon Hall, a multi-service agency serving Downtown East Toronto, as they use community bonds to expand much-needed supportive housing and wraparound support services in Cabbagetown. 🏡✨ “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. At Dixon Hall, we see firsthand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Downtown East Toronto. Community Bonds offer us a powerful way to expand our housing and social service programs, creating real and lasting impact for the people who need it most. By inviting our supporters to invest in these initiatives, we can secure the resources needed to maintain and grow safe housing options while continuing to provide essential services. This model allows us to respond to urgent needs, plan for the future, and aligns with our commitment to creating lasting and sustainable, community-driven solutions." - Mina Mawani, MHSc, ICD.D, CEO, Dixon Hall Dixon Hall has been a pillar of the community for nearly a century (‼️), supporting at-risk youth, seniors, newcomers, and individuals facing housing and employment challenges. With community bonds, they’re unlocking a powerful new way to scale their impact, engage their supporters, and bring safe, sustainable housing to those who need it most. Learn more about Tapestry’s work with affordable housing providers here: https://lnkd.in/eG79HCGw

CalOptima Health, an OGC member, has allocated $19.73M to expand its Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP) in Orange County. This funding will improve infrastructure, build partnerships, and drive innovative housing solutions. HHIP has funded 1,250 housing units and served over 500 individuals. These efforts align with OCG's focus on addressing housing insecurity in our community. Read more below: https://lnkd.in/gyt5sWSx

Progress that has been made in reducing veteran homelessness shows that with significant investment and political will, we can reduce homelessness, even among those with a history of mental illness or substance use disorders. Here in Alameda County, for example, veteran homelessness has decreased by 5% from 550 in 2022 to 524 in 2024. Read our Housing Plan to explain how we plan to tackle this problem at: www.achcd.org/reports. And leave your comments on the plan here: https://lnkd.in/gC8f-z6G. While overall homelessness has increased nationwide since 2009, veteran homelessness has fallen by half. Since 2008, Congress has spent billions of dollars providing rental assistance, in the form of housing vouchers, to homeless veterans. Vouchers come with no conditions; services such as drug treatment or mental health care are offered but not required. https://lnkd.in/g_97WF_b

Our City could not move the needle on homelessness without these fantastic local partners. Thanks to federal pass-through dollars, we are able to offer them some support to continue their diverse missions. #HUD #Homelessness                                                            City of Colorado Springs awards $850,000 in federal funds to local partners COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The City of Colorado Springs Housing and Community Vitality Department awarded $850,000 in competitive grants to local agencies serving our community’s most vulnerable residents. Funds are provided annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low to moderate income individuals and families. Awards support the City’s strategic priorities to prevent homelessness, increase housing choice and promote public safety. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services Awards ($450,000) Catholic Charities of Central Colorado – homelessness prevention ($30,000)  Community Partnership for Child Development – early childhood education ($35,000)  Lutheran Family Services – homelessness prevention for children ($30,000)  Greccio Housing – eviction prevention assistance ($25,000)  Forge Evolution – counseling for justice-involved youth ($70,000)  Colorado Legal Services – keep seniors and people with disabilities housed ($48,000)  Serenity Recovery Connection – substance abuse and behavioral counseling ($70,000)  Colorado Springs Fire Department – end the jail-to-street cycle ($92,000)  Kingdom Builders Family Life Center – youth violence prevention program ($50,000)   Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Awards ($400,000)  Family Promise – family homelessness prevention ($30,000) Kingdom Builders – rapid rehousing for survivors of domestic violence ($45,000) The Place – youth emergency shelter services ($75,000) Springs Rescue Mission – low-barrier emergency shelter ($50,000) Community Health Partnership – Homeless Management Information System ($100,000)  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards grant funds by formula to jurisdictions every year. Cities and counties determine priorities for the use of these funds through research and public engagement. For more information on CDBG and ESG grants, and how to partner with the City, can be found at https://lnkd.in/gPmJpQgK. # # #