Mark Horvath’s Post

Have you booked your ticket for the October Australian Zero Homelessness Summit yet? Here’s an insight into what to expect from Michala McMahon at Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness

Ready to kick off the year with a positive outlook on how to end homelessness? Not only does this doc by Invisible People beautifully showcase how #HousingFirst is a direct way out of homelessness: without coercion, but with all the tools needed for a life of security and dignity. It also gives us an interesting mix of viewpoints. There are tenants, socials workers and Housing First experts arguing for housing as a basic human right. There's a conservative politician with his own spin on why ending homelessness is a benefit. A spin, of course, which we, working in the humanitarian and social care sector, might not put front and center. This broad consensus, though, that homelessness only ends with permanent, affordable housing and Housing First as a core policy of homelessness service, has led to Finland becoming a role model in the field. A special perk is the dynamic between laconic Fins and a super-enthusiastic US-American host. In the end, Mark Horvath asks: "When will Americans do what we need to do to fix the affordable #housing crisis and to start providing homeless people with the housing and support services they need?" In the year of very decisive European Parliament elections (and crucial election in my own country), let's also make this a leading question for ourselves! https://lnkd.in/dMY5wNhw

Veteran Housing Corp applauds all efforts to build affordable housing but would challenge each and every local, state, and federal housing agency or affordable housing developer to do better in 2024 and beyond. Veteran Housing Corp demands permanent affordability for all projects receiving government funding, subsidies, tax credits, or other incentives! Veteran Housing Corp demands transparency and every local, state, and federal government agency and other stakeholders MUST provide answers to questions about the housing projects that are built with government funding, subsidies, tax credits, or incentives, including the following: 1. How much funding, federal tax credits, or government benefits or incentives from all government sources did the projects receive? 2. What is the affordability period for each project? 3. What guarantees exist that tenants will not be displaced after the "affordability period expires? Every local, state, and federal housing authority and affordable or workforce housing stakeholder should adopt the State of Vermont's "permanent affordability" policy as a model for all future government funded or subsidized housing projects or developments, no exceptions!  https://lnkd.in/eFEUC8c8 Additionally, local, state and federal housing agencies should look to the Helsinki, FINLAND MODEL of ending homelessness by providing affordable housing for all 'It’s a miracle': Helsinki's radical solution to homelessness https://lnkd.in/er9HZSQU

Must Watch 👀 "Finland's remarkable success in reducing homelessness is often credited to the innovative Housing First approach. This model offers stable housing as the primary intervention, complemented by essential support services to address the root causes of homelessness and help individuals rebuild their lives." While skeptics argue that Finland's achievements cannot be replicated in America, Invisible People embarked on a transformative journey to Helsinki, Finland, to explore the potential of implementing the Housing First approach on a large scale in the United States. What's even more striking is that Housing First was born in America❗ Yet Finland has embraced it and witnessed an incredible reduction in homelessness, plummeting from over 20,000 homeless people to less than 4,000 in just a decade. Countless media outlets have highlighted Finland's achievements in homelessness reduction, with the Housing First model at the forefront. Finland's strategy prioritizes the development of affordable housing and cultivates a culture genuinely dedicated to improving homeless services to house people quickly and permanently. While Housing First has played a significant role in their success, it's just one piece of the puzzle. #housingfirst #homelessness #homelessnessissolvable #sandiego #affordablehousing https://lnkd.in/dPXQ--SU

Good discussion on housing & homelessness, needs & solutions, before the State of the Union. #affordablehousing #housingsolutions #homelessnessissolvable https://lnkd.in/gGd-tuud

The unsheltered homelessness challenge in Maricopa county can be solved! As a community, we have the know-how, the resources, and the properties. Now, we just need the will to make it happen! Learn how you can pitch in: https://lnkd.in/eAku2FtH

Our communities need long-term solutions that will keep us safe and securely housed! To prevent displacement and homelessness, @GovKathyHochul must pass #StatewideRTC (S2721) THIS YEAR, and fund its implementation with $260 million in the budget. #HochulsCourtsMustChange

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"We have to understand that Housing First is not Housing Only." This is a great exploration of Finland's approach to radically reducing homelessness, by Invisible People. It highlights the critical factors, beyond providing housing, that are needed so that homelessness is rare, brief and non-reoccurring. In Finland's case, this looks like a sustained focus on prevention, ongoing commitments to building affordable housing, and ensuring wrap-around support is provided. #homelessness #housingfirst #endinghomelessness

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