Rochester's Cornerstone Group’s Post

How can Love change the way we see the world ? Every so often something comes along that reignites a love for what you do, recently our team was able to contribute to a Big conversation in a Little way. Colony 47 came to GHD with an idea to help solve Youth Homelessness in Tasmania through the potential purchase of the Fountainside Hotel. Whilst recognising that a not-for-profit provider would struggle to be economically competitive in the Expression of Interest process for this property, Colony 47’s Dianne Underwood and Angela Abbott were keen to try to find a way for stakeholders and decision makers to see things differently. Introduced by Bill Lawson, founder of the Beacon Foundation, the GHD Future Communities' Loveable team; myself, Andrew Smith and Michala Lander helped put together a submission to support the prospectus. Our work told a different story than most, where this place was one that could change lives. It’s not just a room and shelter…. instead it’s a space that fosters a sense of belonging, connectedness and hope. It’s an opportunity to co-design a space with care, sensitivity, sustainability, and respect. A place that functions as a place of healing, kindness, wellbeing, and transformation.   This work supports Colony 47 to pursue some of their aspirational strategic goals in delivering on their purpose to end youth homelessness and building a better future for young Tasmanians.  It has enabled them to confidently have strategic discussions with key stakeholders who can provide capital funding, the response from the Tasmanian Community has also been very supportive. Maybe Love can change how we see the world ? #futurecommunities #loveable #Colony47

I took this photo yesterday while on a homeless outreach ride along the same day Portland city leadership unanimously voted to enact an updated camping ban. Unfortunately, the city’s ‘modified’ camping ban is little more than a declaration of surrender to the devastating unsheltered homelessness crisis in our city. The measure doesn’t ban camping but instead entrenches the public health disaster of tents and derelict RVs across our city. It is little wonder Portland city commissioners collectively sit at a 16% approval rating, with 70% of the public disapproving. If you are looking for a meaningful solution to the tragedy of unsheltered homelessness in our city, you will not find it in this measure or among our current leadership. Abandoning our neighbors to campsites and vehicles is inhumane, and it’s costing lives. When elected mayor, I’ll get people under roofs within 12 months of assuming office. Nighttime emergency shelter will provide safety, security, shelter, and sleep. Day shelters will serve as a ‘warm handoff’ designed to assess individual needs, connect with resources, and permanently help our neighbors off the streets. It’s a proven blueprint developed by my nonprofit, Shelter Portland. We’ve seen the success of this strategy in other cities. Now it’s time to bring it to every corner of Portland. #portland #pdx #keithwilsonforportlandmayor

🏠🌟 Exciting news for Chilliwack! More than 70 temporary housing units are set to open soon through the Province's Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. Ruth & Naomi's Mission will run 43 of these units, which will be modular homes built on the under-utilized parking lot of our Interchange location. These units will specifically be allocated to older adults. 🏠 Quick facts: + 73 temporary housing units will soon be available through the HEARTH program. + 30 new shelter beds will be added at the Chilliwack Wellness Centre, with additional services such as laundry, washrooms, and daily meals. + Construction of a new 43-unit modular housing facility is expected to begin this summer at 45466 Yale Rd (Ruth & Naomi's Mission – Interchange Location) + Ruth and Naomi's Mission will operate the self-contained modular units, providing residents with essential services and community programming. + The Chilliwack Wellness Centre and the modular housing units are part of a broader $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. 🚧🛌🍽️This investment underscores the government's commitment to addressing homelessness and providing vulnerable individuals with the support they need to rebuild their lives. By increasing shelter options and providing wraparound services, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents of Chilliwack. #Chilliwack #ShareChilliwack #RAN #RuthandNaomisMission #FraserValley #TheFraserValley

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson allows cities to enforce anti-camping ordinances without Eighth Amendment concern. The Court advised that addressing homelessness is best done by states and municipalities, not the judicial system. Justice Gorsuch wrote, “If the multitude of amicus briefs before us proves one thing, it is that the American people are still at it. Through their voluntary associations and charities, their elected representatives and appointed officials, their police officers and mental health professionals, they display that same energy and skill today in their efforts to address the complexities of the homelessness challenge facing the most vulnerable among us.” Cities will continue to face practical and legal challenges in this emerging area, and our firm stands ready to assist. https://lnkd.in/gWND6PQQ

🌞🚚 Sunday Vinnies Soup Van Run Update 🚚🌞 Braving Melbourne's scorching summer heat, our Inner City Vinnies Soup Van team embarked on the usual Sunday run yesterday. It was a tough one, I'd have to say. The demand for food hampers was exceptionally high, leaving us without supply for our last two stops – a stark reminder of the pressing need in our community. I had never seen that before. Have you thought about it? For many of us, summer and the heat bring unique challenges and some additional ones for people experiencing homelessness: How do you store your medication in extreme heat? I was reminded of that when seeing someone with prescribed medications next to them yesterday.☀ Where do you seek refuge when temperatures soar above 35 degrees and it’s hot even in the shade? Our dedicated volunteers hit the streets daily, seeing the challenges and providing crucial support as best as possible, because, well, homelessness doesn't take a heat break. To combat heat and dehydration, we distributed special summer hampers with essentials like sunscreen, deodorant, insect repellent, caps, and extra water bottles. Socks, a year-round necessity, were also in high demand. We never seem to have enough, regardless of the seasons. I am truly privileged and humbled to be part of this impactful movement - to work with Vinnies Vic, as St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is lovingly called, but also to be a volunteer, and I really admire those who have been so much longer than myself: During the day or the week, they juggle roles as civil engineers, school principals, electricians, carpenters. They work on international ad campaigns; they are students, mums, dads, sons, and daughters, all trying to make someone else's life who needs support just that little bit better. If you feel inspired to contribute, here's a link https://lnkd.in/gfghfdiv. It's worth it. 🤝❤️ #Volunteering #socialimpact #givingback #homelessness #donateforchange #changemakers

Despite push back (in some cases by service providers) this strategy is proving to be a key step on the road to more stable housing. As I have stated all along, this is not THE solution but a part of THE solution. #Pallet #denver

We're not just landlords, we're community builders. Sure, we're not running a charity but we believe in doing great things for our residents. We strive to make their lives better, lower their costs. How? Water conservation. Electricity conservation. These measures lower utility bills, saving our residents money and creating a more sustainable living environment. But we don't stop there. Thanksgiving? We give away turkeys. Holidays? We host patio decorating contests and let the community vote on the best. The prize? Gift cards. We even surprise our residents with breakfast sandwiches as they leave for work. We aim to create a vibrant, fun community. Summers are for ice cream socials and activities for the kids. Bouncy castles, face painting - you name it. We're all about fostering a sense of community. Why do we do all this? Well, it helps us too. We see less tenant turnover, which saves us money. But there's more to it. We believe in doing well by doing good. It's not just about profit, it's about people. This ethos stems from my humble beginnings. I know what it's like to struggle, to yearn for a sense of belonging. So, we're not just landlords. We're community builders. And we're proud of it. What about you? What does community mean to you? 🏡👨👩👧👦🌳 #BackstageGuide #HappyResidents #ProfitableProperties

We're not just landlords, we're community builders. Sure, we're not running a charity but we believe in doing great things for our residents. We strive to make their lives better, lower their costs. How? Water conservation. Electricity conservation. These measures lower utility bills, saving our residents money and creating a more sustainable living environment. But we don't stop there. Thanksgiving? We give away turkeys. Holidays? We host patio decorating contests and let the community vote on the best. The prize? Gift cards. We even surprise our residents with breakfast sandwiches as they leave for work. We aim to create a vibrant, fun community. Summers are for ice cream socials and activities for the kids. Bouncy castles, face painting - you name it. We're all about fostering a sense of community. Why do we do all this? Well, it helps us too. We see less tenant turnover, which saves us money. But there's more to it. We believe in doing well by doing good. It's not just about profit, it's about people. This ethos stems from my humble beginnings. I know what it's like to struggle, to yearn for a sense of belonging. So, we're not just landlords. We're community builders. And we're proud of it. What about you? What does community mean to you? 🏡👨👩👧👦🌳 #BackstageGuide #HappyResidents #ProfitableProperties

Let’s talk about wall blessings! 🙌 Wall blessings are a beautiful tradition at Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity. When a new home is being constructed, a special ceremony is held to bless the walls. This ceremony is the second event in the homeownership journey for partner families and takes place after the house is “dried in.” It’s a way to infuse spirituality, positive energy, good wishes, and hope into the very structure that will shelter families for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about wall blessings: Symbolic Significance: Wall blessings symbolize community, love, and support. They honor the hard work of volunteers, donors, and future homeowners. Gratitude: During the blessing, participants express gratitude for the opportunity to build their own home. It’s a moment to reflect on the impact of safe and decent affordable housing. Wishes and Prayers: Blessings often include wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity for the family who will live there. People may offer written prayers, poems, or heartfelt words. Unity: Wall blessings unite neighbors, volunteers, and community members. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected and invested in creating a better world. 🌎 📅 Visit our website and apply to volunteer: https://lnkd.in/ecake7D9 On your application, you will have the option to volunteer in many different areas including construction, mentorship, and ReStores. Please share this post with your friends and family and help us gather more construction volunteers. Whether you’re swinging a hammer, offering a prayer, or simply cheering from the sidelines, your presence matters. Together, we’re building more than houses—we’re building hope. 🌟💙 #BrunswickCountyHabitatForHumanity #BrunswickCountyNC #HabitatForHumanity #WallBlessings #CommunityLove #Housing #AffordableHousing #Volunteer #Construction