WellSky’s Post

What is a PIT Count? A Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a county-wide count of all people experiencing #homelessness during a 24-hour period. The next Alameda County PIT Count will be held soon, on Thursday Jan. 25, from 5:00 -10:00 AM. Here's how you can help us get an accurate number of people who are homeless in your community: 1. Volunteer - Volunteer opportunities to administer surveys are available throughout Alameda County. There is a high need in Unincorporated County! Click here to volunteer: alameda24.pointintime.info. 2. Encampment Identification – For those who can’t volunteer, the app called “Counting Us” allows users to “drop pins” and give estimates of people experiencing homelessness in the community. Reporting takes 2-clicks and is a crucial first step in identifying the locations that volunteers will be visiting. Download the app here: https://lnkd.in/dkzEeM2H. To see data from the 2022PIT Count, visit the Interactive Data Dashboard here: https://lnkd.in/dquqXCkv. Michelle Starratt Jennifer Pearce Dylan Sweeney John Lo, JD Elizabeth Cook

Veteran Housing Corp applauds all past efforts to end homelessness and 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. Demand permanent affordability in all projects receiving government funding, subsidies, tax credits, or incentives! Veteran Housing Corp would also ask three questions about the housing projects you support or are involved with: 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

Three easy steps:

In the quest for sucess in academics and life, many face daunting obstacles with limited resources. That's where SparkWheel shines. Check out this video to learn more - I know when you see the work we're doing, you'll get fired up too!

Anyone who works with youth knows how much relationships, trust, and support truly matter. Personally, it has been an absolute privilege to have young people in our community share their stories, their challenges, and their hopes. We carry their trust with deep responsibility because their voices deserve to be heard, and their calls for systemic change cannot be ignored. We must have a real conversation about youth homelessness—not tomorrow, but today. The youth in our community are not just asking for help—they’re asking for a future. We owe it to them to do everything we can to amplify their voices and make changes to ensure the next generation has the opportunities they need to thrive. When we come together and focus on solutions, we build strength—not just in our youth, but in the entire community. That’s why Centre for Youth Care is proud to host a forum on youth homelessness. It’s more than a discussion—it’s a commitment to action. Please join us for this powerful and meaningful conversation. Register today to reserve your ticket, as space is limited. https://lnkd.in/dAu4e6vR

📊🏡💭 What is by-name data, and why do we need it to end homelessness? Quality by-name data is a powerful tool on our community’s journey to functional zero. By-name data allows us to know everyone in our community experiencing homelessness in real time. Without this information, we cannot: ✅ Understand the scope of homelessness in our community ✅ Understand how people move in and out of our system on an ongoing basis ✅ Have accurate information to set goals to reduce homelessness ✅ Have accurate information to understand if we are making progress in ending homelessness Learn more here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4eNaCwE

No home, no support. No support, no home. 🔁   A fixed address is a vital piece of information we all need to access essential services like healthcare appointments, employment, bank accounts and financial support like benefits.   Yet people experiencing homelessness have no address, which creates huge barriers when they try to access services and support. This prevents people from being able to take the steps needed to leave homelessness behind.   It’s a horrific catch-22 situation to get trapped within.   When someone walks through our doors, it can be the first day where everything changes. The day someone gets help with finding a safe place to stay, employment and training. With the ongoing support of their dedicated lead worker, it can be the day someone starts their life beyond homelessness.

May is #OlderAmericansMonth, a time to recognize older Americans' contributions and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities. This year's theme is "Powered by Connection," meant to recognize the massive impact meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. Did you know nearly one quarter of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 in the U.S. were 55 or older? That number is expected to grow exponentially by 2030, with many of these people experiencing homelessness for the first time. Homeless services recognize the healing power of social connections. What organizations support older Americans experiencing homelessness through fostering social connection and enrichment? 👇 Let us know in the comments! 👉 And then click here to learn more about elder homelessness and access the Council's resources on the topic: https://lnkd.in/gm6-pRRv

Empower Home is more than a program; it's a movement that recognizes the power of outreach and connection. Our dedicated team, fueled by compassionate community members, actively engages with those experiencing homelessness in the Tri-Cities area. 🤝 Building Bridges, Not Barriers: Our goal extends beyond immediate aid – we aim to build lasting connections. By understanding the unique stories, needs, and aspirations of our unhoused neighbors, we lay the foundation for meaningful and enduring impact. No one is left behind; every individual is seen, heard, and valued. 🌍 A Paradigm Shift Through Listening: We believe in the transformative power of listening. Every individual's journey is unique, and our approach is centered around actively seeking insights from those we aim to support. Through in-depth conversations and community discussions, we address the most pressing challenges faced by the homeless community in the Tri-Cities. 🗣️ Creating a Volunteer Training Program: Every interaction, every story, and every piece of feedback gathered in our outreach efforts have paved the way for the creation of a robust Volunteer Training Program. We recognize that impactful support stems from genuine understanding and informed compassion. 🎓 Well-Prepared Volunteers, Transformative Change: Grounded in real-world insights, Empower Home's training ensures that every volunteer is not only well-intentioned but also well-prepared. Together, we're not just changing lives; we're transforming the way communities unite to support their most vulnerable members. #EmpowerHome #CommunityConnection #BuildingBridges #ListenToTransform #EndHomelessness #VolunteerTraining #TransformativeChange

On today's blog you can read how we helped a customer who was homeless get back on his feet. Names have been changed for privacy reasons, but Mr W's story is all too common and even more so in the current cost of living crisis. Take a read here and please reach out to any of our Community Support team if you need help: https://lnkd.in/gAzpYNsG #caringhands #protectandconnect