City of Indianapolis - Department of Metropolitan Development ’s Post

Punishing people experiencing housing instability will not solve the root cause of homelessness. Systemic challenges necessitate a collaborative and thoughtful approach. In my recent op-ed for the The Detroit News, I highlight how damaging these punitive measures are to people who are the victims of a broken system. That's why the Rocket Community Fund is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions to stabilize housing and end homelessness. Since 2018, we've been a lead partner of Built for Zero, a national movement of more than 100 communities led by Community Solutions, Inc. working to prove that we can end homelessness. Detroit is one of those communities. For the past six years we have invested more than $50M into tackling this multifaceted issue in Detroit and other communities across the country. Since we began our partnership, the #BuiltForZero approach has led to a 50% reduction in veteran homelessness in Detroit and has ended veteran or chronic homelessness in 14 cities nationwide. Their approach works. Criminalizing homelessness doesn't. Every American deserves access to safe and stable housing. To make it possible, we all need to remember: homelessness is solvable. Check out my op-ed to learn more: https://bit.ly/3UnBUka

Minnesota's housing problem hurts us all, even if we don’t see it on a day-to-day basis or live in communities with apparent signs of homelessness. When members of our community live on the streets or lack housing security in any way, the taxpayers pick up the bill. As former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan explained, "The thing we finally figured out is that it’s actually cheaper to solve homelessness than it is to put a band-aid on it. Between shelters, emergency rooms, and jails, it costs (the taxpayer) about $40,000 a year for a homeless person to be on the streets." But there’s good news. It would take fewer resources to end homelessness than to let it continue. As Shaun Donovan went on to say, "We learned that you could either sustain people in homelessness for $35,000 to $150,000 a year, or you could literally end their homelessness for $13,000 to $25,000 a year." Which sounds better to you? If you agree it’s time to end homelessness in Minnesota, join us at the Start with Home Rally for Affordable Housing on Tuesday, February 20. We’ll stand together and let our elected officials know we want sustained, long-term investment in affordable housing. Find additional details and register for the event by visiting https://lnkd.in/gT94fkWZ.  

Friends of City Care, This is Adam Luck, CEO with some quick news to share: 🌟 Point in Time Update 🌟 We're thrilled to share the latest Point in Time (PIT) data from 2024, offering valuable insights into homelessness in our community. The PIT is a comprehensive count conducted annually in cities all across the nation to assess the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night. This critical information helps us understand the scope of the issue and tailor our local response to address it most effectively. Here are three key takeaways from the data: 1. Increased Winter Shelter Beds: Oklahoma City's inventory of emergency shelter beds increased significantly, in large part to the efforts of our friends at Homeless Alliance in opening their 300-bed winter shelter. This underscores our city's commitment to providing immediate relief and warmth to those in need during the coldest seasons. 2. Encampment Decommissioning Project Impact: The Key To Home encampment decommissioning project began offering housing to neighbors living in encampments just a few months before this year's PIT. So while it did not greatly impact our number of folks living unsheltered this year, we should see a marked difference in that number next year. City Care is proud to collaborate with the city and other service providers to create safer, more sustainable living environments for our neighbors for whom housing has been out of reach. 3. Hope for the Future: Overall, we're hopeful as we look ahead to 2025 because we believe the coordinated efforts outlined in the Key To Home initiative and implemented by the city, service providers and philanthropic community will pay off. We anticipate being able to report to you a significant decrease in unsheltered homelessness and an increase in permanent supportive housing units. Together, we're building a brighter future for every individual in our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in our mission to end homelessness and create lasting change. Let's continue to work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. #EndHomelessness #CommunityImpact #transformationstartshere #CityCareCares 🏠💙 You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ghQTvXxX

In a significant stride towards addressing homelessness, the Tempe City Council has unanimously voted to transform the Apache Inn, a 58-room motel, into a dedicated shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative, set to open by early 2025, represents a visionary approach to urban development, combining compassion with practical solutions. The $10 million investment in the motel, located near Smith Road and Apache Boulevard, is part of a broader strategy to create "bridge" facilities—transitional environments where residents prepare for permanent housing. This project will not only provide immediate shelter but also comprehensive support through case management, assisting residents in their transition to stability and self-sufficiency. Funded by Maricopa County and the American Rescue Plan Act, this project also includes the purchase of an adjacent vacant lot, potentially expanding the shelter’s capacity and services. This decision echoes a growing trend across Arizona, where cities like Mesa and Kingman are repurposing motels to combat poverty and provide essential services to the most vulnerable. https://ow.ly/ohJ450RF50m

🏠 How do you end homelessness? One life at a time! 🏠   Our core programs and services are designed not only to meet immediate needs like food and shelter for unsheltered neighbors but also to help each person find their path to long-term self-sufficiency.   We’re building a system of care that is changing the state of homelessness in San Diego County.   For many living on the streets, finding the help they need is confusing. And shelter beds in the region are at 96% capacity.   Operation Navigation is our solution to this crisis. By opening 3 more Navigation Centers across the County, we’ll nearly double our number of shelter beds.   Once their immediate needs for shelter are met, guests will transition to longer-term housing or Mission Academy, our residential program downtown where they can rebuild their lives, like Cynthia did.   Your support directly impacts lives through initiatives like Community Outreach, Navigation Centers, Mission Academy, Hunger Relief programs, and more. See what you are making possible at https://lnkd.in/dRzWvJSx. #EndHomelessness #OperationNavigation 

🔔 Exciting News for Sonoma County! 🔔 We’ve hit a significant milestone with the transfer and initiation of rehabilitation at Elderberry Commons! 🏠 This transformative project will convert 30 temporary non-congregate shelters into 29 permanent supportive housing studio apartments—bringing stability to vulnerable homeless individuals in our community. 🛠️ Imagine a world where every person has a safe, stable home and the support they need to thrive. This is how we break the cycle of homelessness. 🙌 But to truly address the housing crisis, we need more initiatives like this. This is why collaboration between organizations like Burbank Housing and Sonoma County is not just vital—it's revolutionary. 💪 It's time for all communities to adopt a unified and proactive approach. We must prioritize creating lifelong solutions over temporary fixes. The Elderberry Commons project is setting a precedent for how community development can tackle homelessness head-on and deliver lasting change. 🌟 Together, let's push for more permanent supportive housing solutions! We can end the endless cycle of homelessness through sustainable development, supportive services, and unyielding community support. Spread the word, get involved, and let's make this a nationwide movement! 🔥 By the way, are you keeping an eye on the future of silver investments? Check out Outcrop Silver (CA: TSX.V: OCG US: OTCQX: OCGSF)! They are a leading force in the silver market, primed for significant growth. Learn more at https://outcropsilver.com/. 💡💰 #CommunityDevelopment #SupportiveHousing #EndHomelessness #BurbankHousing #SonomaCounty #AffordableHousing #ElderberryCommons #SocialImpact #HousingFirst #JoinTheMovement #OutcropSilver #SilverSqueeze

In the Twin Cities, two noteworthy projects, the MACV Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and Avivo Build Projects, through Lennar and Housing First Minnesota Foundation, have brought hope and transformation to the community. The goal is to impact the lives of those affected by homelessness significantly. Currently, 250 veterans are registered as homeless. To address this issue, 15 homes have been constructed so far, aiding in transitioning individuals out of homelessness. Looking ahead to 2025, the plan is to establish a campus comprising alternative dwelling units (ADUs). The envisioned campus could accommodate up to 30 ADUs, substantially contributing to the fight against homelessness. https://lnkd.in/g_v3sUFD

Aaron Peskin presents his "From Crisis to Care" plan, challenging current strategies on homelessness in San Francisco with a focus on sustainable solutions. - 🚨 Calls out election-year gimmicks and emphasizes the need for real solutions instead of moving homelessness from one neighborhood to another. - 🏠 Aims to expand the shelter system so 2,000 fewer people sleep outside every night. - 💼 Plans to use existing funding sources to open new housing and treatment beds, focusing on reactivating state and county-run facilities. - 🛡️ Advocates for rent control expansion and emergency loans up to $2,000 for people facing eviction to prevent homelessness. - 📢 Gains endorsement from former Mayor Art Agnos, highlighting the need for smart management of homelessness services. #Homelessness #SanFrancisco #SustainableSolutions - 🛌 Peskin proposes using reactivated state and county-run hospitals to create more shelter and treatment beds. - 🏢 Expands rent control to 40% more apartments in San Francisco, aiming to reduce evictions and keep more people in their homes. - 🚍 Plans to broaden the bus ticket program, offering people a way to return home as an alternative to living on the streets. - 📊 Focuses on reducing complaints about homelessness by implementing strategies that provide real, long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes. https://lnkd.in/g3zV2Ry4

🌟 Breaking News: A Beacon of Hope in Utah! 🏡✨ Utah is stepping up with an innovative approach to tackle the homelessness crisis! The state has launched a groundbreaking pilot program featuring "micro-shelters," offering a sustainable and secure alternative to traditional homeless shelters. 🛖💚 Each micro-shelter, measuring around 75 square feet, is more than just a shelter; it's a step towards stability and dignity for those in need. With an initial investment of over $600,000 and operational costs projected at $800,000, this program is a significant effort in addressing the crisis. 🤝💰 🔒 Enhanced Security & Support: Unlike conventional shelters, these micro-shelters ensure stringent security, including bag checks, and provide on-site case workers to help residents transition into more permanent housing. 🗣️ Hear It From the Residents: Joni Vierra, a resident of the micro-shelters, shares her journey from two decades on the streets to finding a sense of security and home in these innovative shelters. "This is our bed; we can lift it up, and it turns into a table and chairs," says Vierra, emphasizing the unique features and comfort offered. 🛌🔁🪑 🤲 Personalized Care: Carol Hollowell, CEO of Switchpoint, highlights the program's focus on one-on-one interactions and privacy, setting it apart from traditional approaches. Site manager Cody Sanders adds, "We help residents overcome barriers to successful housing, from applying for Medicaid to accessing housing resources." 🧡🛠️ 🔎 Early Success: While it's still early days, with the project operational for only 31 days, signs are promising. Residents like Vierra are finding employment and a new hope for a stable future. 🚀🌈 📢 Community Support: Dozens of faith and community organizations are rallying behind this initiative, with upcoming discussions in Utah Capitol on legislation to further support the fight against homelessness. 💼👥 Let's support and spread the word about Utah's innovative approach to solving homelessness. Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates! 💬📣 #UtahMicroShelters #InnovationInHousing #CommunitySupport #EndHomelessness #SaltLakeCity #NewHope #SocialChange

The United States Supreme Court made its ruling today in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson. In response to the decision, OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell issued the following statement: “For many, we knew this day was coming, and yet it is still devastating. This is a wakeup call for all of us – cities in particular. We cannot succumb to cynicism or confuse this ruling as a mandate. Many of us have either experienced the struggle to make ends meet or know someone who has. In the face of this shared reality, out of sight, out of mind positions that criminalize sleeping or sheltering in public spaces only exacerbates the experiences of homelessness. “OHCS’ position remains unchanged – we reject homelessness as an inevitable outcome. Every person, regardless of their background or where they come from, deserves a place to call home. Oregon’s shared values serve as a guidepost of hope and progress. In cities, suburbs, and rural towns across the state, our economies and communities are strongest when everyone’s fundamental needs are met. To the people of Oregon struggling to get by: We see you. We value your life. We will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.” In 2023, Oregon prevented more than 9,000 households from becoming homeless, created over 1,000 new shelter beds, and helped some 2,000 people move from homeless to housed. This was done in partnership with Governor Tina Kotek, the Oregon Legislature, numerous state agencies and many local community partners who implemented the funding and policy developed through the Governor’s homelessness state of emergency (EO 23-02) and the Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package (HB 2001 and HB 5019, 2023).