Sarah A. Koski’s Post

Let's discuss Homelessness: Part 7 Where to begin? First, I believe transforming the lives of the impoverished will take a concerted effort from all community stakeholders. Primarily, it would require understanding the needs of those experiencing homelessness by ensuring they have a voice. “The more privileged people in society need to hear the voice of the oppressed and marginalized” (Perkins, 2017, p. 75). Second, there must be educated and experienced individuals who have worked with people experiencing homelessness who can speak to the process. Third, the community must also believe in the holistic concept for this type of change to occur. Spees (2013) states, “Four sectors of the city should be tied together for the betterment of the city: connectedness is the key.” He believes these four sectors are the public, business (for-profit and not-for-profit), and the church. Swanson et al. (2010) agree with Spees’ observations and state, “Community transformation if it is to be genuine, lasting, and holistic, will need to take into account all three sectors of society” (p. 147). For a holistic approach to be successful, the community must fully buy in and understand that there is no such thing as a monistic, quick-fix solution. That said, the business, government, non-profit, and church must work together to provide the necessary program services to those experiencing homelessness. The issue arises when these various sectors cannot agree on a solution. Although it is apparent that most of America understands trauma as a key factor in homelessness, there is little to no agreement on what or how that should be addressed. So, each stakeholder reverts to the singular approach via Housing First or Work First. But what if all efforts were focused on a holistic approach? What if the community worked together to build continuity toward reducing homelessness in all demographics? Each organization could focus on what they do best and create a cohesive process to serve those in need. What if there were already organizations doing just this? What could we learn from this process?

Unveiling Homelessness in America: An Interactive Exploration Welcome to our interactive blog post where we embark on a journey to understand the complex issue of homelessness in America by The University of Nevada, Reno. We invite you to join us in reading the article and exploring the multifaceted aspects of this pressing issue, including statistics, resources, and the role of organizations. As the article suggests, we are witnessing human catastrophes unfolding in cities and towns across our country, and it's crucial that we engage in meaningful dialogue and action. As you delve into the article, consider the staggering statistics that highlight the scale of homelessness in America. Reflect on the resources available to support individuals experiencing homelessness and the organizations working tirelessly to address this crisis. Explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in addressing homelessness from a systemic perspective. At the conclusion of your reading, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions. Do you agree or disagree with the perspectives presented in the article? How do you envision addressing homelessness within your community, utilizing available resources and leveraging the efforts of organizations? What role do you believe these organizations and systems play in supporting homeless individuals while advocating for systemic change? Your voice is crucial in shaping the conversation around homelessness and driving positive change. By participating in this dialogue, you contribute to raising awareness and fostering understanding from an intersectional point of view. Together, let's strive to create a society where everyone has access to safe and stable housing. Your input is invaluable as we strive to create awareness from an intersectional perspective. Together, let's explore this pressing issue and work toward solutions that promote equity and dignity for all. Share your insights in the comments section below! Let's engage in an open discussion about what can be done to improve how we approach homelessness as a society. Thanks for your time! Let's embark on this Nonprofit Holistic Community-Centric Transformative Preventive Homeless Journey Together - connect with us to discover the keys to a more successful Homeless Prevention Culture. Contact A.L.A. World Foundation at [email protected] for all of your Nonprofit Development needs, to book a discovery meeting today– where transformation meets community-centric collective change! Be sure to like our posts, follow our page, and tell us your thoughts in the comment section. We greatly appreciate the support! https://lnkd.in/gybhA7UJ.

“CFHNYC TALKS ENDING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM HOUSTON’S SUCCESS?” SYNOPSIS: The City of Houston, the nation's fourth most populous city, has received well-deserved recognition for successfully implementing a housing first approach to addressing homelessness. According to The Way Home Continuum of Care 2023 Report, the overall number of people experiencing homelessness in the Houston region has decreased by 61% since 2011. In that timeframe, more than 28,000 people have transitioned directly into permanent housing. Additionally, they have succeeded in closing numerous homeless encampments across the city and saw a 17% reduction in unsheltered homelessness between 2022 and 2023. This remarkable progress is the outcome of collaborative efforts spanning many years among various nonprofit organizations and local government partners. By leveraging resources effectively, this collaboration has successfully matched individuals experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing interventions. Moderated by Michael Kimmelman, architecture critic for the New York Times, this webinar will feature leaders from The Way Home Continuum of Care in Houston and representatives from New York City's government and nonprofit sectors who will compare approaches to reducing homelessness. Together, we will explore transferable lessons to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in New York City. THU 04/16 at 2PM ET The World Wide Web, visit: https://lnkd.in/di-MY6Gz P.S. @CFHNYC   Best regards, @DrHenryGarrett Email: [email protected] https://lnkd.in/dJN2feSN *Disclaimer*: The information contained in this message is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this message in error, please inform us by an email reply and then delete the message. You may not copy this message in its entirety or in part, or disclose its contents to anyone. If you do not wish to receive any email from us, please give a reply as “Email<[email protected]>/Message<https://lnkd.in/dgFKm8W4>”.

The difference between what we do and what the County of San Diego wants to do at Green Oak Ranch could not be more diametrically different. Here is the contrast: * Overall Approach - We're ground up, community based, and faith driven. They are top down, one-size-fits-all, gov. driven * Dependency - We end it, they grow it * Taxpayer funded drug housing - We're against it, they celebrate it * Experience Serving homeless - We have 25 years, they have 5 * Cost - we solve it permanently for $50K per person, they contain, manage and control it forever for $840K per person * Results - for every 10 we engage 7 will end it permanently, for every 10 they engage 2 will end it permanently * Money - we use all private $, they use 100's of millions taxpayer $ * Homeless Policy - Ours is accountability-based that empowers, theirs is victimhood-based that enables * Culture - We make overcomers who serve society, they make victims who are dependent on society * Community - we build thriving communities, they isolate people behind taxpayer funded doors * The Churn of Victimhood, Handouts and Dependency - we CRUSH IT, they fuel it The choice for our community could not be more different. Whether we are successful in getting the ranch or not, we will never surrender our mission, our core values or our faith. The bigger issue is that the approach to homelessness has miserably FAILED! How much more can our citizenry take? Here is another good article that explains our history with great links that show what we have been up against and how we have overcome. #solutionsforchange #WeAreOneUs #JustSolveIt! https://lnkd.in/gJ_qRDia

The most effective way to prevent adult homelessness is to prevent young people from experiencing it in the first place. Washington state's remarkable 40% reduction in youth homelessness since 2016 exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships. The Office of Homeless Youth, established in 2015, has been pivotal in deploying targeted policies and gaining substantial support through collaborations with young people, providers, the legislature, and foundations like Raikes Foundation, Ballmer Group, Campion Advocacy Fund, and Schultz Family Foundation. This strategic focus, championed by Governor Jay Inslee and supported by bipartisan efforts, has facilitated significant state investments—growing from $10 million to $90 million biennially. These funds have broadened services across the state and supported effective, direct intervention and upstream prevention programs that maintain a 90% success rate in housing stability after one year. To put an even finer point to the impact of a 40% reduction, this means almost 10,000 fewer youth experiencing homelessness each year. Our state's approach underscores the potential of empathetic, focused public-private partnerships to enact meaningful change. This model offers valuable lessons for other states aiming to tackle youth homelessness with sustainable and proactive strategies. Learn more in today's article in The Seattle Times.

Solving homelessness isn’t rocket science. It starts with knowing who is out there and meeting their basic needs, starting with a place to live. The cause is that people don’t have enough money to afford the housing that’s available. In addition to growing the supply of deeply affordable homes, people need more money to live on. Philly reduced unsheltered homelessness by 27% between 2018-2022 by lowering barriers to come off the street, marrying outreach with shelter and safe haven entry and expanding housing. It took investment and collaborative work by the city and provider community. It can be done again. The Office of Homeless Services and the provider network reduce homelessness in isolation. They need the Mayor’s leadership, the informed support of Council, the help of the business and civic community, and collaboration across city departments like behavioral health, police, public health and corrections. It only works if it’s all hands on deck. And starting with a by name list is a game changer. The outreach, encampment, homeless system administrators already know who is out there, they need top level leadership to farther with person centered coordination of services. When all of these comments come together, people get housed and the numbers go down. It can be done. Philly has and can continue to make homelessness rare and brief.

Our national nonprofit partners at National Alliance to End Homelessness recently released their State of Homelessness Report with a 15-year lookback at trends, by state, with an interactive map. Some key national takeaways: 1) Response systems work effectively, but needs more resources to combat the nationwide affordable housing crisis; 2) More people than ever are experiencing homelessness for the first time, with a 23% increase in the past 5 years; 3) Record high numbers of people are living unsheltered, especially among individuals; and 4) Severe housing cost burden for renter households (paying more than half your income on rent) is on a dramatic rise. Mississippi's data trends are more encouraging, but there is so much more work to be done! Become a part of the solution by getting involved on the national or local level and consider becoming a member of your local Continuum of Care and investing your time, talent, or treasure to build a better community for us all! https://lnkd.in/dDBr6KSp

Statement from Greater Twin Cities United Way on this morning's Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson: The Supreme Court's ruling in the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson is counter-productive to our collective goal of ending homelessness. Criminalizing homelessness only makes it more difficult for people to access and maintain stable housing. This approach is not only inhumane – it’s ineffective. Homelessness represents a failure of our public systems – in the ways that affordable housing is funded, built and maintained. The top cause of homelessness in the U.S. is the lack of affordable housing; in Minnesota there are only 42 affordable homes for every 100 households with low income. Our cities, counties and state government must prioritize policies that take a compassionate approach with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. Greater Twin Cities United Way continues to support our nonprofit partners who are providing affordable housing and trauma-informed, culturally responsive supportive services for individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness; and to help communities access housing resources through our 211 resource helpline. We are also continuing our efforts to develop new policy solutions through our Pathways Home initiative, and through our ongoing advocacy at the Minnesota State Capitol. Greater Twin Cities United Way will continue to monitor the effects of this ruling and work with our nonprofit partners to ensure that all of our neighbors can have a safe, secure place to live. We partner with organizations who prevent and end homelessness through legal services, shelter, supportive housing, and holistic support services. Our partners in this work include: Connections to Independence (C2i) Al-Maa'uun Ujamaa Place MERRICK COMMUNITY SERVICES Solid Ground MN Emma Norton Services Model Cities of St Paul Inc CAPI USA - Immigrant Opportunity Center Avenues for Youth Ain Dah Yung Center Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center American Indian Family Center The Bridge for Youth Clare Housing Esperanza United YouthLink MN YWCA St. Paul AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center Simpson Housing Services Tubman The Link Minnesota CLUES Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Amherst H. Wilder Foundation RS EDEN Encouraging Leaders mn Foster Advocates Rebound, Inc. 180 Degrees, Inc.

Addressing Homelessness in Minnesota: A Collaborative Approach Homelessness remains a significant challenge in Minnesota, with thousands of individuals and families affected each year. Recent statistics highlight the urgency of this issue: according to the latest data, over 10,000 Minnesotans experience homelessness on any given night, including nearly 3,000 children and youth. The disparities are stark, with communities of color, particularly African Americans and Native Americans, being disproportionately represented among the homeless population. At Safeway Home Health, we believe that ending homelessness requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. As we continue our work through the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program, we are committed to forging strong partnerships with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and local government agencies. Together, we can provide holistic support that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of those experiencing housing instability. Our approach includes the following key strategies: 1. Integrated Care Coordination: We are working to integrate housing stabilization efforts with healthcare services to ensure that individuals receive the support they need to overcome both health and housing challenges. By collaborating with healthcare providers, we can create comprehensive care plans that address physical and mental health, as well as housing needs. 2. Expanding Access to Services: We are actively engaging with healthcare professionals across the state to raise awareness about our HSS program and encourage referrals. Our goal is to ensure that those experiencing housing instability are connected to the resources they need as early as possible. 3. Community-Based Solutions: We are partnering with local community organizations to develop and implement innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of Minnesota’s diverse communities. By leveraging local knowledge and resources, we can create more effective interventions that lead to lasting change. 4. Advocacy and Policy Work: vEnding homelessness requires systemic change. We are advocating for policies that increase affordable housing options and improve access to critical services. By working together with healthcare professionals, we can amplify our voices and push for the necessary reforms at the state and local levels. Our commitment to ending homelessness in Minnesota is unwavering. By working closely with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders, we believe that we can make significant strides towards a future where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. Together, we can turn the tide on homelessness in Minnesota and build stronger, healthier communities for all.

It would be a mistake to consider the USICH guide on homelessness prevention a solution to homelessness, let alone a comprehensive solution to homelessness. Ultimately, it is neither. The news release regarding the framework ironically underscores the reasons why. ***** Ending Homelessness Before It Starts is the first homelessness prevention framework released by the federal government. It was informed by people with lived experience of homelessness and developed in collaboration with federal agencies that make up USICH. It is an actionable guide intended for a wide range of partners, including local, tribal, and state governments; nonprofits, funders, systems, providers, and advocates of housing, health, human services, justice, education, employment, child welfare, and emergency services. The framework: *  Details steps for developing a community-wide, cross-system approach to homelessness prevention *  Defines categories of homelessness prevention *  Shares promising practices for homelessness prevention programs *  Lists federal resources that can be used for homelessness prevention ***** https://lnkd.in/gxvryV67 Like all "government oriented" programs and initiatives, it makes the mistake of viewing "community" as the aggregate of government services and non-profit agencies which target specific societal ills and issues. This is a mistake. Community is what people form wherever they live. Community is what people do. Community is us. Community will always be us. Ultimately, community is not "where" we address the issue of homelessness. Community is "how" we address the issue. Community is "how" we address all of society's challenges. When people come together in common cause to tackle a challenge, solutions will present themselves. Ideas will spring forth, strategies will form, efforts will begin. Community is how nations are born, how men are put on the moon, how disease and poverty are alleviated. Give the guide its due credit. It does provide useful information on how to engage with government services and non-profit agencies when confronting the challenges of homelessness. But also recognize the guide's limitation: it cannot substitute for caring and committed people coming together in common cause to help lift up their fellow human beings. The solution to end homelessness? YOU. YOU are the solution. YOU are who will make the difference. YOU are who will change the world.