Enterprise Community Partners reposted this
Affordable housing advocate. Former HUD secretary and OMB director. Dad/husband. CEO and President of Enterprise Community Partners.
Heartbreaking news from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on rise in homelessness nationwide. The record number of people across the country experiencing homelessness is an American shame, yet it's hardly surprising. From coast to coast, the nation is experiencing a profound shortage of affordable homes. That is driving a record-breaking number of people, in particular families with children, into homelessness. What’s most devastating about this latest data is that we know how to end homelessness: quick connections to permanent housing and the range of supportive services people need and want to prevent homelessness in the first place. Americans are crying out for solutions to our nationwide affordability crunch, and today’s data make it plain: leaders at the local, state, and federal level must work to advance more affordable housing in every pocket of the country. https://lnkd.in/e6Quu64E
Couldn’t agree with this more! And the Point in Time Count doesn’t even touch upon the numbers of young adults 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness in any given night. Affordable housing is key for many but affordable for youth housing is essential for the population of young adults who are still striving for economic stability or trying to stay in school. Housing with voluntary supports and a sense of community and place would make the difference between staying stabilybhoused or becoming chronically homeless.
The approach to housing is scattered, fragmented. The individuals who launch the initiatives often don't have boots on the ground. Solutions vary from municipality to municipality, as it should be. There is no one size fits every city. Innovators who understand how to use, "the missing middle' concept can make small yet important inroads in communities that push back against development of income eligible housing. In addition, people who are housed are safer. Communities who understand the importance of integrating a "housing for all," attitude know the foundation of a safer community, a healthier community begins with housing for all - it's foundational. In 2023, McHenry County Board convened a Workforce Housing workgroup to study the conditions and barriers to housing. We generated a well written, research driven report with recommendations. Our report was buried before the election. A small group of us are resurrecting the report and plan to continue moving housing to the front of the agenda.
Kristina S.
5d
As a homeless veteran who is finishing her masters degree this upcoming year, I can’t find anyone who will take a voucher for me and my family in Seattle.
It’s an outcome of the financialized capital markets driven by public-private partnerships that has never invested in a real reimagined affordable housing for all and and the gutting of mental health institutional funding long before you ran NYCDHUD and while you ran it, and long before Lilliam ran HHC and while she worked in the NGO sector. This is not starling news, but you’re absolutely correct, it is an American crime in violation of human rights and ecocide. Yes, decades ago we sis great work to patch things, and yes, we know that ending homelessness takes more than 80/20 or one-off supportive housing and yes, all the other ideas, it takes systemic change of the marketplace. Central question: Are we all willing to endhyperconsumption?
Shaun, thank you for this post - Homelessness in rampant in this country but the need for affordable housing goes much deeper - I am talking about the "near-homeless" which is well-hidden from public view - mostly working individuals and families - they are staying with others in over-crowded conditions - our Native company will contribute to the solution as we search for permanent solutions - www.NorthstarMicroHomes.com - Food for Thought - New Mexico
It’s 8 to 10 years wait period on the list to be approved for Secrion 8 vouchers…. There is no other solutions beside work these people should do … however 90 days period for self sufficiency IS simply not realistic to learn language and become capable to adjust into day to day life here in UNITED STATES … what should happen ?
Rick Rybeck
4d
Homelessness is a very complex problem. To the extent that it is related to the high cost of housing, it is important to realize that our affordable housing crisis is really an affordable land crisis. For those who are interested, you could read a short article, "Want More Affordable Housing? Look To The Land!" at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rvU0CePqi6pateHT_kByNWOzZV8feP8p/view
Peg Dierkers
6d
And Affordable to those making $45,000 or less a year to pay no more than 30% of their income on rent or a mortgage.
President | Author on Leadership | Passionate Social Impact Leader
6d"... we know how to end homelessness:", yes, well said Shaun Donovan! Problem: We don't have leaders who can implement the solutions... period! If anyone is a Top-7% Leader... who's committed to solving the problem in their city, state or at the Federal level... reach out to me. I've worked on the homelessness strategy for the Governor of a state... and yes, 85%+ of Homeless is easily fixable in a humanitarian and profitable way. Point: Imagine if Homelessness was important as AI... it would have been solved years ago... by Top-7% Leaders committed to the solutions. What's Different About our Intelligent Social Impact Model? The Donating Corporation simultaneously increases it's hard, measurable Profits... and our teams have worked with 100+ F500's & 850+ Org.'s over the years! If anyone wants to solve any social issue... intelligently... reach out to me. Again, Top-7% Leaders with the rare combination of high Intelligence, Business-Savvy & Social Cognizance... required! - JR