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The Winnipeg Outreach Network Street Guide is an essential tool for street entrenched Winnipeggers in the downtown area. This is a reader friendly guide that helps people get connected to life saving resources while helping to bridge the gap in services and illuminate some of the barriers street entrenched and homeless individuals face. It’s been six years since the Winnipeg Outreach Network, made up of volunteers from various downtown agencies, has released its physical Street Guide. As we all know, a lot can change in six years. For one thing, the demand for the guide has grown. This year, End Homelessness Winnipeg helped to fund the printing of 30,000 guides (up from 20,000 in 2018) to meet the greater need. These 11x17 guides, printed on durable paper meant to withstand normal wear and tear, were designed by the team at United Way Winnipeg’s 211. “The guide is important because it’s barrier free access to resources in your pocket,” explains RaY Street Outreach Worker Tammie Kolbuck. “It eliminates a need for connection to internet, and it’s designed to be pocket friendly, reader friendly, and on paper that’s more durable to withstand the elements. “It’s a life saving tool for folks who are trying to obtain resources and may not know where to go.” Other updates to the guide include walk-in clinic representation, the addition of family resources, a greater focus on housing specific programs, places/times of accessible meals, an expanded opiate support section (to specifically look at service providers who can offer referrals), and the utilization of icons for folks with lower literacy rates. “So many new resources have come up in the last few years,” explains RaY Street Outreach Worker Brittney Nygaard. “So we went through them all and decided who to include based on the word-of-mouth from the streets about which is most accessed.” View, share, or download the guide here - https://lnkd.in/gJAqR2Bb

On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear Johnson v. Grants Pass, a pivotal case regarding the criminalization of homelessness. Falling in the middle of #FairHousingMonth, Johnson v. Grants Pass raises numerous questions about the future of homelessness, and emphasizes the need for #AffordableHousing and community partnerships as alternatives to criminalization. You can learn more about the upcoming case, and how to get involved, on Community Solutions, Inc.'s website: https://ow.ly/Ie7E50RjYt3 #HomelessnessIsSolvable #JohnsonVGrantsPass

The recent articles highlights the dedication of volunteers in Lake County conducting the annual homeless count. This initiative underscores the critical role of community partnerships in addressing homelessness. Why Community Partnerships Matter: 🗣️Accurate Data Collection: Collaborating with local organizations ensures comprehensive data, enabling effective resource allocation. 🗣️Resource Mobilization: Pooling resources enhances our capacity to provide essential services like shelter, healthcare, and employment assistance. 🗣️Building Trust: Established community relationships foster trust, encouraging individuals experiencing homelessness to engage with support services. 🗣️Holistic Support: Partnerships allow for a comprehensive approach, addressing root causes such as mental health and substance abuse. Collective efforts are vital to ensure every individual is counted and supported. Together, we can work towards sustainable solutions to homelessness. Articles: https://lnkd.in/gz7BGUQF https://lnkd.in/gTUcZXMj #CommunitySupport #HomelessnessAwareness #CollaborativeAction

In the aftermath of a devastating tornado in 2011, Joplin, Missouri, faced unprecedented challenges, including a surge in homelessness. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive plan, the City contracted Sharity Global to develop a strategic roadmap. The Need: With much of Joplin's affordable housing destroyed, addressing homelessness became a priority. Sharity was engaged to develop a comprehensive plan, fostering input from citizens, organizations, and service providers. Our Approach: Through community-wide surveys, focus groups, ride-alongs, and interviews, Sharity is facilitating meaningful dialogue and community participation to create impactful solutions. The Result: Over 1,000 community members participated in surveys, and numerous focus groups and interviews were conducted. The project is actively progressing towards a final strategic plan. Join us in building a stronger, more inclusive community! Contact Sharity to learn how we can empower change in your city. #EndHomelessness #CommunityEngagement Learn more about our featured projects at: https://lnkd.in/d2WhVuAr

“These meetings have underscored people’s preference for housing and non-congregate shelter over congregate shelter, as well as the importance of giving people a choice about where they live. Like many cities, Denver has a shortage of affordable housing, so it is critical to have shelter where people want to stay while they await permanent housing. Most people prefer the privacy, stability, and safety of individual, non-congregate units. For this reason, the city does not track congregate shelter availability as part of our “All In Mile High” effort, and instead, we focus on offering and expanding non-congregate shelter and housing. To do this, we have identified a variety of buildings and units that can be acquired quickly and affordably—hotels, tiny homes, and leased apartment units.”

Homelessness and housing is complicated. We know that. As someone who has been deeply engaged in thinking about solutions to homelessness since founding Hollywood Arts in 2005 - a school focused on preventing young adults from falling into chronic homelessness - I thought I had a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. However, recently, as a result of working on behalf of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with the incredible Brittney Weissman, Kerry Morrison, Aaron Taxy and the dynamic team at Hollywood 4WRD, I've learned even more. Over the past few months, our team has engaged in candid conversations with various stakeholders, delving into areas often overlooked in mainstream discussions about housing and homelessness. The insights we've uncovered have challenged my preconceptions and expanded my perspective, despite my years of experience in this field. What we've discovered through this process is truly remarkable. The depth of research, the diversity of voices we've included, and the innovative approaches we've explored have shed new light on longstanding issues. I believe you'll find these revelations as compelling and thought-provoking as I have. I strongly recommend making time to attend this event. https://bit.ly/3TsOheN Join me in learning about and reimagining solutions to one of our city's most pressing challenges. #HousingCrisis #HomelessnessPrevention #CommunityDevelopment #SocialImpact #InnovativeSolutions

A SCOTUS decision on Johnson v. Grants Pass is Imminent ↪ What Funders (and Everyone!) Can Do to Speak Up for the Rights of People Experiencing Homelessness 🚨 Earlier this month, our national umbrella organization Funders Together to End Homelessness, as well as the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Enterprise Community Partners submitted a joint amicus brief (https://lnkd.in/gztVPRBY) in support of the plaintiffs in the landmark case Johnson v Grants Pass. We joined more than 1,100 groups and individuals who signed on to 42 amicus briefs calling for protection of the rights of our unhoused neighbors under the U.S. Constitution. But the work is just beginning. Next Monday, April 22, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the case and determine whether or not it is legal for cities and states to ticket or arrest people experiencing homelessness for trying to meet basic needs, like sleeping outside when there is no other safe option. We encourage you get involved and show SCOTUS, Congress, and the media that homelessness is not a crime and that ticketing or arresting people makes homelessness worse. Here's how: 📌 Learn more about the Johnson v. Grants Pass case at https://lnkd.in/gqFwPr8E 📌 Join the San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance in Downtown #SanDiego on Monday, April 22n from 11:30am to 1pm on Broadway between the two Federal Courthouses (Front & State Streets) for a picket to support #HousingNotHandcuffs 📌 Participate locally and online through these actions and resources (https://lnkd.in/guxqgR2N) from our partners at the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Low Income Housing Coalition.   📌 Join the Twitterstorm on April 22, 8am-10am PT. Use the sample social media messages from our partners and the hashtags #JohnsonVGrantsPass and #HomelessnessIsSolvable. https://lnkd.in/gTvdKkNz Additional Ways Philanthropy Can Support 📌 Provide the space to strategize by supporting convening opportunities for partners, people with lived experience, funder peers, and community leaders. 📌 Consider flexible rapid response resources for housing justice narrative and messaging work that can be utilized before and after a decision.  📌 Produce op-eds or other educational media placements on the case. 📌 Explore how your institution, board, or trustees can utilize influence and connections in new and creative ways.

Everytime someone learns of my personal story and professional experience, they inevitably ask “so what’s the solution to solve homelessness”? Solving current day homelessness amongst all age groups is complex. Once the damage is done, it’s very hard to break out of cycles of poverty, trauma, and acquired brain injuries seen in so much of Canada’s unhoused populations. But to solve homelessness from reoccurring again, across future generations? This is the solution right here. If the average age of unhoused people is in their 40’s, and we know the brain develops up until age 25, can we really blame Canada’s current socioeconomic issues on programs and policies less than a decade old? And knowing the variable incarcerated Canadians hold most in common is low literacy and education rates, why do we look to current policies instead of the past? What were we missing when my generation was growing up to leave so many behind? Upstream prevention doesn’t get as much press as reactive policies to manage behaviors in adults. But diverting youth from poverty and survival crimes early through programs like this is the #1 data driven approach to end homelessness for future generations. Kudos to all involved in this launch. #ittakesavillage

In our cities today, the debate over how to handle homelessness is louder than ever. Yet, beneath the legal battles and policy discussions, the true heart of the issue lies with the individuals facing these harsh realities every day. Eric Cochling, Chief Program Officer & General Counsel at the Georgia Center for Opportunity, sheds light on the transformative power of addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness through community-driven, empathetic approaches. "At Georgia Center for Opportunity, we understand that real change comes from addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Our initiatives go beyond quick fixes, aiming to provide sustainable solutions through education, employment, and healthy relationships. This approach aligns with the call for a 'ompassionate citizenry' noted in the article, emphasizing the importance of relational, accountable, and compassion-driven charity. As cities continue to grapple with rising homelessness, let’s remember the stories of Joshua and Mary from the article. Each person on the street has unique needs and circumstances and to really understand them requires the hard work of getting to know the person. Individuals, not governments, do this kind of work - that requires empathy and compassion - best. It's work that's focused on changing lives through engagement, support, and accountability. Let’s move the needle by building strong communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Georgia Center for Opportunity is committed to making this vision a reality." https://lnkd.in/gjK_p3jt #Homelessness #CommunitySupport #ompassionatecitizenry

Consider this: Many single parents in California struggle with high housing costs, economic instability, and the pressures of solo parenting. Their circumstances are often worsened by the lack of low-cost housing options available, a concern that mirrors the silent crisis faced by an increasing number of homeless seniors 🏠💔 This is where your organization's help can play a significant part. Offering support to combat homelessness among these vulnerable communities can be a powerful step for your Corporate Social Responsibility programs 💼💡 Whether it's providing funds for affordable housing projects or backing programs that aid single parents and seniors, your involvement can create a ripple of positive change 🌎💪 Moreover, supporting such initiatives not just contributes to community development, but also reflects your commitment to #BuildingBetterFutures #HousingForAll Wondering how to get involved? Reach out to us 💌🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvSp_HKx. Embrace the power of social media by following us, liking, and commenting on our posts. Every interaction helps in spreading the word and reaching more people 📣🔁 Let's make a difference, together. #SupportSingleParents #CommunityDevelopment #ShreveportStrong #TogetherWeBuild #CBAHousing #ShreveportHousing #LouisianaCommunity.