Blog: Homelessness Ends Here

Read State of Homelessness in America 2011

The just released report from NAEH concerning the state of homelessness in America is a disquieting picture of a national tragedy - and yet it is a tragedy that has a solution. Using state and national data, the report shows how economic indicators including unemployment and job loss, foreclosures, the high cost of housing and the loss of ‘real income’ have resulted in an increase in the numbers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness between 2008 and 2009. Sadly, this also comes at a time of increasingly scare federal resources.

The story does not end there, however. We are at a time in our history of both real need and yet, of real opportunity. This report must be seen as a call to action. A call for all those engaged in the work to end homelessness to come together and to work strategically; to take part in strategies and initiatives that work and that can and will result in the reduction and ultimately the end of homelessness.

There are numerous examples across America where funders, nonprofits, and local and state governments have come together and, with federal support, have created real, lasting solutions to this problem. We can no longer afford to continue to apply band aid or temporary solutions. Some examples of success include:

• In 2005 there were 942 chronically homeless individuals in the City and County of Denver. According to the 2009 Point in Time Survey, the number of chronically homeless individuals had dropped to 343. This was a direct result of Denver’s Road Home, the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Denver, a collaborative initiative between the city and local funders and agencies.
• In Seattle, a housing first program for chronic alcoholics reported that during the first six months, even after considering the cost of administering housing for the 95 residents there was an average cost-savings of 53% -- nearly $2,500 per month per person in health and social services, compared to the costs of a wait-list control group of 39 homeless people.

What Funders Can Do

The NAEH Report highlighted three strategies that can be administered ‘effectively and efficiently’ to prevent and end homelessness.

1. Working together – with the assistance of federal agencies, services and resources – communities can achieve the goal of ending homelessness.  Funders can take a strategic role in reinvigorating and updating their community’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness and align it with Opening Doors, the national plan to end homelessness.

2.  Discharge from state institutions (foster care, incarceration and health facilities) contributes to the numbers of people experiencing homelessness.  Funders can help support effective institutional discharge planning efforts and programs in their communities and prevent homelessness before it occurs.

3. Strategic use of resources.  Funders can, through the knowledge and understanding of what works, align their funding with best practices that solve and prevent homelessness.

Funders Together believes that we can prevent and end homelessness - we have the knowledge and the ability.   We are building a network of funders who are dedicated to strategic, effective and innovative solutions.  Contact us to find out how you can become part of this growing philanthropic movement to end homelessness.

Read State of Homelessness in America 2011.

Anne Miskey is Executive Director of Funders Together.

If you are a funder please contact us and join a growing number of philanthropic partners committed to ending homelessness. We offer support and assistance to funders interested in making permanent and lasting solutions!