Formerly Homeless Seattleites Are Moving Into a Building Designed for Tech Workers — Here's Why

The state of Vermont has been able to keep COVID-19 cases to a minimal, at least in part by focusing on offering preventive protections for the most at-risk and vulnerable – such as the unhoused. The state's response has included "state-supported housing for the homeless, hazard pay, meal deliveries, and free, pop-up testing in at-risk communities," all of which prioritize high-risk populations rather than those who can easily self-isolate at home.

In Gallup, New Mexico hotels are being used to house those who have been exposed to COVID-19, but have nowhere to safely quarantine themselves. This effort compliments "an aggressive tracing and testing program," and so far has housed around 120 people. Doctors are also working out of the hotels to provide medical attention to those who may need it.

Moms 4 Housing, a collective of women and their children, occupied a vacant 3-bedroom house in Oakland to secure housing for themselves and call attention to the Bay Area’s lack of affordable housing. Despite being removed and arrested by heavily armed deputies, the movement grew and the developer has agreed to sell the house to Oakland’s Community Land Trust at market value and offer the right of first refusal on other properties. The group also urged state senator Scott Weiner to introduce amendments to a bill currently under consideration that would protect affordable housing from developers.

Almost 4 years ago, Opportunity Village was established in Eugene. It’s a community of tiny houses for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The housing and homelessness nonprofit Community Solutions raised $135 million in private capital to create a fund to buy housing properties and keep them permanently affordable. It promises investors modest returns and looks to buy properties in good condition close to necessary services like grocery stores and health care.

In response to managing the homeless crisis, several Safe Rest Villages have emerged throughout the city. These are small, individual units on city-owned land, separate from nearby neighborhoods. There are currently seven active Safe Rest Villages in the city and they have created 350 transitional housing opportunities for the local homeless population.

The Homecoming Project helps provide housing for formerly incarcerated people by matching those in need with homeowners offering spare bedrooms. Since starting in 2018, The Homecoming Project has placed nearly 100 people in host homes and has helped those individuals connect with employment and long-term housing.

In Washington, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority distributes vouchers to veterans experiencing homelessness that they can use to pay for housing. The organization also connects veterans with local resources to help them manage the process.

Organizations like the Gary Leif Navigation Center are providing housing services and support to those in need. The Gary Leif Navigation Center opened in the summer of 2022 and is a low-barrier shelter that provides 10 pods for individuals to sleep and store their belongings in. Due to increased need, plans are currently underway to expand the Center, adding an additional 30 beds.

The housing first strategy employed by Houston has produced a resounding success. More than 25,000 people have been housed due to collective action and cooperation amongst county agencies, local service providers, corporations, and nonprofits.