Give Us a Chance

Ubytovny pro sociálně slabé občany jsou předražené a nenabízí životní stabilitu. Alternativu přináší projekt Housing First, který se po úspěšném pilotním spuštění v Brně začal šířit Českem. Pomáhá lidem v nouzi najít stabilní bydlení a s ním i cestu zpět do aktivního života. V rámci celé republiky se má projekt rozšířit do 16 měst a pomoct stovkám lidí. Dosavadní výsledky projektu ukazují, že stabilní bydlení rodinám pomáhá řešit i další problémy. Přesto projekt stále čelí výzvám. Jednou z nich je například sousedské soužití, ohledně kterého se objevují stížnosti.

Several factors contribute to the successful strategy that keeps people off the streets in Philadelphia, where the poverty rate is the highest among the 10 biggest cities in the country. Having multiple services within comprehensive outreach teams is a critical component as is their caring approach to those who need help. Housing services, both temporary and permanent are also vital. Permanent housing is offered with "wrap-around services" which enable people to stay housed. These include physical and mental help in addition to assistance with obtaining a GED, a license and more.

Housing First is a programme aimed at reducing homeless. It is rooted in the premise that “the main thing a homeless person needs is a home. The program has been adopted in Finland, Denmark, Spain, France, and parts of the U.S. and Canada. In Finland, there is proof of results. “ Finland is the only European Union country where homelessness is not rising but falling – by an average of 35% between 2008 and 2015. “

For many people experiencing poverty, the struggle to make ends meet and provide for their children is common across generations. In Philadelphia, non-profit programs are recognizing that aspect of poverty and helping to ensure that the next generation is better equipped to be economically secure - not by solely focusing on the children, but by addressing the underlying issue and focusing on parents and grandparents as well. So far, the initiatives are helping families reconnect and create a better future.

Two Northern Colorado counties and Fort Collins, especially, face high levels of homelessness. It's not because there are no organizations dedicated to the issue. Rather, a lack of coordination among the veterans' service groups, state and federal welfare departments, and homelessness prevention groups has stymied effective solutions to decreasing homelessness. Now, state-supported Homeward 2020 has implemented a data management system and housing placement accountability program among the service providers. The low-cost model is showing success, and will be rolled out to other regions across the state.

America has the largest number of homeless women and children in the industrialized world - it’s a depressing statistic exacerbated by a housing crisis that forced thousands of families out onto the street. The first-ever large-scale study on the topic finds that permanent, stable housing can be more cost-effective than shelters.

The Fainbarg Chase Thrive Center allocated about $20,000 in emergency grants to provide students with temporary housing in partnership with local hotels that also cover utility bills and down payments. So far, the Center has supported 13 students financially, the majority of which were in need of long-term housing support after experiencing homelessness.

Britain's response to curbing the spread of coronavirus included the "Bring everyone in" operation which brought people experiencing homelessness off the streets and into accommodation - typically empty hotel rooms. Temporary shelter proved effective with only 16 deaths among those who were brought indoors. People were also given services that could lead to a life off the streets. The success demonstrated the ability of the government to quickly house people when political will and money were put toward solving the problem.

Finland, the only EU country with declining homelessness, uses a “Housing First” program to provide homes for people living on the streets with no preconditions. Nonprofits manage long-term housing and, once in homes, individuals receive a rental agreement and pay rent and expenses. Social workers provide services from offices in residential buildings and the state helps financially. The program provided 4,600 homes in the past decade and costs less than accepting the status quo of homelessness. About 20% drop out and around 1,900 people still live on the streets, but emergency shelters can accommodate them.

Studies show that between 5-10 percent of people living in homelessness are believed to have a pet, which could be a barrier to folks looking to spend the night in shelters that do not allow animals. Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs is one of a number of shelters that are beginning to allow pets to board along with their owners in an effort to bring more people in. Animal companionship is a very important relationship and source of comfort and stability for someone experiencing homelessness. Some barriers still exist, however, like shelters that have little funding for sheltering pets.