Home Again is a Housing First project in Worcester, MA created through a collaboration of five homeless services providers. It provides permanent housing and support services to chronically homeless individuals. The project faced resistance from the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association who opposed siting a Housing First facility in their community due to concerns about safety and unknown impacts. Project leaders utilized state and federal fair housing laws during the siting process.
This document discusses supportive housing and its innovations and applications. Supportive housing combines permanent affordable housing with supportive services to help vulnerable people live stable, independent lives. It can take various forms, such as single-site or scattered-site housing. Supportive housing addresses multiple social problems by increasing housing stability and reducing incarceration and health costs. The document provides examples of integrated supportive housing projects that reserve a portion of units for special needs tenants.
The Renaissance in Denver, Colorado adopted a ten-year plan in 2004 to end homelessness and receive federal funding. This led to the development of multiple Housing First facilities using a permanent housing model. Housing First provides housing and support services to chronically homeless individuals regardless of health issues. Denver's first Housing First facility, Renaissance Civic Center, had minimal community opposition due to its location. Subsequent facilities like Renaissance Uptown required more community engagement during the siting process. Developing good relationships between developers and communities through open communication and good neighbor agreements can help facilitate siting Housing First facilities.
This document proposes a public works program to address needs in Barguna, Bangladesh after Cyclone Sidr. The program would focus on education/training, housing construction, employment, and disaster preparedness over 5 years with a $20 million budget. Key elements include building 10 school-cum-shelters, 20,000 family houses, land improvements, and training 1,000 workers in employable skills. The goal is to achieve long-term revitalization and security by addressing both individual and societal needs through community involvement and empowerment.
After input from a state-wide series of public listening sessions and from dementia researchers, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission has drafted the Dementia State Plan: Virginia’s Response to the Needs of Individuals with Dementia and their Caregivers. The Commission is now welcoming public comment, until October 19th, through www.alzpossible.org or by emailing dementia@vda.virginia.gov.
The document discusses World Habitat Day which is celebrated each year on the first Monday of October. This year's theme is "Many Homes, One Community" which highlights the role of affordable housing in reducing poverty and creating sustainable communities. It also provides statistics on global housing issues and examples of Habitat for Humanity's work in countries like Zambia, Nepal, Cambodia, Haiti, Macedonia, and Ireland to build homes and empower families.
6.2 Smart Shelter: How Shelters Can Improve Outcomes in Housing First Systems
Speaker: Devra Edelman
Having supportive, permanent housing-focused shelters is a crucial piece to any Housing First homeless assistance system. In this workshop, presenters will talk about the key role shelters play in improving system performance on key outcomes and reducing episodes of homelessness in their communities.
The document summarizes the evolution of disability policy in the United States from institutionalization to community integration and employment. It discusses the benefits of supported employment compared to sheltered workshops, citing research showing supported employment leads to higher wages, lower costs, and greater independence. It calls for a new social contract based on the competency of individuals with disabilities and investing in their ability to work and achieve self-sufficiency rather than trapping them in poverty. Several state and federal initiatives promoting an "Employment First" approach are highlighted.
This document discusses supportive housing and its innovations and applications. Supportive housing combines permanent affordable housing with supportive services to help vulnerable people live stable, independent lives. It can take various forms, such as single-site or scattered-site housing. Supportive housing addresses multiple social problems by increasing housing stability and reducing incarceration and health costs. The document provides examples of integrated supportive housing projects that reserve a portion of units for special needs tenants.
The Renaissance in Denver, Colorado adopted a ten-year plan in 2004 to end homelessness and receive federal funding. This led to the development of multiple Housing First facilities using a permanent housing model. Housing First provides housing and support services to chronically homeless individuals regardless of health issues. Denver's first Housing First facility, Renaissance Civic Center, had minimal community opposition due to its location. Subsequent facilities like Renaissance Uptown required more community engagement during the siting process. Developing good relationships between developers and communities through open communication and good neighbor agreements can help facilitate siting Housing First facilities.
This document proposes a public works program to address needs in Barguna, Bangladesh after Cyclone Sidr. The program would focus on education/training, housing construction, employment, and disaster preparedness over 5 years with a $20 million budget. Key elements include building 10 school-cum-shelters, 20,000 family houses, land improvements, and training 1,000 workers in employable skills. The goal is to achieve long-term revitalization and security by addressing both individual and societal needs through community involvement and empowerment.
After input from a state-wide series of public listening sessions and from dementia researchers, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission has drafted the Dementia State Plan: Virginia’s Response to the Needs of Individuals with Dementia and their Caregivers. The Commission is now welcoming public comment, until October 19th, through www.alzpossible.org or by emailing dementia@vda.virginia.gov.
The document discusses World Habitat Day which is celebrated each year on the first Monday of October. This year's theme is "Many Homes, One Community" which highlights the role of affordable housing in reducing poverty and creating sustainable communities. It also provides statistics on global housing issues and examples of Habitat for Humanity's work in countries like Zambia, Nepal, Cambodia, Haiti, Macedonia, and Ireland to build homes and empower families.
6.2 Smart Shelter: How Shelters Can Improve Outcomes in Housing First Systems
Speaker: Devra Edelman
Having supportive, permanent housing-focused shelters is a crucial piece to any Housing First homeless assistance system. In this workshop, presenters will talk about the key role shelters play in improving system performance on key outcomes and reducing episodes of homelessness in their communities.
The document summarizes the evolution of disability policy in the United States from institutionalization to community integration and employment. It discusses the benefits of supported employment compared to sheltered workshops, citing research showing supported employment leads to higher wages, lower costs, and greater independence. It calls for a new social contract based on the competency of individuals with disabilities and investing in their ability to work and achieve self-sufficiency rather than trapping them in poverty. Several state and federal initiatives promoting an "Employment First" approach are highlighted.
6.2 Smart Shelter: How Shelters Can Improve Outcomes in Housing First Systems
Speaker: Devra Edelman
Having supportive, permanent housing-focused shelters is a crucial piece to any Housing First homeless assistance system. In this workshop, presenters will talk about the key role shelters play in improving system performance on key outcomes and reducing episodes of homelessness in their communities.
This document discusses community-based diversion initiatives in Bexar County, Texas to address challenges related to mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. It describes the development of a comprehensive diversion system including a crisis care center, jail diversion programs, and partnerships between various agencies. Key outcomes of these efforts include reduced emergency room and jail utilization, lower costs, and improved access to treatment in the community. The initiatives illustrate how collaboration across systems and evidence-based practices can effectively serve individuals with behavioral health needs.
This document summarizes the L.A. Supportive Housing Recovery Initiative launched by CSH and its partners to assist nonprofit developers experiencing financial difficulties from state budget crises and the tightened credit market. The initiative will provide grants, low-interest loans up to $1.5 million through a Project Completion Loan Fund, and technical assistance to complete supportive housing projects impacted by the economic crisis. The goal is to position the permanent supportive housing industry for long-term viability and help nonprofits continue their efforts to end homelessness in Los Angeles.
Common ground and permanent supportive housing in australia acga september 5 ...Sue Mowbray
This document discusses chronic homelessness in Australia and the Common Ground model of supportive housing. It outlines the systemic drivers of chronic homelessness including inadequate income, housing stock, and support services. Common Ground provides permanent housing with on-site support services to formerly homeless individuals. The document compares elements of institutional care to supportive housing and provides updates on existing Common Ground sites in Australia, noting successes in tenant retention but also challenges in addressing complex needs. It emphasizes the need for ongoing funding and partnerships to expand permanent supportive housing options.
Direct Relief provided over $50 million in aid to tsunami-affected areas over the past year, including $41.7 million worth of donated medical products and $8.3 million in cash grants. They utilized a network of partners in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Somalia to distribute supplies and rebuild infrastructure. One project highlighted was using a $1.7 million grant to rebuild 34 primary health centers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India to improve healthcare access.
How has MS spent its disaster recovery CDBG funds? What percentage has gone towards lower-income storm victims? What would need to happen to meet Congressional goal?
The document announces a two-day training event on April 27-28, 2009 in Washington DC about revitalizing communities using funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and addressing homelessness. It will teach attendees how to obtain and manage HUD grants for community redevelopment programs.
This document summarizes a study on the connection between housing and transportation for older adults. It found that as the U.S. population ages, ensuring affordable housing near good transit options will become increasingly important. The study examined subsidized housing properties in several cities and found benefits for residents where housing was located near frequent, reliable public transportation that connected to services. However, not all older adults benefit equally from transit-oriented housing depending on individual limitations and community characteristics. The report recommends policies that preserve affordable housing stock, better integrate land use and transportation planning, and improve transit systems.
Habitat for Humanity of Utah County has been selected to participate in Habitat for Humanity International's Repair Corps program, which provides home repairs for veterans. The program will provide grants of up to $15,000 for home repairs like new roofs or wheelchair ramps. Habitat for Humanity of Utah County is one of 84 affiliates selected for the program funded by The Home Depot Foundation with $2.7 million. The program aims to ensure veterans have safe, accessible homes.
The Leicestershire VCS Strategy Group aims to set a vision and strategy for how the public and voluntary sectors in Leicestershire can work together. It was formed from the previous Compact Implementation Group to take a more strategic approach. The group wants to involve the voluntary community sector in activities like vision and strategy setting, decision-making, commissioning, communication, and joint service planning and delivery. It will also oversee Compact implementation and advise the Leicestershire Together Commissioning Board and theme boards.
The Leicestershire VCS Strategy Group aims to set a vision and strategy for how the public and voluntary sectors in Leicestershire can work together. It was formed from the previous Compact Implementation Group to take a more strategic approach. The group wants to involve the voluntary community sector in activities like vision and strategy setting, decision-making, commissioning, communication, and joint service planning and delivery. It will also oversee Compact implementation and advise the Leicestershire Together Commissioning Board and theme boards.
The two-day training event will cover available HUD funding programs under the Recovery Act to revitalize communities, including $5.25 billion for housing and community development. Day one will focus on housing programs and energy efficiency initiatives. Day two will cover community revitalization programs and best practices for managing HUD grants. Attendees will learn how to utilize programs like Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds and leverage HUD resources to address issues like affordable housing, blight, and homelessness in their communities.
YARD is a tool for engaging with communities to design and validate public space interventions. It provides a new way to engage the public to co-create better places through augmented reality (AR): YARD lets users choose and place objects into real space, building virtual scenes to plan and test design interventions that improve the quality of the public domain.
The two-day training event titled "The Changing Face of Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization" will provide information about $10.1 billion in funding from HUD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that can be used to revitalize struggling communities in 2009. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and community revitalization. It will also discuss best practices for obtaining and managing HUD grants and ensuring programs meet their intended outcomes. The event will be held on April 27-28, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia.
The document discusses debates in the House of Lords regarding Universal Credit. Several Lords contributed to the debate, discussing both benefits and challenges of the new system. While simplification of the benefits system was praised, cuts to benefits and issues with implementing the new IT systems were raised as ongoing concerns, particularly regarding support for vulnerable groups. Support for the goals of Universal Credit was expressed alongside calls for improvements to address problems that have arisen.
Imagine you are a high school educated single mother with two ...pleasure16
The document outlines several community innovation grants that were funded for various projects. It lists the organization receiving the grant, the project title and description, and the amount of the grant. Some of the projects include strengthening support programs for seniors, providing nutrition education for those living with HIV/AIDS, delivering HIV/AIDS treatment information, providing independent living support for youth, developing educational materials about disabilities, and a mentoring program pairing seniors with children. The grants ranged from $12,000 to $20,000.
Working Together so Everyone has a Good Place to Call HomeWellesley Institute
The document discusses issues related to housing insecurity and homelessness in Canada. It notes that housing insecurity has persisted and deepened over time. A lack of affordable housing is costly to individuals, communities, the economy and government. While efforts are being made at the community level, the federal government has not implemented a comprehensive national plan to address homelessness. Developing better housing indicators and evidence would help target funding and programs more effectively to improve outcomes.
Housing First in Canada: Supporting Communities to End HomelessnesTheHomelessHub
Housing First has proven to be a realistic, humane and effective way of responding to homelessness. Housing First in Canada: Supporting Communities to End Homelessness is the first book that examines how this approach has been applied in Canada. The book begins with a framework for Housing First that explains the core principles of the approach, as well as how it works in practice. The book also presents eight case studies of Housing First in Canada, exploring not just the results of its implementation, but how different communities made the shift from ‘treatment as usual’ to a new approach. Here we explore the challenges of making the case locally, the planning process, adapting the model to local contexts (urban vs. small town) or targeted populations (Aboriginal people, youth), and implementation. Much has been learned by communities that have employed Housing First and we conclude the book with a chapter that highlights key lessons learned. The book provides a wealth of information for those who want to understand the concept of Housing First and how to move forward with implementation. The good news is that Housing First works and can be applied in any community.
This document discusses best practices for bringing a Housing First model to communities based on case studies of national organizations and municipalities. It recommends forming coalitions of public, private, and nonprofit groups to generate political support. Choosing locations that are distributed throughout the area or centralized is discussed. The document advocates for a slow, transparent process of community engagement to build trust and empower local champions. It also stresses the importance of ongoing collaboration through frequent meetings and long-term agreements between stakeholders.
Logan Place in Portland, Maine was the first Housing First project in the state. It provides 30 single occupancy apartments for homeless individuals. After searching for over a year, the developers chose a site that was within walking distance of services and public transit in a neighborhood compatible with multi-unit housing, avoiding downtown areas with existing homeless facilities. Extensive community outreach was conducted, including neighborhood meetings with pizza, a phone line for questions, and working with the local neighborhood association. This resulted in addressing community concerns and gaining police chief support, leading to the project's success.
Digital Image of the City - Housing
Bowdoin College
Fall 2014
Ben Miller, Peter Nauffts, Hannah Rafkin, Claudia Villar, Jonah Watt
Presentation given on 12/10/14
6.2 Smart Shelter: How Shelters Can Improve Outcomes in Housing First Systems
Speaker: Devra Edelman
Having supportive, permanent housing-focused shelters is a crucial piece to any Housing First homeless assistance system. In this workshop, presenters will talk about the key role shelters play in improving system performance on key outcomes and reducing episodes of homelessness in their communities.
This document discusses community-based diversion initiatives in Bexar County, Texas to address challenges related to mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. It describes the development of a comprehensive diversion system including a crisis care center, jail diversion programs, and partnerships between various agencies. Key outcomes of these efforts include reduced emergency room and jail utilization, lower costs, and improved access to treatment in the community. The initiatives illustrate how collaboration across systems and evidence-based practices can effectively serve individuals with behavioral health needs.
This document summarizes the L.A. Supportive Housing Recovery Initiative launched by CSH and its partners to assist nonprofit developers experiencing financial difficulties from state budget crises and the tightened credit market. The initiative will provide grants, low-interest loans up to $1.5 million through a Project Completion Loan Fund, and technical assistance to complete supportive housing projects impacted by the economic crisis. The goal is to position the permanent supportive housing industry for long-term viability and help nonprofits continue their efforts to end homelessness in Los Angeles.
Common ground and permanent supportive housing in australia acga september 5 ...Sue Mowbray
This document discusses chronic homelessness in Australia and the Common Ground model of supportive housing. It outlines the systemic drivers of chronic homelessness including inadequate income, housing stock, and support services. Common Ground provides permanent housing with on-site support services to formerly homeless individuals. The document compares elements of institutional care to supportive housing and provides updates on existing Common Ground sites in Australia, noting successes in tenant retention but also challenges in addressing complex needs. It emphasizes the need for ongoing funding and partnerships to expand permanent supportive housing options.
Direct Relief provided over $50 million in aid to tsunami-affected areas over the past year, including $41.7 million worth of donated medical products and $8.3 million in cash grants. They utilized a network of partners in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Somalia to distribute supplies and rebuild infrastructure. One project highlighted was using a $1.7 million grant to rebuild 34 primary health centers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India to improve healthcare access.
How has MS spent its disaster recovery CDBG funds? What percentage has gone towards lower-income storm victims? What would need to happen to meet Congressional goal?
The document announces a two-day training event on April 27-28, 2009 in Washington DC about revitalizing communities using funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and addressing homelessness. It will teach attendees how to obtain and manage HUD grants for community redevelopment programs.
This document summarizes a study on the connection between housing and transportation for older adults. It found that as the U.S. population ages, ensuring affordable housing near good transit options will become increasingly important. The study examined subsidized housing properties in several cities and found benefits for residents where housing was located near frequent, reliable public transportation that connected to services. However, not all older adults benefit equally from transit-oriented housing depending on individual limitations and community characteristics. The report recommends policies that preserve affordable housing stock, better integrate land use and transportation planning, and improve transit systems.
Habitat for Humanity of Utah County has been selected to participate in Habitat for Humanity International's Repair Corps program, which provides home repairs for veterans. The program will provide grants of up to $15,000 for home repairs like new roofs or wheelchair ramps. Habitat for Humanity of Utah County is one of 84 affiliates selected for the program funded by The Home Depot Foundation with $2.7 million. The program aims to ensure veterans have safe, accessible homes.
The Leicestershire VCS Strategy Group aims to set a vision and strategy for how the public and voluntary sectors in Leicestershire can work together. It was formed from the previous Compact Implementation Group to take a more strategic approach. The group wants to involve the voluntary community sector in activities like vision and strategy setting, decision-making, commissioning, communication, and joint service planning and delivery. It will also oversee Compact implementation and advise the Leicestershire Together Commissioning Board and theme boards.
The Leicestershire VCS Strategy Group aims to set a vision and strategy for how the public and voluntary sectors in Leicestershire can work together. It was formed from the previous Compact Implementation Group to take a more strategic approach. The group wants to involve the voluntary community sector in activities like vision and strategy setting, decision-making, commissioning, communication, and joint service planning and delivery. It will also oversee Compact implementation and advise the Leicestershire Together Commissioning Board and theme boards.
The two-day training event will cover available HUD funding programs under the Recovery Act to revitalize communities, including $5.25 billion for housing and community development. Day one will focus on housing programs and energy efficiency initiatives. Day two will cover community revitalization programs and best practices for managing HUD grants. Attendees will learn how to utilize programs like Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds and leverage HUD resources to address issues like affordable housing, blight, and homelessness in their communities.
YARD is a tool for engaging with communities to design and validate public space interventions. It provides a new way to engage the public to co-create better places through augmented reality (AR): YARD lets users choose and place objects into real space, building virtual scenes to plan and test design interventions that improve the quality of the public domain.
The two-day training event titled "The Changing Face of Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization" will provide information about $10.1 billion in funding from HUD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that can be used to revitalize struggling communities in 2009. The training will cover HUD programs that provide funding for affordable housing, community development, energy efficiency, and community revitalization. It will also discuss best practices for obtaining and managing HUD grants and ensuring programs meet their intended outcomes. The event will be held on April 27-28, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia.
The document discusses debates in the House of Lords regarding Universal Credit. Several Lords contributed to the debate, discussing both benefits and challenges of the new system. While simplification of the benefits system was praised, cuts to benefits and issues with implementing the new IT systems were raised as ongoing concerns, particularly regarding support for vulnerable groups. Support for the goals of Universal Credit was expressed alongside calls for improvements to address problems that have arisen.
Imagine you are a high school educated single mother with two ...pleasure16
The document outlines several community innovation grants that were funded for various projects. It lists the organization receiving the grant, the project title and description, and the amount of the grant. Some of the projects include strengthening support programs for seniors, providing nutrition education for those living with HIV/AIDS, delivering HIV/AIDS treatment information, providing independent living support for youth, developing educational materials about disabilities, and a mentoring program pairing seniors with children. The grants ranged from $12,000 to $20,000.
Working Together so Everyone has a Good Place to Call HomeWellesley Institute
The document discusses issues related to housing insecurity and homelessness in Canada. It notes that housing insecurity has persisted and deepened over time. A lack of affordable housing is costly to individuals, communities, the economy and government. While efforts are being made at the community level, the federal government has not implemented a comprehensive national plan to address homelessness. Developing better housing indicators and evidence would help target funding and programs more effectively to improve outcomes.
Housing First in Canada: Supporting Communities to End HomelessnesTheHomelessHub
Housing First has proven to be a realistic, humane and effective way of responding to homelessness. Housing First in Canada: Supporting Communities to End Homelessness is the first book that examines how this approach has been applied in Canada. The book begins with a framework for Housing First that explains the core principles of the approach, as well as how it works in practice. The book also presents eight case studies of Housing First in Canada, exploring not just the results of its implementation, but how different communities made the shift from ‘treatment as usual’ to a new approach. Here we explore the challenges of making the case locally, the planning process, adapting the model to local contexts (urban vs. small town) or targeted populations (Aboriginal people, youth), and implementation. Much has been learned by communities that have employed Housing First and we conclude the book with a chapter that highlights key lessons learned. The book provides a wealth of information for those who want to understand the concept of Housing First and how to move forward with implementation. The good news is that Housing First works and can be applied in any community.
This document discusses best practices for bringing a Housing First model to communities based on case studies of national organizations and municipalities. It recommends forming coalitions of public, private, and nonprofit groups to generate political support. Choosing locations that are distributed throughout the area or centralized is discussed. The document advocates for a slow, transparent process of community engagement to build trust and empower local champions. It also stresses the importance of ongoing collaboration through frequent meetings and long-term agreements between stakeholders.
Logan Place in Portland, Maine was the first Housing First project in the state. It provides 30 single occupancy apartments for homeless individuals. After searching for over a year, the developers chose a site that was within walking distance of services and public transit in a neighborhood compatible with multi-unit housing, avoiding downtown areas with existing homeless facilities. Extensive community outreach was conducted, including neighborhood meetings with pizza, a phone line for questions, and working with the local neighborhood association. This resulted in addressing community concerns and gaining police chief support, leading to the project's success.
Digital Image of the City - Housing
Bowdoin College
Fall 2014
Ben Miller, Peter Nauffts, Hannah Rafkin, Claudia Villar, Jonah Watt
Presentation given on 12/10/14
- PCNF proposed a 41-unit apartment complex called Emerson North in Minneapolis to replace affordable housing lost in a tornado.
- There was initial opposition from nearby residents but overall neighborhood support. PCNF negotiated a community benefits agreement with NRRC to gain its support.
- The agreement included reducing units from 48 to 41, increasing minority hiring requirements, and creating a long-term advisory group. This process helped build trust and support for the project.
This document discusses best practices for siting housing first facilities based on guidance from national organizations. There is no single, agreed upon set of best practices, but several organizations provide useful resources on their websites. Common recommendations include engaging the community early, avoiding locations near other homeless services or established residences, and building a coalition of community supporters. The housing first field could benefit from a coordinated set of best practices to assist future development projects.
The Bud Clark Commons in Portland, Oregon provides housing and services to individuals experiencing homelessness. It contains a 90-bed men's shelter, resource center, and 130 permanent supportive housing units. When siting the facility, the city engaged the local community through a collaborative process. This included a Community Advisory Committee to provide input on the design. Additionally, a Good Neighbor Agreement was developed through negotiations to address community concerns and establish protocols for ongoing relations. Overall, the facility was successfully sited through an innovative partnership between government, service providers, and community stakeholders.
This document provides a toolkit to help assess rural housing needs through a multi-step process. It includes:
1. A housing health check - a preliminary assessment of housing costs, availability, and affordability in a community through indicators like average incomes, house prices, and the proportion of second homes.
2. Organizing a detailed housing needs survey - this can be commissioned through a Rural Housing Enabler to determine specific housing needs in a community.
3. Taking action on affordable housing - using the survey results to work with agencies on identifying sites, funding options, and developing affordable housing to meet local needs.
This document discusses implementing a Housing First model in Savannah to help address homelessness. It provides background on the Housing First approach, examples of its success in other communities, and proposes adapting the model for Savannah. Specific plans discussed include developing supportive housing communities, obtaining funding through social impact bonds, and conducting local outreach and data collection on homelessness. Caution is given that statistics from other areas may not apply to Savannah and local data is needed. Contact information is provided for getting involved.
As rapid re-housing strategies spread throughout the homelessness system, a similar movement is occurring in the domestic violence system. This workshop will cover the nuances of rapid re-housing for survivors of domestic violence and the benefits for both the survivor and the provider. Speakers will present program examples and lessons learned.
As rapid re-housing strategies spread throughout the homelessness system, a similar movement is occurring in the domestic violence system. This workshop will cover the nuances of rapid re-housing for survivors of domestic violence and the benefits for both the survivor and the provider. Speakers will present program examples and lessons learned.
This document outlines a strategy to end homelessness in Washington D.C. by 2014. It proposes a two-pronged approach: 1) Immediate investments to improve existing homeless services and 2) Long-term strategies to replace the homeless system with community-based housing and care within 10 years. The plan aims to prevent and end homelessness through increasing affordable housing units, transforming shelters into rapid rehousing centers, and fully integrating homeless services and support into mainstream public systems. The goal is for any future experiences of homelessness to be brief and non-recurring.
This document summarizes efforts to end homelessness in Bristol, Connecticut. It discusses the national Opening Doors plan and its goals of ending different types of homelessness by 2020. Bristol formed an Ending Homelessness Task Group that has helped house chronically homeless individuals, created a day warming center, and raised awareness. However, barriers like lack of affordable housing, landlord discrimination, and public misunderstanding of homelessness remain challenges. Greater community education and policy changes around affordable housing are needed to fully achieve the goal of ending homelessness in Bristol.
Housing: Thinking Locally and Acting Personally - Craig Derry – Director of S...essexwebcontentteam
1) The document discusses challenges facing the provision of housing for vulnerable people and the need for partnerships between local councils, providers, and communities to develop solutions.
2) It emphasizes promoting a broader range of supportive housing accommodations to enable independent living and responding to demands of personalization, prevention, and community-based care.
3) Funding pressures from government cuts and demographic pressures of an aging population increasing rates of conditions like dementia pose challenges that require more sophisticated housing options.
Site and Services- As an Option for Affordable HousingJIT KUMAR GUPTA
Understanding /evaluating the dynamics in the development and expansion of squatter settlements, has led to evolution of large variety of innovative housing schemes in developing countries, focusing on acute shortage of housing besides managing growth of slums ,by creating large housing stock in the affordable category .Sites-and-service schemes was conceptualized as one of the sustainable and reliable option for such squatter settlements. Considering the perpetual problem posed growth and mushrooming of slums on the urban landscape, Site and services has been used, as one of the simple and direct option ,to minimize growth of slums and resettle the slum dwellers at minimal cost and minimum effort by involving the beneficiaries and their resources through a system of collaborative and mutually supportive approach. Genesis of the massive support to the site and services scheme was found to be in its capacity to address, effectively and logically, the critical factors which led to mushrooming of slums in urban areas. However, Sites-and-services schemes have also faced considerable opposition and failure . Successes were few and failures have been found to be many. Failure was due to oversimplification of the context of housing and assumptions and misconceptions made regarding the manner in which low-income families house themselves. Scheme worked on the simple premise that once the developed land is made available to the squatters, they shall be able to create an appropriate shelter with the passage of time and availability of resources without any outside guidance, support and services. With several assumptions and misconceptions, sites-and-services projects have been subject to many shortcomings in terms of; conception, execution, identification of beneficiaries, capacity to construct, resources available, need of the space, affordability, implementation of the scheme, relation between place of work and place for living, travel time and cost recovery. Thus, in majority of the cases sites-and-services schemes became an exercise of land speculation and rendered unaffordable or inaccessible by cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, institutional requirements and political interventions. Scheme needs ,realistic and objective, review, revision and redefinition for making it more rational, effective and efficient.
This document summarizes the Housing First Initiative in Cleveland, Ohio. It discusses three key aspects:
1) The robust coalition of organizations that came together, led by Enterprise Housing Solutions, to implement permanent supportive housing in Cleveland.
2) The process of selecting sites, which involved securing support from local politicians and community engagement. Both successes and failures in site selection are discussed.
3) The strategy employed, which focused on coalition leadership, political support, intelligent site selection, and community education to site permanent supportive housing amid sometimes strong local opposition.
Emergency task force on unsheltered homelessness recommendations to mayor murrayMayorEdMurray
The Emergency Task Force on Unsheltered Homelessness made recommendations to Mayor Murray in December 2014 to address Seattle's increasing unsheltered homeless population. The Task Force recommended expanding shelter capacity through youth shelters, using city facilities, a shelter toolkit for organizations, and streamlining permits. They also recommended allowing legal encampments through a new ordinance, funding for encampments, and developing small houses for homeless individuals. Their top three priorities were using city facilities for shelters, a new encampment ordinance, and expanding youth shelters and outreach. The Task Force operated with a short-term focus on immediate solutions but discussed longer-term needs around housing, services, and changing public perceptions of homelessness.
1) The Bud Clark Commons in Portland, OR provides tiered services to the homeless, including a 90-bed men's shelter, resource center, and 130 permanent supportive housing units.
2) There was initial community pushback to locating the facility in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood due to concerns about disrupting the neighborhood's balance.
3) Project partners worked closely with a Community Advisory Committee and stakeholders to address concerns through the siting, design, and development of a Good Neighbor Agreement. This collaborative process helped gain community support for the project.
Presentation on Housing First & justifications (to be developed with this organizations help) for taxpayer & government funding savings from the proposed solution!
The Homeless to Homes Shelter Collaborative aims to transform emergency shelter services for single homeless individuals in Cincinnati. It involves five service organizations partnering to build new facilities and improve existing shelters, providing high-quality shelter with on-site services to help individuals exit homelessness. This will be done through specialized shelters, expanded capacity, and increased case management and services like job training, with the goals of shorter periods of homelessness and more efficient returns to permanent housing.
This document discusses strategies for rapid re-housing programs to recruit private market landlords and overcome housing barriers for homeless populations. It describes the challenge of low "renter capital" for homeless households due to factors like poor credit or rental histories. It then outlines several program and community-level approaches that have been successful, including tailored marketing to landlords, advocacy, enhanced incentives and protections for landlords, addressing affordability issues, and maintaining landlord relationships to support housing stability. The strategies range from actions individual agencies can take to those requiring broader community coordination and policies.
This document discusses the Housing First model for addressing homelessness. Housing First prioritizes providing permanent housing before other services and has been very effective in reducing homelessness. The document outlines Housing First programs in Utah, Nashville, and Charlotte that have significantly reduced homelessness through collaboration, permanent supportive housing, private partnerships, and other strategies. Funding comes from various federal, state and local sources as well as private donors.
4.2 Partnering with Landlords
Speaker: Ryan Macy-Hurley
One of the key strategies in rapidly re-housing families is creating and maintaining strong relationships with a variety of private and public landlords. This workshop will cover how to develop strong partnerships with landlords and how to use those relationships to quickly acquire housing. Strategies such as finding housing units, landlord mediation, and conflict resolution will be discussed.
The document outlines Washington D.C.'s 10-year plan called "Homeless No More" to end homelessness in the city by 2014. The plan was developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders and aims to prevent homelessness, increase affordable housing, and integrate homeless services with mainstream support systems. It presents a vision of ending chronic homelessness and making temporary homelessness brief and non-recurring through new policies, facilities, and coordination of housing, social services, and government agencies.
The high-profile approach is the best method for opening an adolescent group home. It involves educating stakeholders about the benefits of group homes before opening to address concerns and decrease opposition. This allows planners to provide accurate information to refute myths and makes the community aware of how group homes can help residents integrate and contribute. In contrast, the low-profile approach risks increased opposition once the home opens since stakeholders weren't previously engaged. Examples show high-profile approaches like Camden DREAMS gained community support through educational campaigns highlighting neighborhood improvements.
This document outlines plans to establish a tiny home village in Huntsville, Alabama to help address homelessness. The village will be run by the nonprofit Foundations for Tomorrow and will partner with other organizations to provide 30 tiny homes, community buildings, and access to services to help homeless individuals transition back into housing. Tiny homes cost significantly less than other housing options and can help reduce costs associated with homelessness. The village will be self-governed and provide residents a safe, legal place to live while they work to become self-sufficient.
2. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 44
Abstract community presents a risk to their quality of life and levels of
Home Again is a Housing First project based in safety.1
Worcester, MA, that emerged from a collaboration of five
established homeless services providers. e five organizations, Discussion
Community Healthlink (CHL), Disma’s House, the Henry Lee Home Again states that “only a home ends
Willis Center, Jeremiah's Inn and the People in Peril Shelter, homelessness.” is is a simple vision of the program which
created a Steering Committee in late 2006 to address increasing aims to end chronic homelessness in the Worcester area by
homelessness in the area. rough their initial meetings, they providing housing utilizing a housing first model. In January of
2007, the collaboration of five area homeless service providers
determined that rather than remedy the area’s homeless
submitted a grant proposal to the Health Foundation of Central
problem with isolated services, they should seek out a solution.
Massachusetts (HCFM). e group, adopted the name
is solution takes a systematic approach, by providing
Comprehensive Homeless Assessment and Intervention
chronically homeless individuals with homes first, then
Network (CHAIN), craed a mission statement: to work to
addressing the specific issues that lead to homelessness.
reduce and prevent homelessness in Greater Worcester by
Home Again is a network of supportive housing units
offering chronically homeless people, and those at-risk of
utilizing a Housing First Model. is model provides
becoming chronically homeless, permanent homes and
chronically homeless individuals with permanent homes and
community-based support services.
support services with the goals of achieving housing stability
and improving the health and welfare of their clients. Because During this time, Worcester’s City Manager’s Task
the clients of Housing First projects are the homeless, siting of Force on Homelessness was charged with developing a plan to
such facilities are oen met with community resistance due to end homelessness in the city. e Home Again project
the stigmatization of these individuals as dangerous or addressed many of the goals outlined in this plan. Home Again
undesirable, as local communities feel their quality of life would was approved for funding, for both the planning phase and an
be diminished. e Steering Committee was aware that 18-month model program through HFCM. ese key elements
obtaining community support would be difficult, and therefore allowed the Home Again program to open its doors as planned
set forth a plan that centered around comprehensive project in 2008. e project consists of one aggregate housing facility,
transparency. Opposition was channeled through a local named the Spencer House, and several scattered sites
community group, the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association, throughout the city.
who openly voiced their concerns regarding the project. e
Association felt that the siting of a Housing First facility in their
1Glista, Kelly. (2008). No welcome mat on Nob Hill. Residents: “Too many unknowns.” Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://www.hfcm.org/
June-3-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/555.
3. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 45
Community Profile the PIP Shelter within three years of the implementation, and
In 2006, the collaborative group, CHAIN, identified 120 transition clients of the shelter to programs using a Housing
individuals in Worcester that can be characterized as chronically First Model.3
homeless. Prior to Home Again, if an individual in Worcester
looked to end his or her homelessness, they would seek Existing Legislation
assistance from Community Healthlink (CHL). CHL is a Home Again cited specific state and federal regulations
Worcester-based homeless services provider with a proud that allowed them to successfully develop their project. ese
history of providing quality services, as well as one of the key regulations prohibit discrimination against the siting of facilities
organizers in the Home Again planning and siting process. such as Home Again. e Federal Fair Housing Act as well as
eir program, the Homeless Outreach and Advisory Project the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination in
(HOAP), assesses the individual’s needs and offers Standard housing against the disabled. Moreover, the Dover Amendment
Care services. Standard Care services consist of outreach, case to the Massachusetts Constitution states that: “Imposing land-
management, emergency shelters, and possibly temporary use requirements on congregate living arrangements among
housing.2 Recognizing that the root cause of homelessness is the non-related persons with disabilities shall constitute
lack of a stable home, CHAIN looked to create a Housing First discrimination.”4 rough the Home Again siting process,
program in Worcester based on other successful programs CHAIN believed that the Spencer House would fall under these
nationwide. Home Again was the first Housing First Program protections.
to be installed in Worcester, but there have been other similar
facilities located in the city. As part of the plan outlined by Neighborhood Resistance
CHAIN, full implementation of Home Again was to alleviate Local resistance was channeled through the Nob Hill
some of the occupancy of the local homeless shelter, the People Neighborhood Association, who opposed the Home Again
in Peril (PIP) Shelter. An objective outlined in the City project because of the unnecessary risk that it would bring to
the community. Susan McCool, President of the Nob Hill
Manager’s ree Year Plan to End Homelessness was to phase
2Baughman, Allyson, & Rothman, Emily F. (2009). Evaluation Report. Home Again 21-Month Outcome Evaluation (January 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009). Retrieved April 16,
2012 from http://www.homeagaincentralma.org/CMS/Images/Home%20Again
3City Manager’s Task Force on Homelessness. (2008). ree Year Plan to End Homelessness in Worcester. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http:// www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/
c4/58/c45857c1c7f6591de58ac372a5c7eb3c/three- year-plan.pdf.
4e 187th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. General Laws. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/
Chapter40a/Section3.
4. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 46
Association during the opening of Home Again, stated that the Ekstrom, Director of CHL, said that she was not willing to meet
problem with the plan set forth by CHL was that there were too with groups larger than 15. She reasoned that these large
many unknowns.5 e neighborhood association did not m e e t i n g s c r e at e d h o s t i l e c o n d i t i o n s w h i c h w e r e
oppose the project, but they did feel that it would be better counterproductive. Many community members were disturbed
suited in a different community." Among the association’s top by this policy.
concerns was that residents of the Spencer House would be Home Again officials were absent from most of the Nob
allowed to drink alcohol in their apartments. Some of the Hill Association community meetings. Jim Savage stated aer
one such meeting: “Community Healthlink prefers to meet with
group’s other concerns included the introduction of
a handful of residents at a time. Our meeting was open to all.”7
“unsympathetic homeless” individuals into the neighborhood.
Community meetings provide an avenue for both opponents
Local resident and Nob Hill Association spokesperson Jim
and proponents to relay pertinent project information. While
Savage writes: “We don’t know if potential residents will beg, CHL did not see benefit from large community meetings, these
drink, burn cigarettes, or urinate and vomit in public.”6 meetings were still occurring without their presence. e lack of
Residents also voiced concerns over the inclusion of Level 2 and a voice for Home Again at these meetings created an
Level 3 sex offenders in the Spencer House and the lack of an environment that may have fostered the distribution of
employee resident in the facility 24 hours a day. Some of the misinformation regarding the Housing First project.
Association’s claims were unjustified, and due to intense
publicity surrounding the project, there may have been a large A Lack of Early Political Support
amount of incorrect information circulating among the public. Early in the planning process, Home Again did not have
e Home Again team claimed to maintain complete the support of the City Manager, even though he was
transparency throughout the planning process, but how did developing a plan to end homelessness at the same time. e
they fail to relay accurate information to the only neighborhood Task Force on Homelessness filed the ree-Year Plan to End
group in which the Spencer House was to be sited? One of Homelessness in Worcester in November of 2007, but failed to
pitfalls in CHAIN’s community strategy may have been their establish the Commission on Homeless until July 1, 2008. It was
reluctance to engage in large community meetings. Deborah during this lag that community opposition against Home Again
5Glista, Kelly. (2008). No welcome mat on Nob Hill. Residents: “Too many unknowns.” Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://www.hfcm.org/
June-3-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/555.
6Carmark, Grace, & Savage, Jim. (2008). Housing First: An effective fix...or an invitation for trouble? Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://
www.hfcm.org/April-4-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/545.
7Carmark, Grace, & Savage, Jim. (2008). Housing First: An effective fix...or an invitation for trouble? Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://
www.hfcm.org/April-4-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/545.
5. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 47
was greatest, and a lack of political support may have increased economic conditions, many of the larger homes became too
opponent resistance. Michael Gilleberto, the City Manager’s expensive to afford as single family homes. Some of these
Staff Assistant for Operations, spoke at a gathering in April of houses have been converted to apartments or businesses. e
2008 and stated that due to lacking information, the city cannot Spencer House itself was a defunct group home that was vacant
support the project. He went on to express his regrets about the at the time of siting. Although empty, the building maintained
Home Again project, noting that it went ahead before its identity in the community as a social services facility, and
neighbors oen referred to the building as “e Group Home.”
recommendations of the City Manager’s Task Force on
Several factors contributed to promoting the Spencer
Homelessness have been implemented. e City Manager also
House location. e location was already zoned appropriately
claimed that they were unsure if the Spencer House will have
for its use as a Housing First complex, so there was no need for
any effect on the homeless population of the city. Amid these
any variances or special permits. Also, there were no conflicting
hesitations, the City Manager never did oppose the Home Again
facilities that may cause siting issues, such as schools or bars
project formally, and stated that “[they] were unable to do so
nearby that can cause additional community opposition. Nob
because of provisions of the Dover Amendment and the Federal
Hill Association member Jim Savage even stated that it was
Fair Housing Act.”8
fortunate that CHL chose to restore the historic building, but he
did feel it needed to be for a more worthy cause. 9 Deb Ekstrom
Location is Key
remarked that the most important factor contributing to the
e success of the Home Again project may be
success of the project was the location.10
attributed to location. It is sited in a previously vacant building
in a middle class residential neighborhood of Lincoln Estates/
Elm Park in Worcester. e neighborhood does have a historic
district and an esteemed history within Worcester, but due to
8Hammel, Lee. (2008). Home meets resistance: Neighbors oppose group home plan. Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://www.hfcm.org/
April-3-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette--544.
97 Carmark, Grace, & Savage, Jim. (2008). Housing First: An effective fix...or an invitation for trouble? Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://
www.hfcm.org/April-4-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/545.
10 personal communication, 04/24/2012
6. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 48
Home Again Community Strategy their project’s goals. Home Again contracted a Boston-based
At the core of Home Again’s community strategy was a public relations firm Denterlein in December of 2006, with the
communication plan based on a set of principles created during hope of increasing public awareness and gaining support with
the initial planning phase (See Appendix 2). e goal of the local community. One of their first tasks was the completion
these principles is to “provide the community with the factual of a website on which concerned citizens could learn facts
information needed to understand the project, while regarding the Housing First process. Denterlein continued to
simultaneously limiting the spread of misinformation, political conduct area-wide studies to discover community acceptance of
grandstanding and abusive remarks.”11 As expected, the Home Housing First and increase awareness about the effectiveness of
Again project was met with community resistance. Opposition such programs. Denterlein officials remarked, that once the
peaked soon aer the 18-month assessment completed, before Worcester area had adequate information about Home Again,
Home Again was to admit residents. Deborah Ekstrom they grew more supportive of the program. Denterlein’s staff
described the scene as “ugly,” and stated: “People are always implemented a series of community gatherings to communicate
going to be afraid of these projects.”12 Home Again felt that the project details and answer questions. e intention of these
best way to counter resistance was through education, and Ms. gatherings was to inform local citizens of not only the benefits
Ekstrom remarked, “It’s an open door communication policy.”13 of Housing First to the Home Again clients, but to provide
Grace Carmark, executive director of the Central Massachusetts citizens with information distinguishing programs like Home
Housing Alliance stated: “We need to change the existing Again from traditional homeless services. Case studies were
paradigm for communications with the community.”14 e team highlighted that show the net cost savings of Housing First. One
felt that by remaining open and honest about the program’s specific study highlighted was conducted by the Colorado
goals and intentions, will they begin to generate community Coalition for the Homeless, and shows a cost savings of $31,545
support. per person over a 24 month period in a Housing First Program.
Early in the planning and siting process, Home Again Home Again also recognized that in order to receive
concluded that success depended upon the effective delivery of community acceptance, they needed to gain the support of local
11
Carmark, Grace, & Savage, Jim. (2008). Housing First: An effective fix...or an invitation for trouble? Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://
www.hfcm.org/April-4-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/545.
12 personal communication, 04/09/2012
13Glista, Kelly. (2008). No welcome mat on Nob Hill. Residents: “Too many unknowns.” Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://www.hfcm.org/
June-3-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/555.
14
Carmark, Grace, & Savage, Jim. (2008). Housing First: An effective fix...or an invitation for trouble? Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://
www.hfcm.org/April-4-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette/545.
7. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 49
business and political leaders. e Steering Committee aimed to recognize some of the neighborhood’s concerns in order to
identify local “do-gooders.” e strategy was to inform these open as planned. City Councilor Barbara G. Haller stated: “e
individuals first about the project’s vision and goals. As these neighborhood seems to feel they got the consideration they
individuals became more aware of all the benefits of Home have been looking for.”17 rough the months of negotiations,
Again, they were able to communicate with others, increasing the two sides agreed that the facility should ban all sex offenders
overall community acceptance. As Deborah Ekstrom explained: and have staff available on premises at the Spencer House 24
“It was our general habit to let our local leaders know specific hours a day, at least until the City declares the program stable.
details first. ese individuals became our strongest Additionally, regulations were added to ban drinking in all
advocates.”15 “Once leaders in the Worcester area had access to common areas of the facility, and possession of any illegal
more information about Home Again, and saw the efforts made substances is grounds for immediate removal from the program.
to be as informative and transparent as possible, they grew more
supportive of the project.”16 e Home Again team was quick to Conclusion
support the use of Good Neighbor Agreements as a tool to e successful siting of the Home Again project can be
display professionalism within the community (See Appendix attributed to the several factors, but those factors may not have
3). ese agreements serve as a non-binding contract between been in alignment with what the developer initially thought.
the site developer and the community organization. From a Home Again hoped that a communication plan outlined by
developer’s perspective, the paramount goals of these their guiding principles would allow for a smooth siting of the
agreements are to show community groups that the developer is facility. is strategy showed that the developer was willing
committed to maintain complete transparency throughout the share all project plans with the community, but nowhere in their
process, ensure the safety of all community residents and ensure strategy was there any recognition of community desires. Once
that facility residents behave appropriately. the Home Again team acknowledged the community requests,
the project began to move forward. Developers cannot merely
Community Negotiations be transparent with project goals and objectives, they must be
Aer several months of community meetings and willing to listen to the concerns of the local community and
negotiations, Home Again opened in November of 2008. ree accommodate those concerns if possible.
men initially moved in, with two to three additional tenants to It may be difficult for a developer to find the balance
be introduced each month following. Home Again did need to between appeasing the wishes of the local community and
15 personal communication, 04/09/2012
16 Home Again Project Case Study. (2008) Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http:// www.denterlein.com/site/study/home-again-project-2/.
17Hammel, Lee. (2008). Spencer House opens its doors. Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved April 23, 2012 from http://www.telegram.com/article/20081128/NEWS/
811280619.
8. Emerging Best Practices in Siting Housing First | 50
building a facility as initially intended. Too much recognition of
community desires can cause projects to be unfeasible. To little
recognition and a project would never break ground. Each
individual case requires individual attention. Home Again gave
in to certain requests and remained resolute on others. All
committee decisions needed to be agreed upon collectively. Ms.
Ekstrom noted that a firm resolve among the Steering
Committee contributed to a successful siting. Developers need
to be prepared and willing to withstand local opposition.18
It was not only firm resolve and careful negotiations that
contributed to a successful siting, as existing legislation allowed
for protections to be placed on the facility. Moreover, an
intelligent placement of the Spencer House facility did not give
the community much leverage for opposition. Oen times
zoning or permitting restrictions can add significant delays to
the siting process.
As neighbors became more aware of the goals and
benefits of the program, they became more supportive, but
memories of the conflict are still fresh. Since the Home Again
Program began admitting residents in 2008, there has only been
one reported incident at the Spencer House involving
neighbors, and this incident fueled neighborhood opposition to
the facility. Opposition was met swily with an immediate
resolution by Home Again staff. Local Councilwoman Barbara
Haller said that the community is beginning to show signs of
optimism towards their new neighbors.19 In the years since,
Home Again has made significant improvements to the issues of
homelessness in Worcester, but the community may never
completely embrace the facility’s presence.
18 personal communication, 04/24/2012
19
Hammel, Lee. (2008). Home meets resistance: Neighbors oppose group home plan. Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved April 14, 2012 from http://www.hfcm.org/
April-3-2008--Worcester-Telegram--Gazette--544