Holistic solutions offer pathways for everyone to have a home

A few weeks back, I shared about supportive housing; this type of living situation not only gives someone a home but also access to voluntary wrap-around services that help someone who's experienced addiction or trauma. According to Project Renewal, it is also more cost-effective to fund supportive housing than shelters, saving agencies over $25,000 annually per person.

A recent article in the New York Times highlights a former hotel converted to successful, supportive housing in Dumbo, NY, that has formerly homeless residents with access to supportive services living amongst medium-income residents who reside in the building because of the City's lottery. 

The City currently has around 35,000 supportive housing units with plans to build more however, the demand far exceeds the supply. During the height of the pandemic, 13,440 homeless single adults slept in hotel beds that were converted into temporary shelters; however, in December, that number fell to 4,560. Plans to convert former hotels into affordable or supportive housing have been delayed by zoning regulations and a major union leaving limited options for others in need. 

Our teams are finding it harder than ever to get guests access to housing like this while seeing an uptick in homelessness. 

This Friday, I bring this to your attention to first highlight how holistic solutions to homelessness can work in an affluent community like Dumbo and also give you perspective on the challenges we are problem-solving daily at City Relief. 

Thank you for your faithfulness, 

Josiah