Mariel Ferreiro’s Post

Young Lives on Hold: The Realities of Child Homelessness This ABC News article tugged at my heartstrings as it laid bare the challenges homeless children face. https://lnkd.in/g-_AKwEC Here are my thoughts on how we can make a difference alongside Homes for Homes. Across Australia, countless children face the harsh realities of homelessness. The turmoil of frequently moving, changing schools, and the lack of basic necessities like proper school uniforms deeply affects their emotional and psychological well-being. It's not just about having no place to stay—the silence of their struggles is equally painful.(As you will read) Homes for Homes introduces an innovative funding method to boost the supply of social and affordable housing. This initiative to partner with the property sector operates through the sale and resale of properties at no cost to the developers. Our goal is clear: end homelessness for every child and family that confronts this challenge. Each property transaction brings us one step closer to a world where every child has a stable, secure home. You can play a part in this transformative work. Learn more and join our cause at: https://lnkd.in/geE9HJ_V By sharing this message, we amplify the voices of these children and raise awareness of their often-overlooked struggles. Together, we can create a future where every child has a secure place to call home and an opportunity to thrive.  #EndHomelessness #HomesForHomes #Property

In a significant stride towards addressing homelessness, the Tempe City Council has unanimously voted to transform the Apache Inn, a 58-room motel, into a dedicated shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative, set to open by early 2025, represents a visionary approach to urban development, combining compassion with practical solutions. The $10 million investment in the motel, located near Smith Road and Apache Boulevard, is part of a broader strategy to create "bridge" facilities—transitional environments where residents prepare for permanent housing. This project will not only provide immediate shelter but also comprehensive support through case management, assisting residents in their transition to stability and self-sufficiency. Funded by Maricopa County and the American Rescue Plan Act, this project also includes the purchase of an adjacent vacant lot, potentially expanding the shelter’s capacity and services. This decision echoes a growing trend across Arizona, where cities like Mesa and Kingman are repurposing motels to combat poverty and provide essential services to the most vulnerable. https://ow.ly/ohJ450RF50m

Stop promoting Housing First as the magic solution and start emphasizing the need for community-wide systems to reduce and solve homelessness. https://lnkd.in/gmcd327Y We've been pushing Housing First on the public for over a decade, and it’s now seen negatively because its challenges were ignored rather than addressed, making it harder to scale. The public has grown to hate Housing First, and the truth is that Housing First alone cannot solve homelessness. We need a comprehensive approach: affordable housing, eviction prevention, shelters, outreach, and supportive housing, all working together. That’s how we truly end homelessness.

There is a debate around the causes of homelessness which affected the elections. However, the main driver is the cost of housing. There is a direct correction between the cost of housing and the rise of homelessness. In my opinion, there can be no greater effort to reduce homelessness than simply increasing the supply of housing. Of course, increasing the supply of housing sparks debate between "YIMBYS" and "NIMBYS." For our part, here in San Diego, we are building Affordable Housing via Backyard Apartments. One acquisition, one development at a time. Do you have an opinion on homelessness and its causes? John Laine Andrew Erickson Michael P. Voulgarakis

Can affordable housing transform declining neighborhoods? One organization believes it can—and it’s already doing so. Based in San Angelo, Texas, Galilee is a not-for-profit organization providing affordable housing options for residents on low to moderate incomes. Stephanie Hamby, MPA, Executive Director of Galilee CDC, and Carlos Cruz, Rehabilitation Manager, discuss the organization's impact on affordable housing and homelessness, focusing on community engagement and partnerships. "With the category of 18-to-30-year-olds leaving school or the foster care system, these individuals are susceptible to homelessness or ‘couch surfing’, but by thinking upstream, we can provide good quality, affordable apartments to combat these potential issues." Read the full insight into Galilee here: 🔗https://ow.ly/FubU50TE4ct #AffordableHousing #AffordableLiving #GalileeCDC #MHBmagazine

Stop promoting Housing First as the magic solution and start emphasizing the need for community-wide systems to reduce and solve homelessness. https://lnkd.in/g57idwpK We've been pushing Housing First on the public for over a decade, and it’s now seen negatively because its challenges were ignored rather than addressed, making it harder to scale. The public has grown to hate Housing First, and the truth is that Housing First alone cannot solve homelessness. We need a comprehensive approach: affordable housing, eviction prevention, shelters, outreach, and supportive housing, all working together. That’s how we truly end homelessness.

✨Beyond The Bridge✨ I was honoured to be invited to to the world premiere last week: A Bigger Vision Film’s Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness, This film and impact campaign was about building a big movement to solve homelessness with housing and supportive services. I enjoyed the screening, we watched Tim and Don travel across the states interviewing officials and individuals who had lived experience, while educating people and shifting what people think about homelessness, and whether they believe it’s solvable . Its a story about the power of movement ,Produced & Directed by Don Sawyer &Tim Hasko. Food for thought... 'When all services come together and work on one accord it is possible to reduce homelessness significantly like the state of Milwaukee'. 'Housing First' in Milwake Is on a mission to end homelessness.' 'Milwake Has the lowest homelessness per capita in United States'. 'It's not just about housing people, but doing it well'. 'Leaders and elected officials need to work together' 'Every community has the element to decrease homelessness like Outreach.' 'Collaboration with sherif is crucial.' 'A housing Voucher doesn't guarantee you'll be accepted.' 'Developers are charging $100k development fees before a shovel touches the ground ,making affordable housing challenging.' 'Enforcement does not reduce homelessness .' "If you don't want homeless people in your backyard ,you'll have homeless people in your front yard " 'Many unhoused individuals are subjected to Public hostility.' 'Public prescription about the unhoused needs to change .' 'More than 25% of people are paying 50% of their income on rent.' 'We need to stop blaming each other, instead, ask what can we do together.' "It's one thing to be lonely another to be sad but despair is the worst " This is an impact screening eventually it will be distributed,you can fill out an interest form if you want to bring it to your local community. A Bigger Vision Films – A Video Production Company ✨Building bridges is the essence of humanity's progress, for it is through connection that we bridge the gaps of understanding, empathy, and possibility."✨ #helpinnfolk #affordablehousing #housingfirst #beyondthebridge#donsawyer #timhasko #partnersfromhome #veterans #seniors #unhoused #housingprograms

Homelessness in rural Wisconsin, while often unseen, is increasing. Yet a grueling funding landscape, among other challenges, poses obstacles for local shelters and rural providers. Despite rural communities having fewer nonprofits than urban ones, shelters and housing assistance programs are leading the way to address the expanse of homelessness in rural Wisconsin. “Funding and access to resources is a challenge … but there are some really bright spots in rural communities, because they are doing more with less,” said Vice President of Training and Technical Assistance Mary Frances Kenion, MPA of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “We’re seeing a ton of innovation and resilience just by virtue of them being positioned to do more with less.” #ruralhomelessness #rural #endhomelessness https://lnkd.in/e8JiRwdu

National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day (12/21) reminds us that homelessness is not just a statistic. It’s a human tragedy. Homelessness, especially for those living outdoors, leads to death for people who were loved, who mattered, and whose loss diminishes us all. While our shared work often focuses on differing opinions about how to resource systems to address the crises of housing affordability and homelessness, this day calls us to reflect deeply. How can we meet the immediate and urgent needs of those without shelter? How can we ensure no one is left behind to endure the dangerous consequences of homelessness? As we work toward long-term housing solutions, we must commit to redirecting power, focus, and resources to meet people where they are, with dignity and urgency. Honoring the memory of those we’ve lost means embracing our shared responsibility—no matter the discomfort or inconvenience to our status quo—to create a future where no one dies without a home. Memorial events will be hosted throughout California this week. Search for one in your area, comment below with local or regional events you are connected to, and visit https://lnkd.in/gRKn5sSm to explore more tools and resources.