U.S.VETS’ Post

Since 2019, Detroit has invested $1 Billion in affordable housing, decreasing homelessness and keeping residents in their homes. Seventy-one multi-family housing projects have brought 4,648 units to Detroit. Of those, 1,612 are new constructions, while 3,036 existing affordable housing units were preserved through renovation, with the affordable rates locked in for residents for at least 30 years. In addition, first-time homebuyers have received grants of up to $25,000 for down payment assistance. So far, the program has created 400 new homeowners. ARPA funding has helped seniors and those with disabilities stay in their homes through the Renew Detroit roof replacement program. To date, more than 500 roofs have been completed. With assistance programs and affordable housing opportunities throughout the city, Detroit has become a place where residents who want a roof over their heads can have one. Read Detroit's Playbook at detroitmi.gov For affordable housing opportunities, go to https://lnkd.in/gCgd7skn

A Salute to Austin: A City Investing in Its Community We cannot overstate the significance of Austin's remarkable commitment to addressing homelessness. Between 2019 and 2021, the city earmarked an impressive $179 million for assisting those in our community who are most in need. This generous budget allocation speaks volumes about Austin's collective conscience and our shared values. In the face of increased homelessness rates across the U.S., it is heartening to see a city take such a proactive and compassionate stance. This investment is not merely a band-aid solution but a substantial commitment to providing holistic support, from affordable housing initiatives to mental health and addiction services. Yet as we celebrate this achievement, we also look expectantly to the future. We urge Austin to continue to uphold this high standard of community investment, innovating and iterating as necessary to ensure each dollar has the greatest possible impact. In Austin, we have the opportunity to set a national standard for investing in community well-being. So, let's continue to meet this challenge with the same spirit of generosity, innovation, and care that brought us this far. Resources: Special_Request_Homelessness_Spending_September_2021.pdf (austintexas.gov)https://lnkd.in/eQy-sPWQ https://www.ppusa.org/blog

As Atlanta's rental market continues to increase, the need for affordable housing has never been more critical. Did you know that the average rent price in Atlanta has increased by 5.3% over the past year alone, far outpacing wage growth? This alarming trend has contributed to a rise in homelessness, with about 7000 individuals experiencing homelessness in our city this year according to a study conducted by https://lnkd.in/e2gaDNw7 At Tapestry Development Group, we understand the profound impact of these challenges on our community. That's why we're dedicated to building affordable housing solutions that empower individuals and families to thrive. By focusing on accessibility and affordability, we're working to ensure that everyone has a place to call home, regardless of their income level. Together, we can make a difference. Join us in our mission to create a more equitable and inclusive Atlanta for all.

We believe building micro-homes in our community is an effective, wise, and dignified method to create more affordable housing options and reduce homelessness, as mentioned in our 2023 Unsheltered Homelessness Brief (https://lnkd.in/efv6KnNB).   We’re proud to be the convener of the Tiny House Collaborative Team working alongside Fine Arts Center Greenville SC, Bonds Career Center, Craig Gaulden Davis, Inc., and Clancy & Theys Construction Company. This pilot program is giving students direct experience in designing and building a #TinyHome, as well as the opportunity to use their talents to reduce homelessness. Read the article by WYFF for more information on this initiative.   🏠What are Tiny Homes/Micro-Homes? They’re a village of micro-homes often with community-based amenities where previously homeless individuals can flourish. When done correctly, they prioritize dignity using the community of tiny homes “as an efficient means to uplift people in need—as opposed to trying to relocate people off the street in the cheapest way possible.” Two examples of tiny home villages are The Village at Glencliff and Community First Village in Austin, TX. Source: Grace Can Lead Us Home, by Kevin Nye

Having visited Community First Village (CFV) in Austin twice over the last couple of years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how their model is successfully addressing the social crisis impacting their city. In fact, other cities and counties have also taken notice and have replicated, or are in the process of replicating, the same model.   Reducing homelessness requires a mosaic of solutions which, historically, has been heavily weighted towards providing immediate and interim shelter and support services. While interim measures are critical to addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness, without permanent solutions, the cycle of moving from the street to temporary housing and then back to the street is never ending. The CFV model provides permanent, supportive community and has been tested over time, at scale, with a very low rate of attrition. The CFV model not only provides permanent homes and community, it also provides critical support services and the ability for one to live out their life with dignity and stability. Seeds of Hope Silicon Valley’s mission is to provide permanent, supportive community for the unhoused using the same approach and tenets as Community First Village. Click on the links below to learn more from a recent article in The New York Times and a segment on the Today Show.

Excellent look at how real estate price appreciation disproportionately impacts lower income residents and how Community Land Trusts challenge the notion of real estate/housing as a speculatory tool for privileged groups vs. a basic human right.

Today PHFA has awarded 322 recipients a total of $64.8 million in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding. This money will boost housing and community development initiatives in all 67 counties. We anticipate this funding will impact Pennsylvania households through a variety of affordable housing efforts including: 🔴 169 new, affordable housing units will be created 🔴 1,181 affordable housing units will be preserved/rehabilitated 🔴 900 units rehabilitated/preserved through the funding of 4% tax credit projects 🔴 61 new single-family homes to be created 🔴 227 housing units will be created or rehabilitated specifically for households in danger of homelessness 🔴 316 potential new homebuyers to receive down payment/closing cost assistance 🔴 More than 6,900 families/households to receive housing counseling/financial education 🔴 More than 14,000 families/households to receive housing assistance (rent, utilities, transportation Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d7RAb8H

Remember Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Securing necessities for living — food, water, shelter, safety — provides the foundation for seeking higher-order flourishing. Without these fundamentals, life devolves into a never-ending struggle to find stability. That’s why the homeless benefit most from having housing for themselves. We know this from research, confirming this part of Maslow’s insight (I’m aware of its critics). We also know that the single most significant determinant of homelessness in a community is the cost of housing. And in the United States, real estate values remain tethered to social indicators like school district quality, crime rates, and employment levels, fostering gated communities, insular mindsets, and NIMBY entitlement. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see an affluent enclave like Boston’s Back Bay open its arms to the homeless, and say, “Yes, in my backyard. Welcome to the neighborhood.” We need more of this. In the end, we’re all just walking each other home — no matter where we live.

We had the honor of showcasing #AzurePrintedHomes at the state Capitol in Sacramento yesterday, alongside lawmakers and community leaders. One of our 3D-printed homes was on display, highlighting innovative solutions to address California's homelessness crisis. This home, just over 100 square feet, offer a temporary, dignified space for individuals to stay while they transition to permanent housing. State Senators Josh Becker and Catherine Blakespear, Assemblyman Gregg Hart, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Elizabeth Funk, CEO of #DignityMoves emphasized the urgency of the situation, with 67% of California's homeless population unsheltered. Senate Bill 1395, the Interim Supportive Housing Act, seeks to streamline the building process on unused land, making it easier for cities to quickly deploy interim housing solutions. We're proud to be part of this movement, providing eco-friendly, cost-effective, and rapidly constructed housing that can make a real difference in people's lives. As Mayor Mahan noted, these units are more than just shelter—they’re a stepping stone to stability and a better future. Let's continue working together to address homelessness and bring hope to those who need it most. 💪🏠 #HousingCrisis #Innovation #3DPrinting #AffordableHousing #Sustainability #California Josh Becker Catherine Blakespear Gregg Hart @Matt Mahon Elizabeth Funk Joanne Price