In this issue:
HomeAid turns 35!
Unveiling the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR)
HomeAid 2023 Impact Report
Umpqua Bank Grant Presentation
HomeAid Affiliate’s Community Engagement Impact
Recommended Reading
HomeAid Minnesota Impacting Veterans in their Communities
HomeAid Orlando Featured in Builder & Developer
HomeAid at IBS 2024
HomeAid Sponsors
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| HomeAid Turns 35!This year HomeAid is celebrating its 35th year of building new lives for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid first began with the work of HomeAid Orange County and has grown to 19 affiliates across 13 states and the District of Columbia. Join HomeAid all year while we celebrate 35 years of building a future without homelessness.
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Building a Future Without Homelessness: Unveiling the Impactful Insights of the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR)
As we embark on another year of dedicated efforts toward our mission of building a future without homelessness, it is imperative that we take stock of the latest data that shapes our understanding of the challenges we face. The recently released 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides us with crucial insights into the state of homelessness in the United States.
The AHAR: A Compass Guiding Our Mission
The AHAR serves as a compass that not only guides our mission at HomeAid but also illuminates the path forward for all organizations committed to eradicating homelessness. It is a comprehensive report that consolidates data from the Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and the Housing Inventory Count (HIC), offering a snapshot of homelessness nationwide.
Key Findings: A Call to Action
The 2023 AHAR reveals stark realities that demand our attention and action. On a single night in 2023, over 653,000 individuals experienced homelessness, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. This surge affects all demographic groups, with a particularly alarming 16 percent rise in homelessness among families with children.
The Importance of the PIT Count and HIC
At the heart of the AHAR are the Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and the Housing Inventory Count (HIC). The PIT Count captures the immediate, real-time situation on the streets and in shelters. It's more than numbers; it's the faces, stories, and circumstances of those experiencing homelessness. On that same night, the HIC provides a comprehensive inventory of available beds and housing programs, allowing us to assess our capacity to meet the growing demand.
Why AHAR Matters to HomeAid
Understanding the landscape of homelessness through the AHAR is pivotal for HomeAid's work. It informs our strategies, enabling us to tailor our programs and initiatives to address the specific needs of diverse populations. The report helps us identify trends, challenges, and gaps in services, guiding our efforts to create impactful solutions.
A Call for Unity and Action
The increase in homelessness depicted in the AHAR is a call for unity and action. It underscores the urgency of our mission and the need for collaboration with government agencies, fellow nonprofits, and the community at large. Together, we can amplify our impact and work towards innovative, sustainable solutions.
As we absorb the data from the 2023 AHAR, let it strengthen our commitment to change. Let it fuel our determination to build more shelters, create supportive housing, and address the root causes of homelessness. The AHAR is not just a report; it's a catalyst for change, and HomeAid is at the forefront of that change.
In the face of adversity, we find our purpose. Let's continue building a future without homelessness, one where every individual and family has a place to call home.
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In 2023, HomeAid through the work of its 19 Affiliates completed 104 projects with a value of $9,301,416 and over $5,146,300 saved from In-Kind donations and served over 22,000 individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Click HERE for the HomeAid's full impact in 2023.
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HomeAid Receives $50,000 Grant from Umpqua Bank
We are thrilled and deeply grateful to Umpqua Bank for their generous $50,000 grant, contributing to our shared mission of combating homelessness. As Umpqua Bank celebrates its anniversary and increases its charitable giving, its commitment to community support shines brightly.
This impactful grant significantly fuels HomeAid's efforts to provide housing solutions for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Umpqua Bank's dedication to positively impacting aligns perfectly with our vision of building a future without homelessness.
"HomeAid is deeply grateful for Umpqua Bank's unwavering commitment to HomeAid's mission, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for their generous support since 2019. The recent $50,000 grant in celebration of the bank's 30th and the parent company's 70th anniversary is a testament to their enduring dedication. With funding, volunteerism, and leadership, Umpqua Bank has played a pivotal role in our journey to build a future without homelessness. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. Thank you, Umpqua Bank, for being a steadfast partner in our mission." - Scott Larson, CEO of HomeAid
For full Press release please click HERE.
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HomeAid had a huge impact on many communities across the nation in 2023 through its HomeAid Essentials program.
We are on track to top this effort in 2024 with a variety scheduled and planned drives, Please click HERE to find what your local HomeAid Affiliate has in store for 2024!
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"Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond:
"Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond is a deeply impactful and eye-opening exploration of the complex relationship between poverty, housing, and eviction in the United States. Desmond, a sociologist and MacArthur Fellow, takes readers on a journey into the lives of individuals and families struggling to keep a roof over their heads in the face of economic hardship.
The heart of the book lies in Desmond's immersive fieldwork conducted in Milwaukee, where he lived in low-income neighborhoods and observed the daily struggles of those facing eviction. Through intimate portraits of both tenants and landlords, Desmond humanizes the statistics and brings to light the harsh realities of poverty and housing instability.
One of the strengths of "Evicted" is its ability to reveal the structural and systemic issues that perpetuate a cycle of eviction and poverty. Desmond skillfully interweaves personal narratives with broader sociological analysis, demonstrating how eviction is not merely a consequence of poverty but a cause, exacerbating the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
The book also sheds light on the profit-driven nature of the housing market and its impact on vulnerable populations. Landlords, often portrayed with nuance, navigate a landscape where economic pressures sometimes lead to ethically questionable practices. This nuanced portrayal adds layers to the narrative, prompting readers to question the systemic issues rather than placing blame solely on individuals.
Desmond's writing is accessible and engaging, making complex sociological concepts understandable to a wide audience. His storytelling prowess keeps readers invested in the lives of those he profiles, fostering empathy and understanding.
"Evicted" is a call to action, challenging readers to confront the root causes of poverty and homelessness. It prompts reflection on the role of housing as a basic human right and the need for systemic changes to address the inequalities embedded in the housing market.
In conclusion, "Evicted" is a compelling and thought-provoking work that transcends the confines of traditional academic writing. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of poverty, housing, and the human cost of eviction in America. Matthew Desmond's masterful storytelling and meticulous research make "Evicted" a powerful contribution to the literature on social justice and inequality.
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HomeAid Minnesota’s Housing for Heroes Impacting Veteran Homelessness
By Sophia Humphries
The clang of a hammer and the hum of a saw are the sounds of hope for some Minnesota veterans who are looking to build new beginnings. What started as four vacant lots in North Minneapolis is now a safe place for veterans experiencing homelessness to take a deep breath, exhale, and learn how to dream again.
“It is a big relief to be able to find a place to lay your head and focus on yourself and your family to move forward”— Derrick, US Marine Corp Veteran.
Currently, there are 306 individuals like Derrick on Minnesota’s homeless veteran registry. This number does not count veterans who might be couch surfing or who might be in other unstable housing arrangements. Veterans are one of the largest populations of individuals experiencing homelessness. These alarming statistics prompted one of the largest and most impactful projects undertaken by the Housing First Minnesota Foundation/HomeAid Minnesota, our Housing for Heroes community builds.
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation, with partners the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and Lennar, have continued their Housing for Heroes work in 2023. Since 2017, this Housing for Heroes partnership has built eleven homes. This year 20 more beds for unhoused veterans were added to the 31 that we’ve already constructed- bringing the grand total to more than 50 beds. These houses will be home to a group of individual veterans or to a veteran and their family.
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HomeAid will be at IBS In Las Vegas, Nevada, February 27-29 this year at Booth C26!
Be sure to stop by to say hello and get some great HomeAid swag!
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