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Tiny houses multiply amid big issues as communities tackle homelessness

Mike Plunkett

October 26, 2018 |

The Washington Post |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kansas City, Missouri

Cities around the United States look to tiny homes as a solution to the national homeless crisis. From Kansas City, Mo. to Seattle, Wa., community members and city officials come together to build tiny homes and provide access to a stable community.

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Allowing drugs at a tiny house village didn't work. So why is Seattle trying it again?

Danny Westneat

October 05, 2018 |

The Seattle Times |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

When Seattle allowed a homeless encampment to freely use drugs, 911 calls jumped up. Dealers flocked in, and the majority of inhabitants camped out for more than a year. Instead of trying it again, the city should be investing in more stable housing for addicts, argues Danny Westneat.

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England has more than 200,000 empty homes. How to revive them?

Mattha Busby

September 25, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Stockton-on-Tees

There are an estimated over 200,000 vacant homes across England, and Community Campus 87 is one group attempting to bring those homes back to life. By employing apprentices, some who have experienced homelessness, to learn skills such as house painting, the social enterprise is helping homes as well as homeless people bounce back. This is just one example of a handful of social enterprises that are funding the rebuilding of vacant properties with the goal of filling the old homes with more affordable and sustainable housing.

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This real estate company figured out a simple way to offer the homeless a house and a job

Adele Peters

September 21, 2018 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Chris Finlay, who manages a real estate company in Washington, D.C., decided to try hiring homeless people to work in his buildings. His goal was to provide a job alongside significantly discounted housing as a benefit of the job. Seeing the concept’s success, he started a nonprofit called Shelters to Shutters to help spread the idea around the country. The organization has helped hire people in 15 cities, and 93% of those hired are still employed in these jobs.

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The radical solution to homelessness: no-strings homes

Aditya Chakrabortty

September 12, 2018 |

The Guardian |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Finland

Housing First is a programme aimed at reducing homeless. It is rooted in the premise that “the main thing a homeless person needs is a home. The program has been adopted in Finland, Denmark, Spain, France, and parts of the U.S. and Canada. In Finland, there is proof of results. “ Finland is the only European Union country where homelessness is not rising but falling – by an average of 35% between 2008 and 2015. “

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Portland wanted to shelter every homeless family. The plan backfired, but it offers lessons for Seattle.

Scott Greenstone

August 24, 2018 |

The Seattle Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon embraced the idea of not turning anyone away from homeless shelters a couple of years ago, but the well-meaning approach quickly ballooned in costs and ultimately was unable to fulfill its promise. However, the failure provides lessons for other cities considering similar initiatives - particularly, which kind of restraints and supports must exist to make "housing as a human right" more than just a slogan.

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To prevent chronic homelessness, Philly nonprofit offers some young adults more than shelter

Aaron Moselle

August 17, 2018 |

WHYY |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Long-term housing support helps end the cycles of displacement that lead to chronic homelessness. Although permanent supportive housing programs are usually associated with older individuals, such programs can be directed toward the prevention of homelessness. In Philadelphia, Project Home’s program offers long-term subsided apartments to young adults at risk of being on the street.

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For Women, by Women: A Sisterhood of Carpenters Builds Tiny Houses for the Homeless

Lornet Turnbull

August 17, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

Women4Women is an initiative that brings tradeswomen together in the construction field to do volunteer work for others. Since women represent just ten percent of construction workers in the United States, having the camaraderie and support of other women provides a place to turn when their authority is challenged. They are putting their skills to good work: the group recently built 15 tiny homes in Seattle that will act as emergency shelter for homeless women, and they have also repaired homes for the elderly.

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A cheaper way to ease Seattle's homeless crisis? Pierce County sees promising results

Vianna Davila

August 12, 2018 |

The Seattle Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Tacoma, Washington

In Washington State's Pierce County, homeless services employees have been helping people on the housing waiting list by using "diversion," to "connect clients to one-time financial help, instead of a prolonged subsidy, to secure housing." The two-year pilot program found that 50% of people who opted into diversion found permanent housing, 15% more than those who were directed to emergency shelters. While the diversion strategy is not a fix for systemic issues that keep people from securing housing, it is an approach that is both useful and cost-saving.

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Tiny home village for homeless thriving in Denver's RiNo district

Joe Rubino

July 27, 2018 |

The Denver Post |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Denver, Colorado

In Denver, the Beloved Community Village has been a model for a new effort in the city to use villages of tiny homes as a way to provide housing for those who would otherwise be homeless. After the community's first year of existence, the resident-governed village has proven to be an idea worth scaling.

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