Combating Homelessness in the U.S., the U.K., Portugal, and India

Bronx's Affordable Housing Complex Begins Construction

Curbed's Tanay Warerkar reports that a development is underway for a new supportive housing facility in the Bronx borough in New York City, New York that will include housing for formerly homeless people. The housing complex is expected to consist of five buildings that will be part of an entire complex. Warerkar writes that 97 of the 160 apartment units in the first building will be supportive housing units for people who formerly experienced homelessness and have special needs. Governor Andrew Cuomo said of the project, "by giving these individuals a roof over their head and a safe place to call home, we help create a stronger New York and a more vibrant Bronx for years to come."

Read the full article here.

'National Strategy for the Integration of Homeless People' in Portugal

Cofina Media SA explores Portugal's new National Strategy for the Integration of Homeless People (ENIPSSA) for 2017 through 2023. The new strategy is based on three strategic objectives: raising awareness and educating about homelessness, reinforcing intervention tactics, and consistently monitoring the population. People experiencing all forms of homelessness - people living without accommodation and living in temporary or emergency accommodation - are meant to benefit from the new model. The Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, Vieira da Silva, stated that the development of the new strategy was the result of very intense work of the various homelessness organizations.

Read the full article here. (This article's original text is in Portuguese)

Rolling Out ‘Housing First’ In Britain

The United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sjid Javid, believes the country should adopt the housing first model to solve homelessness throughout the county, based on the success Finland has seen using the model. The Big Issue reports that after the Centre of Social Justice recommended that the UK government consider the experimental approach, Javid visited Finland in March to observe how the housing first model is being implemented. He now wishes to implement the same plan in the U.K. “Just one person that is homeless is one too many,” said Javid.

Read the full article here.

Homes for People Experiencing Homelessness in Karnataka, India​

Per a recent article in Daijiworld Media Network, the housing charity wing of Malabar Gold & Diamonds distributed financial aid for the construction of homes for people in the Karnataka, India living without accommodation. Six houses are expected to be constructed through their 2017 year housing initiative. Author Udupi notes that throughout the past twenty years, the group has been substantially involved in the welfare of the society through CSR activities, including providing life saving medication, financial aid for construction of homes, women empowerment programs, scholarships for students and environmental protection activities. In addition, the Housing Charitable Trust under the company has already provided financial aid for more 11,000 homes.

Read the full article here.

Wichita, Kansas Sees A Decline in Homelessness

Stan Finger of The Wichita Eagle says the closing of The Mount at Catholic Charities in Wichita, Kansas was a sign of success for one aspect of local community. The former convent offered transitional housing for women and families experiencing homelessness. However, the program was no longer needed due to a recent drop in number of applicants for transitional housing. According to the report, while some forms of homelessness, such as youth homelessness, are rising throughout the city, local programs have reported seeing sharp declines in other areas of homelessness - for example, veteran and chronic homelessness. Finger says that the decrease in rates of homelessness can be attributed to the continuum of care approach mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the United Way of the Plains throughout the local community.

Read the full article here.

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