Local nonprofits launch ‘All Hands on Deck’ campaign to end homelessness by 2030
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – United Way of Kaw Valley and Compassion Strategies launched their All Hands on Deck campaign aimed to end chronic homelessness in Shawnee County by 2030.
“When we talk about the work of All Hands on Deck, what we’re talking about is this multi-sector collation that’s creating infrastructure but also creating space for many of our existing partners to continue their work but amplify it,” United Way VP of Community Impact Brett Martin said.
The Nov. 19 meeting launched their community engagement phase, they say months of research made it possible.
“Part of what we’re doing is looking at those promising factors across the state, we look at what the data and research tells us where we ought to be going, we looking at outcomes for those communities and looking to see what they are doing and how we might put that on,” Martin said.
“We analyzing what’s being spent now and so to analyze what’s being spent now will help us to understand a little bit better are we spending wisely, is there a different way to do it,” Compassion Strategies CEO & Founder Barry Feaker said.
Over the next two years, they plan to create a one-stop homeless resource center and invest in tiny homes for shelters.
“l think when you’re just looking at the trust factor, looking at the step that it takes for one to do it, I think a one-stop shop just makes a lot of sense,” Topeka Rescue Mission Executive Director LaManda Broyles said.
“I think the important thing to us that we’ve been researching is the low barrier shelter but all of this collaboration is exciting because when there’s more people there’s more power,” Topeka Jump Secretary Christine Potter said
Group leaders say solutions will involve taking risks and stepping into the unknown.
“For nearly a decade, continuing care across the United States have seen increases in the numbers of individuals that are experiencing homelessness,” Martin said. “We can’t keep doing things the same way.”
“When we get into the weeds of this we’re going to need to remember the why and what the goal is,” Feaker said. ”Even ourselves we have to come back and say ‘Oh yes, let’s remember, we’re trying to end this by 2030′.”
The group will be hosting community engagement sessions starting in December.
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