Connecticut is making progress on reducing chronic homelessness. This headway can be credited to a statewide effort by both social advocates and government officials. Local nonprofit Partnership for Strong Communities is one of these players, making a significant difference across the state.
The Partnership’s HousingInCT2017 assessment points out that Connecticut has achieved a 62% reduction in chronic homelessness since January 2014.
Chronically homeless include those with disabling conditions who have been homeless either long-term or repeatedly.
The state’s median monthly housing cost declined by 2 percent to $1,366 in 2016, but still remained the nation’s sixth highest, making it hard for homeless to get out of the perpetual cycle of despair. Despite this slight improvement, an overall increase in rental demand over the past decade combined with the $25/hour wage required to rent in Connecticut, fighting homelessness is harder than ever.
Leading the charge in Connecticut, the Partnership for Strong Communities is a local leader in policy development, advocacy, and research on homelessness and its causes. It is responsible for conducting many important studies, informing state and local officials, and bringing together scholars, practitioners, business executives, and government officials toward creating change.
The Partnership staffs two statewide campaigns – Reaching Home, the campaign to build the civic and political will to prevent and end homelessness in Connecticut, and HOMEConnecticut, a statewide campaign aimed at creating more affordable housing throughout the state.
Here are some of the organization’s critical mission objectives:
Homelessness comes in many different forms. For some, an episode of homelessness is a once-in-a-lifetime event and can be ended by an increase in their income or access to affordable housing. Others experience episodic homelessness – they may experience homelessness sporadically throughout their lives, but tend not to be living on the streets or in shelters for long periods of time. These individuals and families may have a short stay in a homeless shelter, but are also likely to be “doubled up” – living with families and friends willing to offer a temporary home.
Other homeless individuals experience chronic long-term homelessness, which requires a more holistic response. Often, those experiencing chronic homelessness have physical disabilities or mental illnesses that make it difficult for them to stay employed or housed. Many rely on emergency rooms for healthcare and are repeatedly incarcerated for minor offenses. They may also shuttle in and out of the shelter system, which offers temporary relief but cannot adequately address the root causes of their homelessness.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing provides a solid foundation for a strong community. Residents who live in a home that is affordable have funds to purchase food, provide healthcare, and satisfy other living needs. Residents of affordable homes also have the economic means to purchase goods and services in their communities. Affordable housing helps to create economic stability.
Strong Communities
The ability to afford a residence – to not have to spend more than 30 percent of one’s income on housing so that enough is left for other necessities – is undeniably important. But an affordable house or apartment must also be linked to good schools, adequate community services, convenient transportation, access to affordable high-quality food and other necessities. The Partnership for Strong Communities has worked hard to focus the attention of policymakers on the creation of not just affordable homes but also vibrant neighborhoods and communities.
Visit the Parternship’s website here and learn more about the great work they continue to do and find out how you can help.