The Plan

This proposal outlines our plan to study exising homeless shelters to identify universal best practices and design a shelter model that addresses the multifaceted needs of our homeless population. (Please forgive the following formatting limitations).

Reseach Objectives:     1. Conduct an in-depth study of various existing homeless shelters, both locally and nationally, to understand their operational structures, services offered, success stories, and areas for improvement.                                       2. Identify key components that contribute to the effectiveness and sustainability of homeless shelters, including staff training, partnerships with local organizations, funding strategies, and community engagement.

Methodology:    3. Site Visits: Visit a selection of homeless shelters to observe their daily operations, interact with staff and residents, and gather firsthand insights.                       4. Interviews: Conduct interviews with shelter managers, staff members, and residents to gain perspectives on what works well and areas that can be enhanced.       5. Data Analysis: Analyze available data and reports on homelessness trends, shelter demographics, success rates, and community impact to inform our model design. 

Proposed Model Features:     6. Holistic Support Services: Offer a range of services, including case management, mental health counseling, job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse treatment, tailored to individual needs.                                                       7. Collaborative Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to expand resources and opportunities for shelter residents.                                                                                                                           8. Sustainable Practices: Implement eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient facilities, and community gardens, to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency.                                                                                             9. Community Engagement: Engage community stakeholders through volunteer opportunities, advocacy campaigns, and educational workshops to raise awareness and foster support for homelessness initiatives.

Expected Outcomes:     10. Improved Quality of Life: Provide a safe supportive environment where homeless individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.                                 11. Reduced Homelessness: Help residents transition to permanent housing through targeted interventions and personalized support services.                                     12. Enhanced Community Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders to create a network of support for homeless individuals and promote sustainable community development.

Conclusion: By studying existing homeless shelters and incorporating universal best practices into our model design, we aim to create a transformaive shelter that not only meets the immediate needs of our homeless population but also empowers individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve long-term stability. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need and build a more compassionate and inclusive community.

Note: We as tax payers pay more for Homeless People to be in jails and hospitals than it costs to house them. A report by Rethink Homelessness, in 2014 , analyzed the cost of arrest, incarceration, medical and psychiatric emergency room use and inpatient hospitalizations; the cost back then was $31,065 per person, per year, whereas the cost of Supportive Housing would have cost $10,051 per person, per year. In 2023, over 653,000 people were counted as homeless in the United States. More has to be done.