“If there is any city that can end chronic homelessness, it is Grand Rapids.”
– Mayor Rosalynn Bliss
WHAT’S HAPPENING
An effort has been launched to house 100 individuals who are experiencing homelessness in 100 days with an intentional focus on chronic homelessness.
What is Chronic Homelessness?
- Chronic Homelessness refers to a specific subpopulation of people experiencing homelessness. The definition set by the US government. People are experiencing Chronic Homelessness if they meet the below criteria:
- They live in an emergency shelter and/or place not meant for people, like on the streets or in an abandoned building.
- This situation has lasted for at least 12 months or happened 4 separate times in the last 3 years, with the total time adding up to at least 12 months.
- If someone has been in a care facility (like a hospital or jail) for less than 90 days, they still count as chronically homeless if they meet these criteria.
- They have a disabling condition that is expected to be long lasting and impairs their ability to find and maintain housing.
WHO’S INVOLVED
The Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness is leading the public-private partnership that includes community leaders, service providers, philanthropy, businesses and individuals.
BIG IMPACT
This effort will help the most vulnerable individuals find permanent housing solutions, greater stability and connections to services to significantly improve their quality of life.
We also know it will reduce emergency room visits, better connect essential services, enhance vibrancy in public spaces, and support additional investment in our urban core, leading to more revenue to reinvest into essential services.
PROGRESS
