Time For Homes resides in a relatively niche space in the landscape of organizations working to end homelessness. We are not a provider of direct services. We are not, strictly speaking, an advocacy group nor are we a lobbying organization. That leaves us to define what we are—and why we feel that this is the space to occupy. We are somewhere in the middle of all those.
Time For Homes partners with an ever growing number of service providers—offering a platform for collaboration (to build, refine, prove, and promulgate best practices); a community for networking; and a number of scalable services (from communications support to data analysis and myriad other areas) to help those organizations achieve their missions.
This area is in a constant state of capacity building—so we are always open to a conversation of what else we can do to work together efficiently and effectively. Time For Homes works with a number of government officials, legislators, and the like to support and advocate for effective policy. Time For Homes actively encourages public participation and education about the issues of and relating to homelessness. It is only with a multifaceted approach, bringing to bear the expertise of an extensive network of partners, that we can hope to achieve systemic, sustainable, surviving societal change.
It is unrealistic to think you can solve individual challenges, whether they stem from physical or mental health issues or educational gaps or something else, while someone doesn’t even know where they will sleep that night. Time For Homes strongly advocates a housing-first model of intervention and support. To tackle a problem at this scale we need to ensure all new developments, without exception, provide a sufficient quantity of affordable housing and will accept tenants through this program.
Individuals and families are not required to first demonstrate that they are ‘ready’ for housing
Housing is not conditional on sobriety or abstinence
Program participation is also voluntary
Rights-based, client-centered approach that emphasizes client choice
Not simply focused on basic needs, this philosophy is dedicated to supporting longer-term recovery
Provide opportunities for social and cultural engagement as well as recreational and vocational activities
To effectuate systemic change in how we address homelessness and poverty, it will be necessary to have a broad base of public support and the participation of the government. This is a problem larger than one organization or agency, but it does require outside support. The government has done what it can to mitigate homelessness, but it is not able to solve this on its own.
Multiple agencies will have to work together
Each state brings its own unique challenges, it’s imperative that there is buy-in from government
Effective change will require collaborative work with those on the ground in each community
Rights-based, client-centered approach that emphasizes client choice
Effective change will require ongoing supportive work
Developers and other businesses will need a spot at the table to ensure housing stocks and necessary supplies are available
When someone has been failed at such a fundamental level by society, it is extremely likely that longer-term support will be necessary to allow them to realize their potential. To that end, Time For Homes and our community-based partners will offer necessary services, such as health services and job placement, using a trauma-informed methodology and caseworkers empowered to develop bespoke resources for program participants.
Those who are trauma-informed will understand the prevalence and impact of trauma among their service recipients and within the workforce. Policy and practice reflect this awareness and may be supported with activities such as screening and assessments.
Policy and practice reflect a commitment to provide physical and emotional safety for service recipients and staff.
To facilitate healing and avoid re-traumatization, choice and empowerment are part of trauma-informed service delivery, both for service recipients and staff.
With a focus on strength and resilience, service recipients and staff build skills that will help them move in a positive direction.
Including individuals who are experiencing, or have experienced, being unhoused or being housing-insecure allows Time For Homes to proactively address needs that may often be overlooked and to foster a real sense of community and ownership.
Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another.
Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate.
