The Park Slope Coalition for the Homeless is partnering with Common Ground to find solutions for local homeless in the neighborhood. Jake, the homeless man who sits in front of Ace Supermarket on Seventh Avenue, mentioned Common Ground to me. It’s mentioned in Pastor Meeter’s blog post and the article in the Brooklyn Paper.
So I’m wondering: what exactly is Common Ground?
On their website, they describe themselves as “an international leader in the development of solutions to homelessness.” They see to put the emphasis on affordable housing, outreach, identifying those in need, and prevention.
Founded by MacArthur and Ashoka Fellow Rosanne Haggerty in 1990, Common Ground is a pioneer in the development of supportive housing and other research-based practices that end homelessness. Common Ground’s network of well designed, affordable apartments — linked to the services people need to maintain their housing, restore their health, and regain their economic independence — has enabled more than 4,000 individuals to overcome homelessness.
Common Ground’s strategy has three components:
Affordable Housing. We build and operate a range of housing options for homeless and low-income individuals and families – housing that is attractive, affordable, well managed, and linked to the services and support people need to rebuild their lives.
Outreach. We identify and house the most vulnerable: those who have been homeless the longest, have the most disabling conditions, and are least likely to access housing resources. These individuals typically spend years cycling between emergency shelters, hospitals, and jails.
Prevention. We strengthen communities and prevent homelessness by addressing the multiple factors that cause individuals and families to become homeless.
A program called From Street to Home assists homeless individuals living on the street for a year or more to move into housing. I’m guessing that this is the program that is helping Park Slope’s homeless finally have a place to call home, the first step in any kind of human dignity.