Homelessness is a critical local issue. In 2023, 6,142 people in Hamilton County experienced homelessness, residing in an emergency shelter, staying on the streets, or fleeing domestic violence. This includes 1,167 children under age 18. Homelessness is damaging to both physical and mental health and can be fatal. A household's descent into homelessness often follows this [...]
Amanda Saurber Advocate and member of the local Lived Experience Workgroup, Amanda Saurber, was recently hired by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) to join their Community Strategic Team. Amanda will join other people from across the country with lived experience of homelessness. Providing support to strengthen their voices while working in [...]
What it is, how it works A nationally recognized best practice, "Shelter Diversion" has the best outcomes and is the most cost-effective way to prevent homelessness. But what is it, exactly? In essence, Shelter Diversion means keeping individuals and families from entering emergency shelters or sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. Or, [...]
At the start of the pandemic, the federal government made significant investment in Eviction Prevention programming. Similarly, Hamilton County earmarked a portion of the COVID stimulus funds it received for Shelter Diversion. With these investments, homelessness declined in Hamilton County from 2020 to 2022. Last year, some of these investments began to expire. Fewer people [...]
Spike in Street Homelessness Cincinnati is seeing a spike in people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In fact, there was a 46% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness who slept outside in the Cincinnati area, from 2022 to 2023 (from 752 individuals to 1,100). Sleeping unsheltered is dangerous, even deadly, and in many parts of the [...]
Housing First is a critical tool in the fight to end homelessness. This model matters because it works. What is Housing First? In the past homeless services programs required individuals to undergo treatment before being placed into a home. But this model prioritizes providing a stable and permanent home as the first step. Once people [...]
"If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together." No one entity can create lasting, impactful change in a silo. That's why creating collaboration and partnerships will help achieve our shared mission to end homelessness. We are honored to have partnered with Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub and [...]
More than 20 data scientists, programmers, market research professionals, real estate investors, and community development advocates competed in the Cincinnati Housing Stabilization Hackathon. Taking place February 2nd at the 1819 Innovation Hub. The event was produced by Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub and Strategies to End Homelessness. The Housing Stabilization Hackathon called on innovators and entrepreneurs. [...]
Central Access Point (CAP) Helpline (513-381-SAFE) assists community members experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. They can access information about services, check for space in emergency shelters, and be placed into housing programs. Anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can call to get information about services. And check for space in shelters [...]
Thank you for being a partner in the fight to end homelessness! You make Cincinnati a kinder and more equitable community. Read on for recent news and views about homelessness and affordable housing here, and across the nation. Have a question or a comment? Let's hear from you! We Can End Homelessness Locally, 2022 [...]
