stephan de beer tshwane leadership foundation 22 september 2011
TRANSCRIPT
Homelessness as an investment priority: innovation & integration
Homelessness as an investment priority: innovation & integration Stephan de Beer Tshwane Leadership Foundation22 September 2011
the contextChanging face of homelessness
What/who are we speaking of? Homelessness is everywhereStreet homelessness
Economic SituationalChronic Near homeless
Institutional captivity / impotency
The language we use Lack of coherent, integrated strategy & policyDependency versus empowerment models
the challengeFrom stagnation to innovation From exclusion to integrationFrom welfare to investment
INNOVATION
the story of Common Groundanalysis > mapping / strategic planning innovation > generating creative responsesintegration > radical, holistic integration investment > makes business sense / cost-effectivebeauty > ethic of aesthetics solution > long-term change / policy / replication
87% reduction in streethomelessness inTimes Square
the story of Common GroundMethodology of integration
An accurate registry of street homeless people per neighbourhood
Prioritize for housing those who are the most vulnerable, by means of a vulnerability index
Simplify the process for helping individuals secure permanent housing
Provide supportive programmes and services, e.g., mental health counselling, job training, financial management skills, to assist individuals with maintaining their new homes and creating stable and purposeful lives(www.commonground.org)
INTEGRATION
a continuum of care
holistic integrationPhysical, economic & psycho-social-spiritual integration
Personal, family & community integration
Contributing as neighbour, citizen and tax-payer
Integrated approaches & models
Public-private-community partnerships
Inter-departmental cooperation INVESTMENT
investment versus welfareLanguage of inclusion versus language of stereotyping
Asset-based approach versus need-based approach
From dependency to empowerment
Breaking cycles of poverty and violence
Real solutions versus temporary relief
Cost-effective, long-term change an investment priorityInvesting in
on-going research
responsive, innovative solutions: building models
support programmes & services
capacity-building & trainingstaff, beneficiaries, officials, law enforcers, etc
replication and scaling
building small models
the potters house: women at-risk
living stones community housing
Leyds Street Development
gilead community house
rivoningo care centre
litakoemi & hofmeyr house
kopanong
sediba house
tau village
psycho-social & economic supportCounselling & support groups
Information & referrals
Access to baby care & pre-schools
Access to health care & HIV/AIDS support
Access to arts & recreation
Access to skills training & education
Access to economic opportunity
Opportunities to participate in the community as volunteers and participants
the City of Tshwane: a model for innovative solutions to homelessness?