DTLA LIFE MAG #26 | MARCH-APRIL 2016 | Page 73

As we move into the Spring of 2016 in DTLA, I think it is important for us all to remember how fortunate we are and to keep in mind those of us that are not as fortunate. As a friendly reminder here is the issue we experience , on any given night in LA, 44,359 people are homeless, 4,362 are homeless Veterans and 14,118 are chronically homeless (long-term or repeated homelessness, often coupled with a disability. This reality negatively impacts our communities, our businesses and our society. Recognizing the significant work being done in Los Angeles to manage homelessness, we identified the need to create a bigger tent and a collective strategy to address all of the facets of a complex problem. Home For Good is an initiative to end Veteran homelessness and chronic homelessness by the end of 2016, and ultimately all homelessness in LA County. Launched in December 2010 by United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, it is a collective and countywide effort of over 200 cross-sector organizations. We see the consequences. ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE: Homelessness costs us nearly $1 billion. homelessness. “And, here in LA, the United Way and Chamber of Commerce have brought public and private partners together for an incredible program called Home For Good” -First Lady Michelle Obama Our Progress: www.hacollab.weebly.com Take Action: www.homeforgoodla.org/take-action-3 I invite you to become aware, to get involved and to decide once and for all, it is time to end homelessness in DTLA. There are plenty of new funding opportunities to help end homelessness. On any given day, there are over 44,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. Like you, United Way believes that everyone deserves the warmth and safety of a home. Each year, United Way and over 30 public and private funders invest in long-term solutions to end homelessness. Through the Home For Good Funders Collaborative, the initial focus has been veterans and chronically homeless individuals. The Collaborative is now accepting proposals from eligible community organizations working to strengthen systems, improve housing development and provide services to end homelessness in L.A. County. To apply, please visit: MORAL IMPERATIVE: People are dying on the streets. www.homeforgoodla.org/grantseekers to download the RFP document and for more inforCOMMUNITY IMPERATIVE: We know we can do bet- mation, including FAQs, key dates, deadlines, and ter for our communities. templates, please contact [email protected]. Did you know that: 1 in 225 veterans are homeless in LA. 1 in 8 veterans are living on the street of LA served this country. Over 90% of homeless individuals live outside of Skid Row. 30% of individuals live with a mental illness. The Solution: We believe that as a community we can end veteran homelessness and chronic homelessness by the end of 2016, and eventually all homelessness in LA County. Solutions to homelessness are 43% cheaper