3 cities making headway against homelessness — Bakersfield, Columbus, Houston

Homelessness is among voters’ top concerns in cities across the country.

This briefing takes a look at 3 cities that are making dramatic gains in addressing the crisis: In January 2020, Bakersfield achieved “functional zero” chronic homelessness – fewer than 3 people in the community experienced chronic homelessness. Houston placed more than 25,000 people in permanent housing since 2011, resulting in a 64% decrease in homelessness. In 2018, Columbus had a 70% rate of successful housing outcome. Speakers from the frontlines in each city addressed the strategies they used and whether they are replicable.

Experts at the briefing included:

Mary Scott – Executive Team Leader of the Open Door Network (formerly Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault)

Marcus J. Salter – Housing Stability Specialist at Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio

Ana Rausch – Vice President of Program Operations at Coalition for the Homeless, Houston, TX

Matthew Lewis – Director of Communications at California YIMBY