Community Solutions

Community Solutions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in America. Instead of just managing the problem, they believe homelessness can actually be solved. Through their main program, Built for Zero, they help communities keep a detailed, real-time list of everyone experiencing homelessness. This allows local services—like shelters, hospitals, and housing programs—to quickly coordinate and respond to each individual's needs.

By using this approach, they've successfully reduced veteran homelessness by 47% in Detroit, 30% in Denver, and chronic homelessness by 52% in Minneapolis.

To solve homelessness everywhere, more cities need to follow this approach. Communities should:

• Track every homeless individual using clear, real-time data.

• Coordinate closely across local agencies (like housing authorities, healthcare, and shelters).

• Put resources into solutions that are proven effective—such as supportive housing, which combines affordable homes with ongoing support services.

Government support at local, state, and federal levels can speed this process by funding these successful approaches. Businesses, charities, and community groups can also help by providing additional resources or support for these coordinated local programs.

Other major players working to end homelessness alongside Community Solutions include:

• Pathways to Housing, providing supportive housing to help people stabilize their lives.

• National Alliance to End Homelessness, helping shape effective national and local policies.

• Funders Together to End Homelessness, organizing philanthropic investments in proven solutions.

By expanding and coordinating these efforts across the country, homelessness can become not just manageable, but rare and temporary.