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Real Solutions to the Homeless Crisis with DignityMoves’ Elizabeth Funk

4 snips
Apr 2, 2025
Elizabeth Funk, Founder and CEO of DignityMoves, shares her groundbreaking work in addressing homelessness. She discusses innovative interim housing solutions that are both cost-effective and supportive. The conversation highlights success stories from California cities reaching 'functional zero' unsheltered homelessness. Funk emphasizes the importance of community engagement and flexible policies in tackling the crisis. Listeners will discover how empowering individuals with housing choices can transform lives and foster lasting change.
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INSIGHT

Interim Housing as a Solution

  • Permanent supportive housing costs $800,000/unit in California, if you can find land and get approvals.
  • Dignity Moves is creating interim housing as a middle ground between shelters and permanent housing.
INSIGHT

Cost of Homelessness

  • Less than 20% of newly homeless people have severe mental illness or addiction, but it doubles in four weeks.
  • Letting people live on the streets costs $80,000/person annually, while interim housing is half that.
ANECDOTE

San Francisco's Shift

  • San Francisco initially rejected Dignity Moves, fearing it would divert resources from permanent housing.
  • After seeing its success, the city embraced the model and requested more interim housing communities.
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