"Budget Enthusiast"
(A name given to me by the City Controller since I regularly attend the Council Meetings and 14 Budget Hearings)

Homelessness in South Bend

The City coordinated a study about Homelessness and this was the resulting report.
Winter Amnesty, FUSE Center, Gateway Center, Opioid Addiction, and Health Issues all need to be addressed to reach some viable solutions. 
Below is another report you may find of interest.
My grandmother used to say, "Many hands makes light work". I think it will take the whole community working together. I listened to the discussions the Council had and I have talked with some of the Shelter Directors. This is a problem needing even more hands on deck. I'd like to see the houses of worship in our community decide to "Adopt/Sponsor/Foster" one person they would focus on until they are where they need to be. Assess their needs, get them to the agencies, rides to medical appointments, getting them an AA Sponsor, work on skills, clothing, place to live, what ever gaps that need to be filled.  Maybe help them reconnect to their family. Getting inconsistent help doesn't lift someone out of the hopelessness and tough odds. If one religious group focused on one person at a time intensely, I think there could be more progress.

How would this happen? United Religious Community is an organization that could reach out and perhaps coordinate a program with the religious community,  Real Services that does case background, ND Center for Social Concerns to create annual community training to mobilize people and resources.

The TED talk below outlines what one community did to reduce their opioid overdoses by 40%. The key was a team approach and followup care. 
There was a lot of discussion about homelessness in my family growing up. My grandparents started Habitat for Humanity in Americus , Georgia.  The first two Habitat Villages were built on Koinonia Farms and I helped paint some of those first homes.
It is my goal as an Advocate to involve YOU in the process. 

If these are your priorities, I need your VOTE and Donations!

My campaign is a grassroots one.  Donations are appreciated and helpful!
NOTE: My donation app is by ActBlue. Your receipts will come from them.