Interview Theme: Supportive Services Most interviewees operate from a housing first perspective: without housing, one cannot sustain recovery, education, employment, family building. Deeply affordable housing goes beyond the physical structure: it means a more permanently stable living condition, as well as supportive social, financial, and health services that improve the well-being of the residents. Having strong supportive services in place on-site is crucial to mitigating community concerns about affordable housing, particularly in developments that serve populations with specialized needs (including people who have experienced homelessness, people with disabilities, people with mental illnesses, and people with substance use disorders).
Be willing to listen to a community’s concern on affordable housing projects, be ready to resolve potential conflicts, make compromises or adjustments based on community input, and set a goal of community outreach success get your project one step closer to winning the heart of the community. Demonstrate a track record of affordable housing project success, showing the beautiful finish of existing affordable housing units, and connecting existing tenants with community members help a project team build trust with the community. While your audience can be policy-makers, advocacy groups, people experiencing homelessness, community members, etc., speak your audience’s language make your messages clearer and more effective. Allying with organizations that work towards affordable housing can bring you more diverse perspectives, opportunities to connect with stakeholders, and build meaningful and strategic relationships. Housing can provide supportive services that are built into the affordable housing programs, improving not just the living experience, but also the physical and mental health benefits for people experiencing homelessness.
HEAR the needs and wants of the affected community
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OFFER existing success and educate about positive change potential
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U UNDERSTAND
different types of audiences
SEEK alliances and policies that strengthen the case
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ENVISION supportive services in place, not just the dwelling units
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THE NHP FOUNDATION
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