The Path Forward: Collaboration To Foster Innovative Solutions Homelessness
When I look at the homelessness crisis in our communities, I see both heartbreak and hope. Heartbreak because every person without a home represents a failure of our systems. Hope because I've witnessed firsthand how a cross-sector coalition of government, business, non-profits, and philanthropy can create transformative solutions. Today’s solutions nationally have required innovation and sometimes challenging the tried and true methods that work but are difficult to scale and have minimal visible impact given the upward trend of people becoming homeless every day.
ULI's Homeless to Housed (H2H) initiative shines a light on scalable, transformative solutions. I've seen remarkable examples of what's possible when we combine cross-sector collaboration with compassionate action and leadership. Several examples of success exist but often only people directly involved with the projects or geographically adjacent to them know about them. Here are just a few, in San José, faith-based organizations are transforming underutilized properties into homes. In Philadelphia, service providers are reimagining their real estate assets to better serve families in crisis. In San Diego, innovative mapping tools are accelerating the development of affordable housing. Here in our hometown of Atlanta, The Melody built in a short time frame serves people in a comprehensive way in the downtown without creating visible issues that impact the surrounding businesses.
One standout is in Houston, where homelessness has decreased by 60%.
These aren't just feel-good stories - they're proof that solving homelessness is achievable when we approach it strategically.
Three fundamental truths have emerged from this work:
1. Partnership is Everything
The era of the "lone wolf" siloed provider is not effective. Today's solutions require collaboration between nonprofits, business leaders, health organizations, community organizations, philanthropy and public agencies. When we have a shared vision and align our expertise and resources, remarkable things happen.
2. Innovation Creates Opportunity
From creative financing models to adaptive reuse of existing properties, innovation is unlocking new possibilities. We're seeing projects that deliver both social impact and sustainable returns - proof that doing good and doing well aren't mutually exclusive.
3. Scale Requires Systems Change
While individual projects matter enormously, ending homelessness requires systems-level transformation. That means reimagining zoning, streamlining approvals, and creating new frameworks for public-private partnerships.
To my colleagues in various sectors: We have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution. The question isn't whether we can solve homelessness - it's whether we have the collective will to do so. Based on what I'm seeing across the country, I'm more optimistic than ever.
Let's turn this moment of crisis into an opportunity for transformation. Our communities need us. Our expertise matters. And together, we can create lasting change.
I'd love to hear from others in the field: How are you using your expertise to address housing issues and homelessness in your community?