An Amazing Night - Beyond the Bridge
Thank you to the 200+ residents who attended the September 18 Community Update event at Zoe's Cafe. The night featured a film screening of 'Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness".
Following the documentary, a panel discussion brought together local leaders to reflect on the progress made in our homeless response system and the significant challenges still ahead.
After the panel discussion, attendees were able to watch the short film 'In Our Shoes' that highlights Greeley residents who have been impacted by homelessness and misperceptions that impact their every day.
One important takeaway shared: every year, 820 individuals and 145 families in our community become homeless. Even though we have a good system in place, it doesn’t have enough resources to help everyone.
There is a gap of resources needed to meet the needs of individuals and families coming into homelessness each year, which would cost about $14 million to ensure these individuals and families do no remain homeless for longer than 6 months.
This includes critical areas such as:
- Prevention and early interventions to keep households from becoming homeless
- Emergency shelter capacity so individuals and households have a safe place to go
- Rapid rehousing capacity to exit households quickly out of homeless and allowing them to quickly get back on their feet
- Permanent supportive housing capacity for individuals that are unable to maintain employment due to a disability
The issue isn’t a lack of resource providers; it’s a lack of sustainable funding to expand the resources needed.
Events like this are a reminder that solutions exist, but they require collective investment and continued advocacy. Thank you, again, to all who attended and are working toward a future where everyone has a place to call home.
