<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=16GOPC_16Smd3he00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=16GOPC_16Smd3he00" width="1280" height="663" ></figure>As various groups in Quincy and Adams County address local housing needs, I would like to share some aspects of housing that have become obvious during my years working with victims of violence, and with tenants, landlords and policy-making around housing. Before planning, determine a strong, well thought out, consensual statement of Mission, Vision and Values. Know what your end-goals are, know how you measure success, and capture how you will determine the path forward among conflicting priorities in the committee and in the community.Beyond the Mission, the following are realities of housing that are sometimes overlooked in the planning stages:Homelessness is not solved by simply providing a room or apartment: Housing those who have been or are at risk of being homeless (living on the streets, couch surfing, relying on emergency shelters, etc.) can bring unforeseen challenges. Many of our renters, including our chronically homeless neighbors, are living with conditions that make it difficult to stay housed for a vast variety of reasons (mental illness, unaffordable housing, poverty, etc.). It is important to plan and budget for advocates and counselors who are trained in stabilizing housing, with the planners budgeting for staff training, livable wages for staff, and planning for a sufficient number of dedicated staff based on ratios developed at existing supportive housing projects.Housing protections for victims of violence: “Renters are 3X more likely to suffer aggravated assault, robbery, rape and sexual assault than Americans in owner-occupied housing”. (Alliance for Safety and Justice). Domestic and sexual violence create homelessness, with at least 38 percent of victims experiencing homelessness in a lifetime. Strong statistical data have led to several public policy efforts to increase housing security, hence safety for victims (VAWA, ISHA, etc). Planners should understand what constitutes safe housing and plan to partner with victim organizations to ensure adherence to federal requirements for responding to tenant victimization and tenant perpetrators.Hoarding happens: Be aware that tenant hoarding is a very real and very troubling reality, and it occurs across income levels. It impacts those living close by, damages apartments, and draws unwanted trash and pests. Hoarding is indicative of serious mental illness/trauma response. It is also extremely difficult to treat and eradicate. Plan for cooperative efforts between housing advocates and trained counselors as part of an eviction alternatives plan. Eviction is traumatic and negatively impacts housing stability and increases homeless populations. Use a foundational Mission, Vision and Values statement to develop alternatives to immediate eviction. Be determined to provide critical advocacy and counseling for unstable or at-risk tenants. Study existing projects that protect individuals from further instability and reduce risk for future homelessness. Accept and address unsavory aspects of housing while being determined to keep tenants in their homes. There are several strong organizations and models that can inform critical aspects of housing. Be educated.Damage happens: For various complex reasons, damage will happen to units. Sometimes, the damage is usual and expected, but sometimes, it is extensive. During the planning stages, consider the pros and cons of using tough, commercial flooring, walls, and finishes that can weather many human storms, versus less expensive, but less durable building supplies. Rely on replaceable decor that creates a welcoming home.Budgeting for maintenance: Landlords and project managers must be prepared to plan for sufficient maintenance and upkeep. Landlord and property registration and inspection are a beginning, but I have watched housing projects cut their budgets to the core, often by cutting maintenance and upkeep, including pest control. Properties become run down and verge on being (or are) unlivable, having an adverse impact on tenants and ultimately, local economy. This applies to both grant funded housing projects and market rate properties. Planning and budgeting are critical to finding grants and funding/funders that fit the mission of the project. Values need to include a commitment to increasing stability in properties that are well maintained at the same time eviction alternatives are also budgeted.I hope my thoughts provide a perspective that is helpful.Sincerely,Ellen ReedMaster of Public Policy AdministrationExecutive Director and Advocate (Retired)Domestic and Sexual ViolenceAdvocacy and Services (Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing,Supportive Housing, Tenant – Market Rate and Subsidized)</div></body>

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As various groups in Quincy and Adams County address local housing needs, I would like to share some aspects of housing that have become obvious during my years working with victims of violence, and with tenants, landlords and policy-making around housing. Before planning, determine a strong, well thought out, consensual...

Letter to the Editor: Local housing needs

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As various groups in Quincy and Adams County address local housing needs, I would like to share some aspects of housing that have become obvious during my 

Letter to the Editor: Local housing needs

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