100,000 New Leases on Life, Greater Triangle, NC

Stan Holt is Vice President of Regional Initiatives at United Way of the Greater Triangle. His work across the four county region of the Triangle area of North Carolina has improved the financial stability of low-income, working households by using a framework that focuses on increasing household income, accessing affordable housing, and improving household financial management skills.

In January, the Triangle completed Registry week for the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national initiative aimed at eradicating chronic homelessness. The model was developed based on best practices used by communities that have experienced success in reducing the size of their chronically homeless population and includes:

·         Bringing together local supporters from across the community to form an action-oriented team

·         Holding a “registry” event to identify those most vulnerable to dying on the streets

·         Lining up the supply of housing units

·         Moving vulnerable individuals into housing and providing them with the supports they need to stay housed

United Way of the Greater Triangle, in North Carolina, is one of many agencies involved in the Campaign. According to Holt, the agency mobilized 120 volunteers to participate in a community registry event earlier this year. Using a tool called the Vulnerability Index, volunteers surveyed homeless individuals to determine the 40 most vulnerable individuals in their community. The data gathered will be used to tailor services specifically to fit their needs.

“Housing is a difficult resource to obtain and it is our greatest challenge,” said Holt. “It’s going to take innovation, creative thinking, and collaboration to find a solution.”

To learn more about the 100,000 Homes Campaign, visit http://100khomes.org/the-model