Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Ending Homelessness The Salvation Army Social Services Grand Rapids/Kent County Michigan Betty Zylstra, MA – Executive Director betty_zylstra@usc.salvationarmy.org

Where we are in Michigan! Kent County Population 636,000 Median Household Income $54,340 Poverty Rate 14.6% (national avg = 14.7%) Grand Rapids Population 192,416 Median Household Income $40,355 Poverty Rate 26%

Who we are The Salvation Army (International) Mission: Meeting people at their point of need in Christ’s name, without discrimination Operating in Kent County since 1883 The Salvation Army Social Services supports Kent County residents in meeting their essential needs; including food, energy assistance and housing by connecting them with resources so that they children have the opportunity to thrive and all can achieve greater stability and well-being. Programs Prevent and End Homelessness Increase Housing Stability Promote Food Security Home Visiting for Pregnant Women/Young Families

Local Housing Challenges 3,290 homeless persons in Emergency Shelter/ Transitional Housing (FY16 System Performance Measure) 800 persons in 2016 PIT Count, 41 unsheltered persons Of all exits from ES/TH/RRH in FY16 48% exited to permanent housing March 2015 – Grand Rapids was reported to have the lowest rental vacancy rate in the nation at 1.6% (national average =7%)

What we do to end homelessness* Operate Coordinated Entry Rapid Re-Housing Congregational Partnership Program *Active member with the local Continuum of Care

Shared Principles of Faith-Based Organizations Respect human life/ Honor all people High value for relationships (transactional/transformational) Practice hospitality and charity Work for peace and justice

Opportunities for Faith-Based Organizations in Ending Homelessness Participate in the "system" and not a "silo" -- Shared resources -- Data integrity / quality assurance -- Common message -- Collective impact Learn and prioritize "best practice/evidence-based" efforts -- Strength-based approach -- Housing First Offer a compassionate and courageous perspective to ending homelessness

www.sasocialservices.org