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Common Ground

An Effective Practice

Description

Common Ground develops supportive, sustainable housing communities for homeless individuals and families. Housing units include support facilities such as clinics, libraries, mental health services, computer centers, and art studios where members of the program can become part of a community.
The Common Ground approaches the issue of homelessness with three strategies:
1. Affordable Housing: Rent is set at 30% of the tenant's salary and includes both housing and support services.
2. Outreach: The organization identifies people most in need, typically individuals that move between shelters, hospitals, and jails.
3. Prevention: Common Ground takes a holistic approach to address the multiple factors that contribute to homelessness.

Goal / Mission

Common Ground seeks to help homeless individuals and families develop stability and independence by providing housing and support services.

Results / Accomplishments

*Created more than 2,000 units, housing over 4,000 formerly homeless individuals.
* Reduced street homelessness by 87% in the Times Square neighborhood, and by 43% in West Midtown, New York.
*Established a transitional residence for 96 homeless veterans on the Hudson Valley Veterans' Administration campus in Montrose, NY.
*Began incorporating environmentally sustainable materials and practices into the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all new residences.

About this Promising Practice

Primary Contact
Lyle Churchill
505 8th Avenue
New York , NY 10018
(212) 389-9323
lchurchill@commonground.org
http://www.commonground.org
Topics
Economy / Housing & Homes
Source
The Council of State Governments
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
California
Target Audience
Adults, Families
Additional Audience
Homeless