DignityMoves works to end unsheltered homelessness by building Interim Supportive Housing as a rapid, cost-effective, and scalable solution. Led by industry disruptors, serial entrepreneurs, and militant optimists, DignityMoves is challenging the skepticism that homelessness can’t be solved.

What is the Current State of Homelessness in California?

The nation has spent astonishing amounts trying to end homelessness, but the problem continues to worsen. From 2018 to 2022, California spent a staggering $17.5 billion trying to combat homelessness, yet the state’s homeless population grew. Half of all Americans living on the streets are in California. This systemic failure devastates society and burdens taxpayers.

Silicon Valley, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, faces an unprecedented homelessness crisis due to a lack of innovative housing solutions. DignityMoves leaders agree that more affordable and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is the ideal long-term solution. However, with costs exceeding $1 million per unit and construction taking over five years, this goal is unattainable for the 115,000 people living on California’s streets today. The crisis demands an immediate, cost-effective solution that can quickly make a visible impact using rapid-deployed, state-of-the-art prefabricated modular units.

Why is Interim Supportive Housing a Viable Solution?

The streets cannot continue to be the “waiting room.” When people first experience homelessness, most do not have debilitating mental or behavioral health issues. However, after only 30 days on the streets, that percentage skyrockets. In San Francisco, the wait for a PSH unit averages 14 years, leading to a public health crisis. Interim Supportive Housing works by bringing people indoors quickly.

“It was becoming increasingly obvious; we need to offer people a private space with a door that locks. We need to find ways to build them fast and cost-effectively to scale,” said Elizabeth Funk, CEO of DignityMoves. “We need to get people indoors immediately to deliver services effectively, allowing people to rebuild their lives, find purpose, and become integral to their local community.” Success rates reflect this trend, with up to 86% of site-based clients attaining stable housing outcomes, compared to only 6% of those coming directly off the streets.

How is DignityMoves Innovating with Design and Construction?

The design model by Gensler, a reputable architectural firm, uses new construction that meets today’s stringent building codes. These units are seismically sound, fully accessible, environmentally friendly, and sustainable, built with longevity in mind. Innovative green building practices, such as reusable energy production and water management, reduce energy and water consumption, offering a buffer against future rate hikes.

The project team evaluates structural foundation systems with minimal ground impact. Close collaboration between the geotechnical engineer (ENGEO) and structural engineer (Degenkolb) identifies innovative, cost-efficient outcomes. “We are honored to partner with DignityMoves on their instrumental projects,” said Leroy Chan, GE, ENGEO’s principal. “Our work with DignityMoves is meaningful for our staff, who use their engineering skillset to benefit the community.”

For the DignityMoves project in Alameda, CA, the site was underlain by highly compressible Young Bay Mud deposits prone to settlement. ENGEO worked with the team to design the site grading and structural loading to minimize the impact, eliminating the need for costly geotechnical mitigation.

What is the Broader Impact of Interim Supportive Housing?

These cost-effective units are designed to meet today’s stringent building codes, offering flexible configurations with a lifespan of over 20 years. They provide municipalities with an asset that will visibly impact the number of individuals experiencing homelessness for many years.

Providing a space purpose-built to support an inclusive, safe, non-stigmatizing service model has a broader impact on the community, creating a more resilient neighborhood. Projects like these reduce the need for makeshift encampments, lessening detrimental environmental effects such as fire danger, trash buildup, and pollution entering our watershed. These impacts pose severe public health risks and the spread of bacterial and viral disease vectors.

Delivering brand-new housing units in under six months, and as low as $50,000 per door, is unprecedented. It requires a high-performing team with a formidable mindset. As the model is honed, it demonstrates a cost-effective, replicable, and scalable solution. The Urban Land Institute recognized this in 2022 by awarding the Americas Award for Excellence to the initial model, catalyzing hundreds more similar projects nationwide.

FAQ

What is Interim Supportive Housing?

Interim Supportive Housing provides temporary housing solutions with supportive services to quickly bring individuals experiencing homelessness indoors, helping them transition to permanent housing.

Why is there a need for Interim Supportive Housing in California?

California faces an unprecedented homelessness crisis due to high costs and long construction timelines for permanent housing. Interim Supportive Housing offers a rapid, cost-effective solution to address immediate needs.

How does DignityMoves’ design model differ from traditional housing solutions?

DignityMoves’ design model uses prefabricated modular units that meet stringent building codes, are environmentally friendly, and provide flexible configurations for long-term impact.

What is the impact of Interim Supportive Housing on the community?

Interim Supportive Housing reduces the need for makeshift encampments, lessens environmental impact, and creates a more resilient neighborhood, improving public health and community welfare.