Our Rapid and Scalable Model

DignityMoves’ model of low-cost, rapidly built interim supportive housing has caught fire as more and more cities are understanding the value of what we can provide. Now that we have opened our first few communities, we have a flood of cities and counties expressing interest in our unique approach. Discussions are underway in places such as Ventura County, San Bernardino, Monterrey, Oakland, Sacramento, Gilroy, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and even Oklahoma.

Please contact us at hello@dignitymoves.org to get the conversation started.

National Expansion

In 2023 we are planning to expand beyond California, building on the incredible momentum we’ve created in California to our model in cities and regions across the county. When a community leader outside of California is interested in building a DignityMoves community in their region, our National Expansion Team (“NET”) will work closely with them through every step of the process. We will advise them on how to identify a viable parcel of land, coach them on how to approach elected officials and city departments, participate by zoom in discussions, and educate the partners on the importance of interim supportive housing models. Fundraising will be the responsibility of the local champion, but we will help them identify regional foundations and corporate donors through our growing network of funders.

The NET team will work with Gensler and other consultants to create site plans, draft budgets, and identify local contractors. A local project manager will oversee the project construction under the direction of the NET team. Our Supportive Services Excellence lead will advise on the supportive services program. Using the templates and tools already developed by DignityMoves for other projects, we will be able to advise on community engagement, share strategies for avoiding local resistance, and help identify government grant funding opportunities. The National Expansion Program will provide both open-source tools as well as a “human instruction manual” to empower local communities to replicate our model, while also maintaining brand and quality control.

Addressing Local Resistance

Due to covid-19, most cities have allowed people experiencing homelessness to have tents for health and safety, making the homelessness crisis in their community much more visible. At DignityMoves we prioritize people who have been living and sleeping in the immediate vicinity of the project.  Soon residents understand that homelessness is already in their neighborhood– even the staunchest resisters come to realize that it’s better for those people to be in interim housing where they have meals, showers, 24 x 7 staffing, and extensive supportive services.

When we first start a project, we spend extensive time talking with the local community to hear their fears and address their concerns. We continue to stay engaged with the local community, and our service provider partners maintain a constant line of communication with neighbors if any complaints or issues arise.

Adopt-A-Room

At all of our projects we invite members of the community to Adopt A Room.  Community members and families bring bedding, pillows, cozy blankets, artwork, welcome mats…personal touches to make the room feel like a home for the new residents.  People bring gift baskets filled with toiletries and snacks, and most importantly write a personal welcome note.  

One 8th grade class at a local middle school decorated 18 rooms at 33 Gough, together with their parents.  This gave the students the chance to interact with the residents who had already moved in, hear their stories, and be a part of the solution.

Art and Murals

Local artists painted several murals on the walls surrounding 33 Gough.  This beautiful addition to the site brings cheerfulness and color to brighten the lives of those coming out of tents. Volunteers also painted the pavement, to make it feel less like a parking lot.

 

 

 

 

Interested in Getting Involved?