Talk of the County Podcast | Tackling Housing Insecurity: YWCA and Shelter Board Strategies (Pt. 1)

Franklin County Media

In this two-part conversation, we look into critical issues surrounding homelessness, housing insecurity, and the evolving role of nonprofit leaders in a post-COVID world.

Kenneth Wilson sits down with esteemed guests Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO of the YWCA, and Shannon Isom, President & CEO of the Community Shelter Board.

This insightful conversation explores how the pandemic has reshaped the nonprofit sector, especially in addressing workforce challenges and the heightened expectations placed on nonprofit leaders.

Elizabeth and Shannon share their experiences and strategies for navigating these complex landscapes, emphasizing the importance of providing a living wage, tackling generational trauma, and breaking cycles of homelessness through innovative models like non-congregate shelters.

We also touch upon the intertwined nature of housing and mental health, the necessity of stable living conditions, and the potential for impactful government programs to alleviate child poverty and enhance social support systems.

Memorable Moments

05:03 Nonprofit leaders face new workforce expectations post-COVID.

08:52 Elected officials must understand issues and rely on support.

12:44 Economic boom leads to housing destabilization concerns.

14:59 Prosperity links to housing insecurity and poverty.

19:08 Franklin County measures up well overall.

21:43 Promoting human well-being through government partnerships.

27:01 Early hopelessness linked to youth violence and justice.

28:29 Proud of redefining family and addressing gaps.

32:54 Addressing generational trauma through non-congregate housing.

35:43 Center providing 5-star care for housing insecure families.

40:36 Family center provides support for unhoused families.

Top Takeaways

The pandemic has created significant workforce challenges, especially in healthcare and social services.

Leaders in nonprofit organizations now require a combination of business strategy, research skills, political savvy, and workforce management to address the complex issues post-COVID and to sustain their missions effectively.

Elizabeth Brown underscores the importance of providing living wages to employees.

Shannon TL Isom highlights the importance of diversion strategies, including cash assistance, to reduce prolonged shelter stays and break the generational cycle of homelessness.

Non-congregate models, such as hotels and motels, offer quiet, private spaces for families, facilitating better planning and reducing the constant logistical challenges found in congregate settings.

Addressing behavioral health crises must involve stable living conditions, with housing first being a critical approach to improving mental health outcomes.

Providing quality childcare, even for homeless families, can significantly impact children’s development.

Stable housing is seen as a form of treatment, particularly for addressing behavioral health issues, emphasizing the need for a Housing First approach.

Addressing racial disparities and the generational trauma associated with homelessness is crucial for creating effective and equitable solutions.

Franklin County has a legacy of supporting health and human services. Still, there is a need for a better alignment of resources and innovative solutions, such as child tax credits and guaranteed income, to tackle poverty, homelessness, and health disparities effectively.

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