This morning I attended a meeting sponsored by the Capital City Partnership, Travelers, Catholic Charities, and Heading Home Minnesota. The topic, not surprisingly, was ending long-term homelessness in Saint Paul. Also not surprisingly, the meeting was a mix of business people, social service people, government people, and foundation people. I’m not sure where I fit into those groups, but it felt right to be there. Not, I hasten to add, merely for the free breakfast. 

 

The talks were brief and interesting, with the goals of informing the audience and motivating us to support coordinated efforts to end long-term homelessness. They mercifully spared us the shocking statistics about the problems of the chronically homeless, and instead focused on who is doing what, and what needs to be done. The short answer is, “a lot,” to both questions.

 

Commander John Vomastek of the Saint Paul Police Department began his very thoughtful remarks by reminding us of a critical truth: homeless people are people first and foremost, with the same worries we have, and entitled to the same protections we enjoy. I can only imagine that at least some of those worries are more acute, and their needs for protection much greater, than my own. Vomastek and other speakers reminded us, to put it somewhat starkly, that we are talking about serving people, not trying to clean them off the streets.

 

Another thought came to mind as well. The Hill Center is currently doing some consulting work in the area of affordable housing, and in the course of those interviews, one community member shared that the board of a key funding provider was becoming frustrated because after all the time and money, the problem of homelessness has not been solved.  Even to the uninitiated (that’s me), there seems to be more than one “problem of homelessness,” and the criteria for determining the degree to which that problem is “solved” are enormously complex. That’s no excuse for inaction, but it is excellent cause for action undertaken with reasonable goals and a long-term view.

 

This kind of initiative provides numerous opportunities for businesses to make a difference. Participating agencies are of course seeking funding and material support. I’m not an expert in this area, but here’s what I heard. The efforts that are being undertaken prominently include increasing the number of units of supportive housing, permanent housing where residents have easy (but voluntary) access to a range of social, health care, and other services. There are also more personal ways to help, by volunteering with agencies that provide those services, or who reach out to those on the street or in other settings like hospitals, treatment centers, or temporary shelters.

 

One fellow at my table asked me what I was doing here. Never missing an opportunity to pitch, er, I mean, to SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE CENTER (that’s better),   I told him that we exist to help businesses align their commitments to social responsibility with their business strategies. 

 

“I get it,” he said. “Like, business owners downtown don’t want homeless people around because it’s hard on business, so this is a good investment.”

Crystal clear, but not the whole story. There are other excellent reasons to contribute to initiatives aimed at eliminating long-term homelessness. Stronger communities in general are better business environments, well beyond the sidewalks in front of storefronts. Consumers reward companies who commit to helping others and improving communities - brands are built on such things.  Employees value and reward employers who engage them in these kinds of efforts with loyalty and productivity. In some instances, tomorrow’s loyal employees are yesterday’s homeless.

 

What do you think?