Last class, Dan McGuire spoke in regards to a nonprofit organization known as Homeless Solutions, inc. in New Jersey. He gave us a quick overview of the organization as a whole and included statistics that show the degree of helpfulness and support the agency receives. The nonprofit organization serves about 600 individuals with housing and shelters directly and approximately 40% of the homeless population per year. The main shelter in New Jersey supports up to 85 beds. Although this agency supplies many homeless individuals with shelters/housing or other necessary functions, Dan touched on the subject of shrinking state funds and local protests that support NIMBY (Not In My Backyard). The main issues with nonprofit organizations is receiving federal programs that support accurate funding in order to withstand the programs. Federal programming also imposes the idea of “one size fits all”, ultimately implying that giving one solution should help all aspects of homelessness, but that is not the case.

Despite minimum support from locals and governmental policies, the agency continues to supply affordable “green” housing. Not only is Homeless Solutions, inc. creating affordable housing opportunities, it is also creating such housing that is fundamentally “safe” for the environment. This idea of reducing one’s negative environmental impact as well as creating housing opportunities for the unhoused supports the concept of Tiny Houses, which are considered small housing facilities that greatly support quality over quantity with housing facilities. The idea of being environmentally friendly while supplying affordable housing can be a great incentive in support of building these facilities. Laura and I will touch more on this idea of Tiny Housing in our presentation!