Washtenaw Housing Alliance

Our Mission

The mission of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance is to end homelessness in our community.The root causes of homelessness include:poverty, including the loss of resources caused by substance abuse, physical illness and mental illness,violence, including domestic and sexual violence usually directed against women and children,racism and other institutionalized prejudices, and class privilege and discriminatory patterns of economic and social investment.Any strategies to end, or even to minimize homelessness, must be designed with these root causes in mind.In order to end homelessness, it is imperative that all members of the community, individuals, institutions, and government participate in the effort. The Washtenaw Housing Alliance models this community partnership by consisting of a wide range of organizations dedicated to helping people who are homeless and those who are in danger of losing their housing. We will work to fulfill our mission through collaboration and partnerships that address root causes of homelessness, and by making needed systemic changes that will sustain over time. Every person who is homeless or at risk of homelessness will be provided with alternatives for shelter, housing and services, including those who are vulnerable and difficult to serve.Helping persons who are homeless must include: Provision of basic necessities, including food, clothing and medical care Development and maintenance of accessible and responsive options for emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent housing Promotion of individual autonomy through development of education and employment opportunities, debt reduction and credit assistance, literacy programs, transportation and childcare Support services to keep individuals and families in housing