Opinion
Unified Help for Our Unsheltered Kristopher Dahir, Sparks City Councilman
When I first was elected to the Sparks City Council 5 years ago, I made the request to be placed on the Transitional Housing Board. This board was responsible for the contract for our local shelter and heard updates about the efforts as a region towards those men, woman and families that were without shelter. This board consisted of one person from the city of Reno, the Kristopher Dahir City of Sparks and Washoe County. We had many discussions of what needed to take place and each member was very dedicated to finding ways to help, but in the end we felt that we did not have enough authority or reach to truly make a difference. So, we decided to work with our elected delegates, managers and staff to create what is known as the Community Homelessness Advisory Board or CHAB. This board is comprised of two elected officials from each jurisdiction, meets monthly and asks for all of our community groups who work with this population of people to join us. Our goal was to create unity and truly learn what is happening in our region as it pertains to the unsheltered. I had the honor of chairing the board for the first year and now three years later, with the leadership of all our elected coming together, we have seen some amazing advances. I hope to share a few of our accomplishments, goals and hopes in this article. The conversation is way too long to cover in this one article and so I will give a few highlights. Please know that there are many heroes in our community that are making a difference through their non-profits, churches, schools, and everyday as it pertains to this unique conversation. One of the most significant accomplishments that CHAB has made, was to create a chance for unity and a space where we can all work together. There were so many wonderfully hearted people working hard but without proper collaboration the efforts were not enough. However, we have seen a great shift in our region and now we are sharing data, having warm hand offs with individuals, and seeing new shelters built that will truly meet the needs that are in place. We have begun focusing in on a strategy called Built for Zero, which is a national strategy to end homelessness. This group brings our community to the table and ask for everyone to be involved. I strongly believe that government programs will never be the solution but when we join our community and all work together, miracles will take place. (Built for Zero page 5)
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April 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com
