Homelessness Resolution Community Discussion

The City of Avondale will hold a Homelessness Solutions Symposium in February, bringing together key stakeholders, local businesses, community leaders, experts, and those directly impacted by homelessness. This symposium aims to establish a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange, fostering collaborative efforts towards meaningful solutions.

Scheduled for February 28, 2024, at the Avondale Visitor & Conference Center (11490 W Civic Center Drive, Avondale) from 4 pm to 7 pm, the symposium will feature presentations from the City’s SONAR (Street Outreach Navigation And Resources) program, along with community partners, to provide updates and facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas. Joining this event will be the consultant team from Public Works, LLC, currently working with the City on developing a Strategic Plan for Homelessness Resolution. The Strategic Plan on Homelessness Resolution will provide a roadmap for the city-wide response to housing insecurity, homelessness, and resource needs over the next 5 years.

"We believe that by bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences we can generate effective and sustainable solutions to address homelessness in our community," said Brian Planty, Homeless Services Manager at the City of Avondale.

The symposium aims to encourage active participation and engagement, providing a platform for attendees to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding homelessness issues. There will be food and refreshments, and a chance to win door prizes, for attending participants.

"We recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing homelessness. This symposium is a crucial step towards building a collective understanding and commitment to finding lasting solutions," said Christopher Lopez, Neighborhood Family Services Director for the City of Avondale.

To attend the Avondale Symposium on Homelessness Solutions, registration is required. Interested individuals can register at AvondaleHomelessnessSymposium.eventbrite.com(External link). Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Avondale Strategic Plan for Homelessness Resolution: Survey open for resident input

The City of Avondale's Neighborhood and Family Services Department has embarked on a significant initiative to address homelessness within the community. Avondale has partnered with Public Works LLC, a respected public policy consulting firm, to lead a strategic planning process aimed at realizing the City’s vision and mission: To make any experience of homelessness in the City of Avondale rare, brief, and non-recurring.

“This strategic planning process takes a comprehensive approach to gain deeper insights into the housing and service needs, challenges, and priorities of our community,” said Chris Lopez, Avondale Neighborhood Family Services director. “The primary objective is to inform the City Council, leadership, and staff about effective strategies to meet the growing demand for affordable housing, appropriate services, and resources tailored to the unique needs of our community.”

“The insights gathered through these surveys will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community and contribute to our mission of making homelessness a rare, brief, and non-recurring experience,” Lopez added.

To ensure that this strategic plan is well-informed and reflects the diverse perspectives of the community, residents are invited to participate in this vital endeavor. Tailored surveys have been developed to capture the needs and viewpoints of both housed and unhoused individuals, as well as those at risk of homelessness.

Residents are asked to take a moment to complete the survey that aligns with their situation:

Community Member and Neighborhood Association Survey

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AvondaleCMNA

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AvondaleSCNA

Lived Experience (for those currently experiencing homelessness)

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AvondaleLES

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AvondaleLESS

All responses from participants will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. For more information on homelessness, please contact the Avondale SONAR Team.