Community Development

Many community based organizations are facing limited resources but increased need for staff and Board development, technical assistance with fundraising and launching social innovations, and program expansion. This series will present innovative approaches and solutions to growth.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in 2020, there were over half a million people experiencing homelessness on our streets and in shelters in America. Seventy percent were individuals, and the remaining 30 percent were families with children. They lived in every state and territory, and they include people from every gender, racial and ethnic group… Read more.

In 1991 the United Nations declared housing to be a fundamental human right, and the United States has worked to reduce overall homelessness by over 20 percent between 2005 and 2013. However, homelessness continues to persist across the country, with the highest concentration in mid-to-large metropolitan areas, and disproportionately impacts those living in poverty, people of color and immigrants... Read more.

Often in community development work, too many organizations are working in isolation from one another. According to the Collective Impact Forum, collective impact brings people together in a structured way to achieve social change… Read more.

Our Latest Podcasts

09 | Philanthropic Collective Action to Address Homelessness

BACKGROUND: According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in 2020, there were over half a million people experiencing homelessness on our streets and in shelters in America. Seventy percent were individuals, and the remaining 30 percent were families with children. They lived in every state and territory, and they include people from…
08 | Flexible Housing Pool: Rapid Expansion to Address Regional Homelessness

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in 2020, there were over half a million people experiencing homelessness on our streets and in shelters in America. Seventy percent were individuals, and the remaining 30 percent were families with children. They lived in every state and territory, and they include people from every gender,…
The New Season of In The Solution Podcast

We return this spring with a podcast reboot and begin with our Healthcare Justice Series with episodes that: Focus on the social determinants of health And highlight the needs of communities and populations experiencing barriers to health care
07 | The Flexible Housing Pool: System Coordination to Address Chicago’s Homelessness

In 1991 the United Nations declared housing to be a fundamental human right, and the United States has worked to reduce overall homelessness by over 20 percent between 2005 and 2013. However, homelessness continues to persist across the country, with the highest concentration in mid-to-large metropolitan areas and disproportionately impacts those living in poverty, people…
06 | The Flexible Housing Pool: Funding System Coordination in Housing and Health

In this episode, I’m talking with Clarita Santos, Executive Director of Community Health Initiatives at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. As Executive Director, Clarita advances Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ investment strategy in alignment with the Plan’s vision and enterprise imperatives to address critical community health issues, focusing on access to…