Empowering the Homeless: Hope Cooperative's Erin Johansen Explains Their Innovative Approach

Join me as I explore the critical work of Hope Cooperative, an organization committed to addressing homelessness and offering comprehensive wraparound services, with its CEO, Erin Johansen. Erin shares her journey with Hope Cooperative, which she joined 11 years ago when it had 85 employees and a 6.5 million dollar budget. Today, the organization has grown to include 350 employees and a 30 million dollar budget, expanding its services to meet the increasing challenges of homelessness. Erin provides valuable insight into the definition of homelessness and discusses how the organization has broadened its scope to serve people with a variety of challenges, focusing particularly on those with disabling conditions who are chronically homeless.In this enlightening discussion, Erin emphasizes the necessity for a continuum of care for people experiencing homelessness, incorporating permanent supported housing and a spectrum of services tailored to individual needs. We explore the additional services provided by Hope Cooperative, particularly for individuals grappling with addiction and substance abuse. Erin details the success of the housing-first model, the crucial role of offering choice, and the significance of a one-year recovery plan for those struggling with addiction. We also examine the work of Hope Cooperative in Sacramento, discussing their government-funded housing units and the range of services available, including crisis respite, homeless outreach, and an outreach and engagement center.Finally, we discuss the vital topic of funding for homeless individuals, including HUG vouchers and state funding for permanent supported housing that Hope Cooperative has been granted. In addition the agency is developing innovative collaboration with the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services to provide units for seniors as well as the importance of safe, regulated, and government-subsidized housing, the impact of rental assistance vouchers like Section 8, and the role landlords can play in addressing homelessness. Join us in this essential conversation about addressing homelessness and the work of Hope Cooperative.For more information about Hope Cooperative, vist www.hopecoop.org