Create an official clearinghouse to harness the collective resources of state, local and federal government, NGOs and nonprofit organizations, faith based organizations and stakeholders on the ground. The clearinghouse would legally and sustainably re-purpose vacant and abandoned buildings to provide shelter for individuals and households facing homelessness, foreclosure and eviction -- and serve as anchors for vibrant, sustainable communities.
Why is this important?
In my ongoing search for stable housing, I realized that there are numerous vacant residential and commercial structures that could provide shelter and revitalize neighborhoods -- if they were inhabited. Instead, they stand empty, blighting their neighborhoods and mocking those facing housing instability. But there is no clearinghouse structure to make this happen
