|
San Jose Magazine, September 2008
Best Nonprofit
InnVision
The leading provider of solutions for homelessness in Silicon Valley
An estimated 7,200 homeless people live in the Valley
on any given night. More than 20,000 individuals will
experience homelessness at some point during 2008.
They are our brothers and sons, sisters and daughters,
neighbors, former coworkers, and friends. In
35 years, InnVision has grown to be the leader in
providing solutions to homelessness.
Each year, 16,000 homeless come to InnVision seeking help with housing,
food, and tools for self-suffi ciency. InnVision operates 20 sites from
San Jose to Menlo Park�serving homeless adults, children, veterans, and
the mentally ill in a safe and uplifting environment. It offers a full complement
of shelters, transitional and permanent housing, and multi-service
day centers. More than 100 dedicated staff members and thousands of
volunteers have helped InnVision grow into an $11 million multifaceted
community benefi t organization that has demonstrated success in addressing
the demoralizing homeless situation impacting this region.
The hallmark of InnVision is the capacity to respond with meaningful
services and adapt to the community�s most critical needs. On a societal
level, InnVision assumes a leadership role by inspiring the community
to create systemic change around homelessness issues. InnVision does
this by advocating for and providing opportunities for housing, case
management, vocational training, and comprehensive health services;
by striving to dispel stereotypes; and by inspiring others to get proactively
involved. The community response to this call to action is evident
every day through corporate efforts and the incredible kindness shown
by the average citizen. The InnVision service strategy is comprehensive,
supportive, and tailored to specifi c homeless populations impacted by
the current weak job market, high rents, and housing foreclosures that
are putting more and more families on the street every day.
InnVision takes a truly unique approach by customizing services to
individual needs. Each InnVision day center is open to anyone at risk
and provides extensive supportive services focused on strengthening
self-esteem and improving life skills. InnVision cares for our homeless
veterans, relatives, friends, and families. More and more these days,
mothers with children may be seen spending the night in parked cars,
under bridges, or along creeks where the homeless tend to congregate.
InnVision addresses the concern that children are one of the fastest
growing homeless populations. By targeting efforts toward children�s
services, it is possible to break the cycle of homelessness. With a wide
array of services, InnVision is able to address the multiple barriers of
everyone affected by homelessness, and that is what sets it apart from
others in the Valley.
Strategic collaborations have enabled InnVision to sustain and expand
these vital services despite a diffi cult economy. Partnerships are
pursued to extend the organization�s reach and impact, cutting across
all sectors to provide volunteer, in-kind, and fi nancial support. With a
proven track record and success in leveraging community resources, 85
cents of every donated dollar goes directly to client services.
By empowering homeless and at-risk individuals and families to gain
the stability and skills needed for self-suffi cient living, InnVision meets
both emergency and long-term needs of those who are homeless. This
solution works, but to continue, we must look to the community to
partner with us�to volunteer and to leverage resources. Together we
can end chronic homelessness in Silicon Valley.
|
