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What could homeless system responses be if they were completely re-imagined, centering the human experience over existing performance outcomes or funding restrictions? hps://reimagineomaha.org REIMAGINE ANNUAL REPORT 2023
This year has been transformative. We set new norms and eciencies, strengthened our capacity through comprehensive training and evaluations, and, most importantly, we prioritized the lived experiences and voices of those on the frontline of homelessness. Our goal was clear and focused: to make homelessness in our community rare, brief and nonrecurring. Our strategy revolved around three foundational pillars: system-wide training and auditing, hosting innovative projects and elevating and uplifting lived experiences. We strived to drive cultural change, identify service gaps and ensure accountability within the homeless services system. Through qualitative and quantitative data gathering, including 1-on-1 interviews, focus groups and secret shopping, we identified critical needs and crafted tailored training to address these gaps. ReImagine also served as a supportive home for mission-aligned projects that aim to rebuild and enhance systems aecting unhoused individuals and housing programs like Metro Housing Collaborative (MHC). Our Housing Stability Program was particularly impactful, focusing on prevention, diversion and rapid exits to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community through a human-centered approach. This approach empowers our clients to tap into their strengths and connect with necessary supports to achieve long-term housing stability. I am profoundly thankful to every property partner, donor and community partner who has joined us in this journey. Your support has been vital in our endeavors to reimagine a beer future for all, especially the most vulnerable members of our community. As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are commied to continuing our work with even greater determination. Together, we are making a dierence. Let's continue to stand united in our mission to provide a compassionate and eective response to homelessness, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity and security. page 02 ReImagine Annual Report As we reflect on the past year at ReImagine, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I write this message in our annual report. Our collective eorts have made a significant impact in reinvigorating the homelessness response system in the Greater Omaha area, thanks to your unwavering support and collaboration. CULTURE, INNOVATION, LIVED EMPOWERMENT MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Executive Director, ReImagine Aaron Weaver With deepest appreciation, Aaron Weaver
page 03 ReImagine Annual Report ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW To bring partnership and collaboration to reinvigorate the homelessness system, by seing new norms and eciencies, strengthening capacity through training and evaluation, all while prioritizing lived experience and frontline voices. Pioneering Equitable Standards in Homelessness Care and Advocacy To establish a standard of care that prioritizes innovative and humanitarian practices. Through this eort, the Team will create a system of accountability while elevating lived experience and frontline voices. OUR MISSION OUR VISION
In April 2023, our organization achieved a key milestone by receiving our Non-Profit Determination. We expanded our operational scope and enhanced collaborative opportunities by merging with Metro Housing Collaborative (MHC) in June 2023. Strengthening our leadership structure, we welcomed Aaron Weaver as our Executive Director in July 2023, bringing new vision and strategic direction. In August 2023, we launched the Training/Lived Experience Division, appointing Rachael Parker as Training Director. Concurrently, we established a Lived Experience team to integrate diverse perspectives into our programs. Our partnership with Threshold (formally MACCH) led to the initiation of "Frontline Learning Circles" — a platform for direct service workers to learn collaboratively, exchange ideas and provide input on the state of the Continuum of Care (CoC) and new service implementations. In collaboration with Threshold, we initiated a series of CoC-wide trainings for frontline sta focused on Housing Problem Solving conversations. This approach prioritizes a human-centered perspective, valuing the experiences of families and individuals facing homelessness and housing instability. The training team, under the guidance of Ed Boyte and Tanesha Travis, includes representatives from four community partners and individuals with lived experience. Together with Threshold, Project Everlast and Project Harmony, we adapted the Hope Science curriculum to meet the needs of the homelessness response CoC and other partners aspiring to become Hope Champions. We became co-facilitators in the Health and Housing Coalition, taking an active role in bridging the gap between healthcare services and housing needs to beer support vulnerable populations. In a collaborative eort with Threshold and C1C consulting, we conducted a comprehensive Gaps Analysis that included facilitating 50 Lived Experience Listening Sessions. This analysis helped identify critical service gaps and areas for improvement within the community. page 04 ReImagine Annual Report 2023 ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights MHC has partnered with case managers to identify housing options for 361 families or individuals with multiple and/or significant barriers. In July-August 2023, MHC oered rehousing support to 20 families in Douglas County Eviction Court. 359 people have expressed interest in MHC's Shared Housing Initiative that launched in January 2023, resulting in 92 potential roommate pairings, of which 10 individuals have been housed with roommates and another 16 individuals are currently in the housing search stage. (The most common reasons for withdrawing include obtaining private housing, obtaining housing through a housing program or no longer being interested in living with a roommate.) page 05 ReImagine Annual Report 306 households have been housed using Rental Incentives oered by Metro Housing Collaborative (MHC), a ReImagine hosted mission-aligned project. 110+ families/individuals have retained housing for 6 months or longer. MHC has established formal relationships with 160 Property Owners/Managers (POMs). 169 units are currently available via PadMission to people who are unhoused. 296 case managers from partnering community agencies are accessing PadMission to secure housing options for people. MEETING THE NEEDS BUILDING FUTURES, TOGETHER Meet and Greets: POM Recruitment Events & Think Tanks Educational Lunch and Learns for POMs POM Workshop: 1-day workshop for POMs to learn and celebrate their contributions Focus Group: Addressing Barriers to Housing Launched pilot project to alleviate application fees Furniture Train: In collaboration with “The Furniture Project”, collected donations of gently used furniture and household items Events
page 06 ReImagine Annual Report FINANCIAL SUMMARY FISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2023-DECEMBER 31, 2023 Government Grants (Contributions) 64.9% All Other Contributions, Gifts, Grants and Similar 35.1% TOTAL REVENUE $1,023,006 Program Service Expenses 73.9% Management and General Expenses 26.1% TOTAL EXPENSES $773,826
Why ReImagine Omaha? ReImagine envisions a future with equitable and established standards of care that prioritize transparent and humanitarian practices. We know this is possible inside a consistent system of accountability that elevates and promotes the health and wellbeing of all, with an emphasis on housing stability, and the prevention and ending of homelessness in our community. Phone (531) 229-7372 ReImagine Website https://reimagineomaha.org Email info@reimagineomaha.org MHC Website https://metrohousingcollaborative.com THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT