As homelessness rates continue to rise in the Quad Cities, Project NOW is working to find permanent, affordable housing solutions.
The Rock Island-based organization hosted a half-day-long Housing Summit on Thursday, August 14th, featuring a keynote speaker who says one solution may be found in tiny homes.
Reverend Faith Fowler is the Executive Director of Cass Community Social Services, which has built over 20 homes for low-income individuals in the Detroit area.
Rev. Fowler says the program allows participants who live in their homes for seven years to receive the deed to the property.
“Now, you're talking not just about residential stability. You're talking about economic mobility. You're talking about the American dream.”
The latest data show homelessness in the Quad City area increased 44 percent between 2023 and last year.
Project NOW Executive Director, Reverend Dwight Ford, says public surveys show almost 500 people don’t have a place to call home in the Quad Cities each night. But he says the actual number is likely two or three times as high.
Last winter, Project NOW and Christian Care opened a warming shelter in downtown Rock Island. Executive Director of Christian Care Frank Roe shared the impact the Lift NOW center had on the community.
“There were 2,214 nights of shelter provided to 180 individuals. Over 500 service transactions were completed, and through these interactions, 13 individuals were able to receive housing.”
Roe said these individuals remained housed today.