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Built for Zero is a movement, a methodology, and proof of what is possible. Over 100 cities and counties have committed to measurably ending homelessness for entire populations. Using data, these communities have changed how local homeless response systems work and the impact they can achieve. Together, they are proving that we can build a future where homelessness is rare overall and brief when it occurs.

Communities in the Built for Zero movement are proving homelessness is solvable.

**Experiencing homelessness is not just bad luck or individual circumstances, it is a systems problem.** | Video by Eido
This video was the product of insights and partnership with various experts who took time to review the content.
We would like to extend our appreciation to James Lee of James Lee & Associates, Tyra Thomas of Street Voices of Change and John Brady of Lived Experience Advisers.

The future we can build, together

Why we launched #HomelessnessisSolvable

#HomelessnessIsSolvable

see our Advocacy toolkit

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Take action!

156Communities are participating in Built for Zero

These communities are dedicated to measurably and equitably ending homelessness.

They are building an equitable future where homelessness is rare and brief.

These communities are working to achieve and sustain functional zero.

15communities have achieved functional zero for at least one population

Functional zero is a milestone that indicates that fewer people are experiencing homelessness than are routinely exiting homelessness at any given time.

It also helps communities understand if they are achieving racially equitable systems.

Functional zero is not a one time achievement, but a sustained reality.

Learn about functional zero

SPOTLIGHT: FUNCTIONAL ZERO COmmunities

Bakersfield, CA

A.J. Luna, the director of the Bergen County Division of Veteran Services

Bergen County, NJ

Rockford, IL

Success is equitably moving toward zero.

39communities have achieved a measurable reduction

Communities in Built for Zero have often described the shift in approach from responding to homelessness to ending it. Part of this work is making sure all their efforts are actually adding up to fewer people experiencing homelessness — also known as population-level reductions.

Learn about the role of data

Spotlight

Podcast: How data can help solve homelessness

Montgomery County driving reductions

A measurement framework for racial equity

Large cities are proving what’s possible.

27large cities are taking steps toward functional zero

These cities are making progress, while working to address the challenges of tight housing markets along the way.

lessons from large cities

Spotlight: Large cities

Detroit reduces veteran homelessness by 33%

Denver is taking a regional approach to homelessness

Starr Johnson and Thomas Jacobs of Veterans Bridge Home in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte reduces veteran homelessness by 20%

Systems designed
to equitably get to zero.

Learn about the methodology

Ensuring no one is left behind.

Ending homelessness begins by knowing each person experiencing homelessness by name, and designing racially equitable systems that account for every single person.

193,000+people have been housed by Built for Zero communities since 2015

Stories FROM people WITH LIVED EXPERTISE

Will at home at Abrigo Apartments, Aurora, CO - Oct. 2019

Meet Will, a grandfather, Air Force veteran — and someone who has experienced homelessness.

“I lived in a quarantine and isolation hotel during the pandemic”

Hear the stories of people who experienced homelessness in D.C.

Our Partners

Our strategic partners bring their knowledge, relationships, and leverage to bear in support of the work of our communities. They are a critical piece of the puzzle, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions to support and sustain our work.

Learn more about our partners

We all have a role to play.

Here’s what you can do:

Business Leaders

Citizens

DATA and technology leaders

Donors and corporate partners

Elected officials

Faith-based organizations

A doctor with a stethoscope and a clipboard against a dark green background.

HealthCare systems

Homeless Response Leaders

A cartoon woman with blue shirt, green pants, and dark skin and hair holds a notepad and pen to write with.

Journalists

public health departments and leaders

SOcial Impact Investors

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Built For Zero