Momentum is building around homelessness in the Quad Cities

by Sue Hafkemeyer
President & CEO

In April, I had the privilege of being in a room with more than 100 leaders from all five cities and across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to focus on one thing: how we collectively move faster and more effectively to reduce unsheltered homelessness. 

Everyone came ready to engage, to listen, and to work. The conversations made it clear that our region is ready to take on this challenge together, build on the amazing work already being done, and move forward with greater alignment and urgency. And our community is paying attention. Local media coverage and public conversation following the event underscored that homelessness is a shared priority that people across the Quad Cities care deeply about addressing.

The Quad Cities Community Foundation hosted the event together with Downtown Davenport Partnership. As your Community Foundation, part of our role is to bring resources together and build momentum behind the issues that matter most to our donors, neighbors, and region. 

The event was a powerful start. Leaders were open and honest about what’s working and what’s not, signaling trust and a readiness for change at the system level. We built new connections between service providers and funders that we haven’t seen before; building these relationships is critical as we target future investment. We studied our community’s successes and solutions that are working across the country. It all told a story of hope, and we saw that greater tangible results are within reach. 

The day was also an important reminder that behind all this work are people, people facing a complex, uphill challenge. That can lead to burnout and a feeling of defeat. More than one person told me they came into the day tired, even a little skeptical, and left with a feeling of possibility and hope. That’s invaluable. 

For years, our donors have supported organizations providing shelter, outreach, advocacy, and essential services to those experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. Generous individuals have dedicated their resources to ensuring our neighbors are safe and stable. 

We know the need in our region is growing, but so is the momentum, and the investment. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing a report on all the planning from April’s meeting that includes concrete plans for investment and action across the region. I’m proud to say that the Community Foundation will remain a leading voice in advancing what we learned during the session and translating the plan into action. 

I left the convening with a strong sense of both urgency and optimism. Urgency, because the need is real and immediate. Optimism, because the level of engagement we’re seeing from nonprofit partners, public leaders, donors, and community members tells me we are moving in the right direction.