Progress - Built For Zero

Ending homelessness isn’t just possible — it’s already happening!

Cities and counties just like yours are changing how local housing systems work to ensure an end to homelessness that lasts and leaves no one behind.

Built for Zero is movement of more than 80 communities working to measurably end homelessness, starting with veteran and chronic homelessness.

All communities at functional zero will be reviewed annually to ensure they are sustaining this dynamic end state for ending homelessness.

12 communities have ended veteran homelessness

Gulf Coast region, MS
Arlington, VA
Montgomery County, MD
Rockford, IL
Bergen County, NJ
Fort Myers, FL*
Riverside, CA*
Abilene, TX
Lake County, IL
Norman, OK
Chattanooga, TN
Lynchburg, VA

5 communities have ended chronic homelessness

Three have ended both.

*No longer active in Built for Zero

What is Functional Zero?

Communities across the country are refusing the accept the unacceptable and reducing and ending veteran homelessness.

Stories of Success

Planning Analysis: Denver Regional Elected Officials Convening

This case study shares learnings, recommendations, and results from the March 2021 convening of elected officials by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative about implementing the Built for Zero methodology to end veteran homelessness. support for, and implement the Built for Zero methodology to end veteran homelessness. This case study shares learnings, recommendations, and results of those efforts.

Case Studies

Detroit Achieves Shift with 33% Reduction in Veteran Homelessness in 2020

For Detroit, 2019 and 2020 were polar opposites — but not in the way you may think. Even during the depths of 2020’s coronavirus pandemic, this community forged ahead in their work to end veteran homelessness.

Case Studies

With data and dedication, Minneapolis/Hennepin County houses over 600 people in three and half years

Since June 2017, the Minneapolis/Hennepin County Built for Zero team has housed 667 people from their chronic by-name list. People experiencing chronic homelessness are often among the most vulnerable people in a community. With unwavering commitment, the team has maintained an incredible rate of housing 20 people a month throughout 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.