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How Houston Has Virtually Ended Homelessness Among Veterans

Rebecca Gale

January 30, 2019 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Houston

Houston is a leader in ending veteran homelessness, with "an engaged police unit, a seasoned group of social and policy workers, and a city looking to innovate and improve," but that success has not scaled successfully to dealing with all chronic homelessness in the city. To truly solve chronic homelessness, Houston has found that it needs to build relationships with those experiencing homelessness to understand what specific services they need to stay housed.

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Isle of Arran is Scotland's first plastic-free community

Elle Duffy

January 26, 2019 |

The Herald Scotland |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: Scotland, Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire

The Isle of Arran became Scotland's first Plastic Free Community when they were accredited by the Surfers Against Sewage for their efforts to reduce plastic usage in their community. They credit their success to the help of organizations and businesses in changing packaging and consumer habits, as well as regular beach cleans and plastic-free produce. Last year alone they removed more than 800,000 straws from milk cartons and fruit juice cartons in all schools and cafes, and they plan on using the accreditation to expand their campaign to include more businesses and tourists.

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Revitalizing and Reconnecting Western New York's Regional Biking Network

Mark Wessel

January 24, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Buffalo, New York

In western New York, local bike advocacy groups have found power in numbers, banding together to gradually convince their governments to expand cycling access and communities to change their attitudes toward cyclists. By organizing mass cycling rides, which were at times disruptive by design, and other advocacy efforts, GOBike Buffalo and connected groups have convinced government and foundations alike to launch a major bike network.

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How a Vermont social network became a model for online communities

Andrew Liptak

January 24, 2019 |

The Verge |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Moretown, Vermont

A Vermont-based online network, the Front Porch Forum, has spread around the state as a way for community members to share ideas, resources, and initiatives. Neighbors offer support in everything from rogue Roombas (yes, you read that correctly) to disaster relief efforts.

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The inspiring thing that happened when a Japanese village went almost waste-free

Alex Gray

January 21, 2019 |

World Economic Forum |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Japan, Kamikatsu, Shikoku

Kamikatsu, a small Japanese village on an island, is on track to become a zero-waste village. The community is made up of only 1,700 residents and—through a combination of community conversations and sorting the waste to be profitable—they managed to keep more than 80% of their waste out of landfills and incinerators. On top of the environmental impact, the Zero Waste Academy brings together a largely-elderly population as a group focused on a mission and has led to an increased sense of community and well-being.

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Federally Funded Companions Keep Seniors Connected To Their Neighbors

Patty Wight

January 20, 2019 |

NPR |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Maine

For America's aging population, loneliness is a serious concern and a public health issue; a national program for Senior Companions relies on volunteers, who must be at least 55 years old and commit to at least 15 hours a week, to visit registered participants in their homes. Volunteers and participants become friends, building personal relationships and easing loneliness one interaction at a time.

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These Scouts Are Prepared For Dirty Dishes — And Keeping The Peace

Simon Allison

January 19, 2019 |

NPR |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is rife with political problems including the lack of a health system, proving problematic for a country where Ebola runs a constant risk. Despite the challenges, the Catholic Scouts Association has stepped up to create and implement programs that aim to "promote vaccination, check out rumors about Ebola, carry messages between rival military factions and more."

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Rent-a-sister: Coaxing Japan's young men out of their rooms

Amelia Martyn-Hemphill

January 18, 2019 |

BBC |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Japan, Tokyo

In Japan, an organization called New Start employs women that help men who are withdrawn from society. These men, called hikikomori, are often experiencing mental health issues, and cannot leave their homes. That’s where New Start’s rent-a-sister program comes in. These women spend months, sometimes years, with these men, building trust, giving advice, and adjust to society. The organization also provide halfway houses for these men, with 80% successfully re-entering society as independent individuals.

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Youth Empowerment

Jennifer Rooks

January 17, 2019 |

NH-PBS |

Broadcast TV Programs |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, New Hampshire

Across New Hampshire, youth are leading the fight against substance abuse. Programs like Dover’s Youth-to-Youth, Stand Up Sachems, Youth Leadership Through Adventure, and the Making it Happen Coalition, are all youth-led, adult-supported initiatives that are empowering young adults to create and disseminate substance abuse awareness and prevention campaigns. Fundamental to each of these efforts effective communication and creating a sense of community as key to prevention.

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How the U.K. is fighting the loneliness epidemic

Thomas Daigle

January 16, 2019 |

CBC |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom, Liverpool, England

Lonliness is a huge health risk in senior citizens. To address this, the U.K. is killing two birds with one stone by assigning mail carriers a couple of seniors to check in on once a week. Mail carriers already know the area well and are easily recognizable, so regular conversations with residents were a logical next step. The carriers conduct surveys every week in order to gain quantitative data to inform their practices, and the program continues to be a success with the senior citizens served.

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