Iowa Ideas
In-Depth Replays 2024

With major changes again on the horizon, we'll discuss what's working well and what needs attention when it comes to mental health care in Iowa.

Mental health needs at K-12 and higher education institutions are getting more attention these days, meanwhile young professionals are increasingly seeking benefits addressing mental health care. What’s driving these needs and how are they being addressed?

Iowa police departments and nonprofits are increasingly expanding mental health liaisons or response units to deal with the growing number of individuals experiencing a crisis. What burden has this put on Iowa's criminal justice system? When law enforcement agencies often end up with crisis calls, what systemic changes can be made to get individuals the help they need? What’s the significance of these units?

Nearly 2,500 people in Iowa are homeless, according to the most recent statewide census data. This session will look at homelessness around the state and the programs and resources that are in place to address it. We'll also look at what's being done at the national level and how some of those programs are being implemented within the state.

The diversity of homeless populations requires the adaptation of support services. Who is leading the work in providing services for homeless veterans, families, the elderly, those escaping domestic violence, and young people who have aged out of the foster care system? This session will explore the gaps in serving these vulnerable populations.

Resources for those experiencing homelessness are often a patchwork of city, county, state, federal and nonprofit resources. What are the biggest gaps between resources, and how can entities seamlessly blanket jurisdictions to better serve populations in need? This session will look at what has worked in other markets, how unrelated individuals and businesses can help with needs they see, and the success of other communication strategies.

With construction cost spikes and inflation making financing a challenge, it’s a tricky environment for affordable housing construction. Tenants experiencing homelessness or other challenges typically need services to stay successfully housed. But keeping rent affordable, and funding and filling the staff positions to sustain these services can be a challenge. Who’s addressing residents’ needs? And how can communities pursue housing projects that meet the needs of their most vulnerable residents?

The work of creating lasting solutions to keep high-need populations housed may run into bureaucratic snags. Public officials sometimes lack the will to create meaningful housing solutions, developers can be reluctant to take on the financial risk inherent in affordable housing and residents may push back because of biases against vulnerable populations. How can communities work through these forces to provide housing as a basic human right for their residents?