Regional leaders from across the Quad Cities gathered on April 29 for a first-of-its-kind, bi-state working session focused on accelerating progress toward reducing unsheltered homelessness.

Regional leaders from across the Quad Cities gathered on April 29 for a first-of-its-kind, bi-state working session focused on accelerating progress toward reducing unsheltered homelessness. 

The event included leadership from across all five major cities and both counties in the Quad Cities region, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the issue collaboratively. 

Convened by the Quad Cities Community Foundation and Downtown Davenport Partnership, in collaboration with regional partners, the effort brought together stakeholders from across sectors and state lines to align around shared goals and begin advancing coordinated solutions. 

The session comes at a critical moment for the region, as communities across both states face the growing challenge of unsheltered homelessness. “Too many of our neighbors are experiencing homelessness and sleeping unsheltered,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “This is an opportunity for our region to come together and begin building a path forward.” 

The working session was facilitated by Clutch Consulting Group, a nationally recognized firm that partners with communities to move beyond planning into coordinated action on homelessness. The session helped participants establish a shared regional goal, identify gaps and opportunities, and build momentum toward a more aligned, bi-state approach. 

Participants focused on regional alignment and momentum-building, and a smaller, future planning session will work to translate ideas into action. While participation in the working session was limited to regional stakeholders and advocates, organizers note that additional opportunities for broader public engagement with the information gathered and priorities set will follow. 

“Our communities are asking for organizations to come together across state lines and sectors,” said Kelly Thompson, the Community Foundation’s vice president of strategic initiatives. “Our region has all the ingredients. This is the first step toward bringing them all together.”