Welcome to the Mall Network

What is a Mall?

The shopping mall has become an American icon within our society. It is a one-stop haven for all of our middle class needs – from consumer goods, to movies, to eating out.

A quiet new movement is occurring in communities throughout our country. Instead of a shopping mall, however, a new kind of center is being developed. They are multi-service malls for people who are homeless or living in poverty.

Under one roof, dozens of public and private social services agencies line mall corridors to provide services for people in need. These new mall “shops” include employment agencies, substance abuse centers, mental health care, public benefits assistance, free health clinics, community courts, housing assistance and even beauty salons.

Multi-service centers form a convenient accessible "one stop" center for homeless individuals. They have become models for integrated supportive services that effectively reach homeless families and chronic homeless individuals and unite the community to end homelessness.

Mall Network Summit A Success!

October 2007 - On October 4th, individuals representing nearly 75 US cities gathered in Los Angeles to convene the National Mall Network Summit. Co-chaired by Los Angeles County Chair Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, and former Century Housing CEO G. Allan Kingston, the Summit included a keynote address by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and drew participation from various community leaders across the U.S. involved in efforts to reduce homelessness.

The Summit discussed what many communities have quietly observed, but only recently questioned- Are shelters and feeding programs effectively helping homeless people off the streets or are they part of the problem? Do we really have the will to end homelessness in ten years? What will it take to overcome NIMBY-ism (Not In My Backyard) in order to site housing and services for the homeless?

Much is Happening!

To say that a lot is happening within our communities would be an understatement. With homelessness reaching a critical mass in many cities across the U.S., the Mall Network's role is timely, and much needed if we are to see effective change in our communities.

Since our inception in 2004, many activities have taken place "behind the scenes". Here is just a small sample of what's been happening:

The Mall Network issued an abstract position paper calling for systems change to include strategic outreach and integrated support services with strengthened linkages to long term-housing. Click here to read the abstract.
Formation of a National Steering Committee.
Engagement with communities across the country wishing to develop Multi-Service Centers, providing advice on specific issues with which they are grappling.
On April 11th, we hosted our second annual Mall Network meeting in Los Angeles, California. We successfully brought together representatives from over 33 cities, counties and non-profit organizations to address the crisis of homelessness and how stakeholders can work together to find solutions.
We are excited about the planning of our Mall Network National Summit- scheduled for October 4-5, 2007.

These are just a few examples of our progress over the last year. Considerably more is happening above and below the radar.

Stay tuned to learn about other exciting activities taking shape in Mall Network communities all over the country and how you can get involved.

Joel John Roberts
Chief Executive Officer
PATH Partners

Multi-Service Spotlight

Haven for Hope, City of San Antonio

The City of San Antonio will be the latest community developing a multi-service center campus for homeless services.

The 22 acre campus includes a 750-bed shelter, substance abuse and detoxification services, a day center, medical center, meal facility, and chapel.

The estimated $30 million campus was recommended by the San Antonio Community Council to End Homelessness, a group formed by San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger earlier this year to expedite a 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness unveiled in January 2005 by his predecessor, Mayor Ed Garza. The Committee is co- chaired by Councilmember Pattie Radle, who also co- chaired the initial 10-Year Plan effort, and Valero Energy Corporation Chairman Bill Greehey.

View San Antonio's Conceptual Plan

The National Mall Network

Welcome to the Mall Network

What is a Mall?

Mall Network Summit A Success!