Alma Economics’ Post

💡 The story so far… 👇 Fascinating analysis by Alma Economics of the early impacts achieved by projects in the Office for Veterans' Affairs Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, funded via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Just one of the findings which really struck me: 📣 “Staff remarked that they now had the capacity, time and resources to engage meaningfully with beneficiaries, particularly those with high or complex needs. “Beneficiaries were more receptive to support, knowing that staff: ‘…were invested in an in-depth understanding of their past before building a new future.’ “ #homelessness #veterans Tom Traynor l Steven Inman

Day 6 of Impact: Culturally Safe Services The continuing legacy of colonisation, impacting social, economic, cultural, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, coupled with the lack of appropriate housing options, are key factors underpinning experiences of chronic homelessness among First Nations Australians. Inadequate funding for culturally appropriate homelessness services, limited crisis and transitional housing, and barriers to accessing housing also fails our First Nations Australians. We see this reflected in our client numbers, particularly among the people sleeping rough. Approximately 24% of the rough sleepers Launch Housing supports identify as First Nations. This year, we continue to improve the way we do things to ensure our services and spaces are culturally safe. • First Nations clients are prioritised in many of our programs, including Viv’s Place, the Cornelia Program, the Better Health and Housing Program and From Homelessness to a Home  • Physical spaces across Launch Housing sites visibly acknowledge and reflect our commitment to being an ally organisation for First Nations peoples • In our annual renter satisfaction survey, First Nations renters in a property owned or managed by Launch Housing reported being more satisfied with Launch Housing services (78%) than non-First Nations renters • Launch Housing has committed to developing and implementing an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in 2025, focusing on strengthening and elevating our dedication to providing culturally safe and responsive service delivery for First Nations people while advancing reconciliation We are passionate about continuing the deep and essential work of improving outcomes for First Nations clients, renters, and communities.

New research from Altair Ltd. which was commissioned by the National Housing Federation (NHF) shows that there will not be enough supported housing for everyone who needs it by 2040. According to the findings, at least 167,000 more supported homes are needed by 2040, and the deficit could result in many people who could be living independently with support facing long stays in residential or institutional care, or becoming at risk of homelessness. Supported housing helps more than half a million people to live independently in their communities, while providing a vital service to the people in society who need the most support. This could include survivors of domestic abuse and young people leaving care. In their report, Supported Housing in England: Estimating need and costs to 2040, NHF states that supply for supported housing is currently not meeting demand, and the government does not have a long term plan, which is raising concerns for the future of some the country's most vulnerable people. The federation is urging the government to ensure there is a long-term, integrated plan for supported housing at a national level, recognising the role supported housing plays in transforming people’s lives as well as the cost savings it brings from reduced homelessness, reduced demand on the National Health Service and lower demand for more expensive residential, nursing or institutional care. How much supported housing will we need by 2040? https://buff.ly/3xZvu2O #supportedhousing #housingshortage #longtermplan

The Victorian budget was handed down this week in the midst of rising cost of living pressures and a housing affordability and family violence crisis. There is no doubt that Treasurer, Tim Pallas, has had a very difficult job. Yesterday we attended the VCOSS Treasurer’s lunch to hear him outline the 2024 Budget and what it means for Victorians who are doing it tough. While we applaud the measures to maintain funding for crucial homelessness services, early intervention models and assistance for Victorian families, we know many single women and women with children still need access to permanent and affordable housing. There is still a lot more work to do to establish a consistent pipeline of funding for the 60,000 new social housing homes the sector has been asking for in the next 10 years. Long term, affordable housing is essential to addressing homelessness and family violence. Victorian Council of Social Service Community Housing Industry Association Victoria

We welcome the extra investment from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government into addressing homelessness and are encouraged by their commitment to not only provide immediate relief but also tackle the root cause. While we applaud extra support for families and to tackle rough sleeping, we were, however, disheartened to see no specific mention of young people in their announcement. Last year, over 136,000 young people aged 16-24 presented as homeless in the UK. Circumstances that lead to youth homelessness vary, with a breakdown in familial relationships a top cause, and we know that providing quality housing pathways alongside coaching and support prevents entrenched homelessness in young people’s futures. We will be paying close attention to how funding is allocated at a local and national level. A joined up approach that both provides immediate relief and proactively breaks the cycle is important - and providing high quality options for young people at an early stage should be a key piece of this, alongside investment in preventative measures further upstream. https://lnkd.in/eFQ4HhAP

‼️ Sky News reports that a record number of children are living in B&Bs beyond the legal limit as England's homelessness crisis pushes councils to breaking point. This crisis not only disrupts young lives but also drains public funds, with councils spending over £2bn annually on temporary accommodation. Investing in affordable housing is essential to provide stable homes for families and ensure a brighter future for our children. As a partnership we're doing what we can to tackle the housing crisis in our region, working alongside Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire and other key partners to deliver a greener, more secure future, which will see thousands more affordable and sustainable homes built over the next few years. However, to end the housing crisis housing associations need more financial support, focused investment in key areas, and long-term funding stability. https://lnkd.in/eiXsUWGv

🏠 Addressing the UK's Social Housing Crisis: A Call to Action 🏠 The challenges surrounding social housing and homelessness in the UK are more pressing than ever. With the current economic climate and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, too many families are facing the harsh reality of inadequate housing or, worse, no housing at all. 📉 Alarming Statistics: Over 1.1 million households are on waiting lists for social housing. Rough sleeping has increased by 52% in the last five years. Affordable housing completions have plummeted, leaving many without viable options. 💡 Key Issues: Lack of Affordable Housing: Rising property prices and stagnant wages have made homeownership a distant dream for many. Meanwhile, the supply of affordable rental options remains insufficient. Inadequate Social Housing: Aging social housing stock and insufficient new developments mean that many are forced to live in substandard conditions or face long waits for suitable accommodation. Homelessness: The intersection of unemployment, mental health issues, and a lack of support services has left too many individuals on the streets. 🤝 How Can We Make a Difference? Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with local and national policymakers to push for increased funding and legislative support for social housing. Support Nonprofits: Donate to and volunteer with organizations dedicated to tackling homelessness and providing affordable housing solutions. Community Action: Work with community groups to support local initiatives, such as temporary housing projects and support services for those in need. Let's use our collective voice and resources to drive change. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas on how we can tackle these challenges together. 🗣️👇 #SocialHousing #Homelessness #AffordableHousing #UKHousingCrisis #CommunityAction #PolicyChange

A bit of a departure from my normal content... Homelessness isn't just a policy issue for me – it's deeply personal. From my early career at Bruce House, to seven years shaping federal homelessness policy, to watching a family member cycle through shelters and prison, I've seen this crisis from multiple angles. But I am sharing this op-ed because I believe that we all need to engage in if we care about the health and future of our communities. Canada's housing crisis runs deep, but what seems to get missed is that homelessness is a solvable problem. We've seen communities successfully end homelessness through proven strategies and sustained commitment. What is missing isn't knowledge – it's our collective will to see people experiencing homelessness as human beings worthy of dignity and connection. When I stop to chat with someone asking for change or roll down my window at traffic lights, people often question my judgment. But I'll never forget what I once heard from a youth experiencing homelessness: sometimes a stranger's simple acknowledgment of your humanity can be the lifeline you need that day. As Ottawa Councillor Ariel Troster recently challenged residents: "to my neighbours who are frustrated and angry about the social disorder that comes with unmet human needs, I ask you to direct your anger at the systems that are failing — not at the people experiencing homelessness or those trying to help them." She's right. We must stop blaming individuals trapped by systemic failure. We need to see people experiencing homelessness as being worthy of the investment because they are human. Solving homelessness isn't just morally right – it makes economic sense and improves public safety for everyone. This isn't about politics. It is about listening to people like Stephen and supporting the efforts of organizations on the ground like the Shepherds of Good Hope doing vital work daily, and recognizing that each of us has a role in creating change. The solution starts with seeing people as people. Everything else follows from there.

‼️ Sky News reports a record number of children living in B&Bs beyond the legal limit as England’s homelessness crisis pushes councils to breaking point. This crisis disrupts young lives and places a huge strain on public funds, with councils spending over £2bn a year on temporary accommodation. In York and North Yorkshire, investing in affordable housing is crucial to providing stable homes for families and ensuring a brighter future for our children. As a partnership, we’re working hard to address the housing crisis in our region and are committed to delivering thousands of affordable, sustainable homes as part of a greener, more secure future. But to truly end the housing crisis, housing associations need more financial support, targeted investment in priority areas, and long-term funding stability. Only with these changes can we deliver the homes our communities desperately need. https://lnkd.in/eiXsUWGv