Amity Foundation’s Post

🗞️ READ ALL ABOUT IT 🗞️ May's Mission Network is now available online! Read about Matthew, a former guest who was able to find some of the "missing pieces" in his life when he discovered the possibility of facing several decades in jail. Learn more about our David Development Program, featuring Lamont Harris, which helps young men overcome homelessness. And finally, learn how YOU can change a child's life at Camp Hope Haven! Check it out at the link: https://ow.ly/GpaT50RsUWX #CaringLikeChrist

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC)’s Children & Young Persons Policing Strategy will aim to create “a culture of child-centred policing”, but too often police and other agencies overlook the impact of homelessness on young people’s vulnerability; Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Dr Andy Briers, who has devoted most of his career to working with at-risk young people, sets out some of the challenges and opportunities for policing to improve support for homeless youngsters and divert them away from the criminal justice system. ❝This is for all children and young people – regardless of how they meet the police – and to recognise that there is a correlation between victim and offender. Anyone can be vulnerable and at risk for a number of reasons beyond their control and understanding.❞ ❝All these issues are faced by young people in our community; but the risk to those who are homeless and wander the streets looking for a safe refuge is even greater.❞ ❝They are often stopped and searched and rarely are they offered help or signposted to a suitable refuge. They are only too aware of the risks they run of being exploited by criminal gangs, lured into a complex county line, or having to endure the humiliation of being taunted as a homeless person.❞ ❝It’s imperative that as a police service we place much more emphasis on working with our local partners and housing providers/charities to identify and signpost young people who are at risk of homelessness, and for young women who are at increased risk of violence from sexual predators.❞ ❝Being equipped with the skills and knowledge to spot the signs of homelessness which are not always apparent and signpost them accordingly is key to our new strategy of keeping young people safe. Some police forces are already considering incorporating this learning into their initial training for recruits, as part of the Leadership and Vulnerability module within the Policing Education Qualification Framework.❞ https://lnkd.in/drRe5Jvh #lawenforcement #policing #police #criminaljustice #youthoffending #homelessness

Check out this great explainer of the most important SCOTUS case about homelessness in 40+ years.

In the crowded landscape of documentaries on homelessness, it's easy to become desensitized. However, I recently came across an exceptional film that cuts through the noise with its honest and deeply considered approach. Watch the Documentary Here https://lnkd.in/gucpqBeG What sets this documentary apart? It doesn’t just highlight the issue—it tells the raw, unfiltered stories of individuals experiencing homelessness. These are not just statistics; they are human beings with histories, dreams, and resilience. The film offers a compassionate look into their lives, emphasising the systemic challenges and personal battles they face daily. Unlike many other documentaries, this one avoids sensationalism. Instead, it focuses on authentic storytelling, providing a platform for those whose voices often go unheard. It challenges us to see beyond the stereotypes and to understand the complexity and humanity of homelessness. I encourage you to take the time to watch this film. It’s an eye-opening experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding and empathy. Let’s continue to support and spread awareness about this critical issue.

Learn how we contribute to a more equitable and effective homelessness response system and serve as the lead agency for the Sacramento City and County Continuum of Care by reading our 2021–2023 impact and achievements report at bit.ly/SSFimpact

🔗 Our latest blog post examines the complex relationship between justice and homelessness and discusses empowering solutions to address these issues. Join professionals in discussing ways forward. Read more: ➡️ https://bit.ly/4d9BtSO #G4 #FirstNations #ReachingHome

How does 3 pm PST a week from tomorrow, April 19th, sound for the world premiere of Displaced, immediately followed by a live stream with homeless people and experts on criminalization and veterans homelessness?

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HAC’s response to the Supreme Court’s opinion City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson The Homeless Action Center (HAC) unequivocally opposes today’s decision where the Supreme Court issued a cruel 6-3 opinion in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson et al allowing states and cities to punish unhoused people who are sleeping outside even if they have no place to go. The decision permits local municipalities to fine and imprison unhoused individuals simply for being unhoused. At a time when homelessness is at an all-time high and affordable housing is woefully inaccessible and unavailable, it is sickening to see the highest court in the land empower local governments to criminalize community members for merely existing. Justice Sotomayor wrote a strong and compassionate dissent: “Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime. For some people, sleeping outside is their only option. The City of Grants Pass jails and fines those people for sleeping anywhere in public at any time, including in their cars, if they use as little as a blanket to keep warm or a rolled-up shirt as a pillow. For people with no access to shelter, that punishes them for being homeless. That is unconscionable and un-constitutional. Punishing people for their status is “cruel and unusual” under the Eighth Amendment.” Cities can now use this ruling to offer no services to those sleeping outside but instead bring in cops to force them to go elsewhere, even though there is no place elsewhere available. Using law enforcement in this manner is traumatizing for unhoused people. Sweeps of encampments cause people to lose property and documents that they need to get out of homelessness as well as to lose contact with community and service providers. Further, weighing people down with fines and a criminal record will only make it harder for them to get into housing. Notably, this ruling will have a disproportionate impact on BIPOC individuals and communities. According to the point in time count , 70% of those experiencing homelessness in Oakland are black, and thus the racial impact of this decision will be disparate and devastating. To be clear: Criminalizing an unhoused individual for existing does nothing to address any of the root causes of homelessness; instead, it only traumatizes and harms an already marginalized and vulnerable population while creating even more barriers for them to obtain stability. A carte blanche on sweeps may temporarily clear encampments, but will ultimately only increase homelessness and all of the concerns this ruling purports to address.

Housing is a human right.