Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ Post

Several programs across the United States have successfully created housing solutions that significantly reduce homelessness. One notable approach is the "Housing First" model, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to individuals without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. This model, implemented in cities like Salt Lake City and Houston, has led to substantial decreases in chronic homelessness. In Salt Lake City, the initiative reduced chronic homelessness by more than 90% between 2005 and 2015. Similarly, Houston has seen a nearly 63% reduction in overall homelessness since 2011, thanks to its collaborative efforts with various agencies to provide immediate housing and supportive services. Another successful program is in Finland, where the "Housing First" approach has been adopted nationwide, leading to a steady decrease in homelessness over the past decade. Finland is now the only European country where homelessness is declining, largely due to this comprehensive and well-funded initiative. These programs demonstrate that when housing is treated as a basic human right, combined with supportive services tailored to individual needs, it can lead to dramatic reductions in homelessness.

This is outstanding, and an excellent reminder that what we have is a *housing system*. And that it is in crisis in many points. Some specific solutions are needed for individual parts of the system (GST/HST waiver for homes built by organizations like Habitat for Humanity as one example), but sustainable and impactful changes will have to either improve the system overall, or improve how it's constituent parts work together. Collaboration is how we are going to figure out those fixes and get them done.

Homelessness is at a record high. We lead several projects focusing on alleviating rough sleeping in London, including: 🏡 Refugee Lodgings. We match Resident Landlords with newly granted refugees facing homelessness for 6 months, giving the Refugee Lodger time and stability to adjust to the rental market in London while also providing the Resident Landlord with rental income, helping with the cost of living. ❗ Emergency Accommodation. Our team work alongside a network of shelters and emergency accommodation providers to provide best practise, partnerships and sustainability. 🧡 Hosting. We match people seeking asylum who are destitute and have no option for safe accommodation and no right to work with local volunteer households who welcome people into their home for a temporary stay. This period of stability and safety gives our team time to establish pathways out of destitution. We urgently need donations to help us fund our projects over winter, when homelessness is even more challenging for those affected. #Housing #HousingCrisis #HousingSolutions #RefugeesWelcome #Homeless #HousingJustice

Shelter systems are currently overwhelmed by asylum seekers across the country. The federal government must develop a program that ensures those seeking safety in Canada are not placed in municipal homeless shelter systems. Canada must build reception centres at key border crossings and airports that connect newcomers to housing and stop the airport-to-shelter pipeline that new asylum seekers currently experience. Let's Build a Better Housing Budget 🏠 Take action: https://loom.ly/HmUfZsY

🌍 World Homelessness Day serves as a crucial reminder that access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right. In Canada, housing insecurity affects countless individuals, but for newcomers, particularly refugees, the challenges are even more profound. As they rebuild their lives in a new country, navigating unfamiliar systems while seeking shelter is an overwhelming task. This is why it's essential for settlement organizations, housing providers, and the community to collaborate on sustainable solutions. Together, we can create pathways to secure, affordable housing for all. Let’s continue to collaborate and advocate for solutions that ensure no one—especially those seeking refuge—sleeps without a roof over their head. #WorldHomelessnessDay #RefugeesWelcome #AffordableHousing #HousingSolutions

I am deeply disturbed by the recent far-right riots and attacks on hotels housing refugees. These acts of violence and hatred are not only reprehensible but also undermine the very fabric of our society. These hotels, which have become targets of racist aggression, are not just shelters for refugees seeking safety and a new beginning. They are also vital resources for individuals and families in temporary accommodation, who rely on these spaces as they navigate through challenging times. The same walls that provide refuge for asylum seekers also offer a temporary haven for those experiencing homelessness and housing instability. We must remember that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves dignity, respect, and a safe place to call home. The recent events in Rotherham, Tamworth, Liverpool, and other cities across the UK are a stark reminder of the work we still need to do to combat racism and xenophobia in our communities. I urge the housing and homelessness sector to stand together against this wave of hatred. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and support for all individuals in need. By working together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe and valued. #StandAgainstHate #Unity #Compassion #HousingForAll #EndRacism

Our second short film highlighting different types of homelessness focuses on an issue that has been one of the most politicised and contentious in recent years. Homeless is complex and multifaceted, and sadly those facing homelessness are often dehumanised or stigmatised. We've all seen the headlines demanding we 'stop the boats.' It is without doubt utterly tragic that so many people are making or attempting life-threatening journeys to seek a better life and escape poverty or violence, with many losing their lives along the way. Core to our work at Green Pastures is our belief, rooted in the teaching throughout The Scriptures, to love our neighbours - and to demonstrate care and compassion for the poor, destitute and distressed. Despite sensational headlines suggesting otherwise, life is pretty awful for those 100,000+ people in the asylum system. Support rates are around 50% below the UK poverty line. Perhaps the most desperate are Destitute Asylum Seekers, who become trapped unable to work, without access to public funds, and unable to return to their home country. Such people can be left destitute for years but they would rather face this and feel safe than return to the place from which they fled. Others are left destitute between refusal and appeal. We have Partners who work with asylum seekers and refugees: Would you please join us in praying today for those in this situation - especially for people who are fleeing unimaginable fear and conflict.

The issue of resource allocation by the government, particularly regarding aid to foreigners versus the welfare of long-time citizens, is a complex and often contentious topic. Here are some key points to consider: ### Government Aid to Foreigners 1. **Humanitarian Assistance**: - Governments often provide aid to foreigners as part of humanitarian efforts, such as assisting refugees fleeing war or persecution. This is in line with international agreements and human rights commitments. - The United States, for example, provides significant aid through organizations like the UNHCR to support global refugee crises. 2. **Foreign Aid and Diplomacy**: - Foreign aid can also be a tool of diplomacy, helping to stabilize regions, promote development, and foster good relations with other countries. This can have long-term benefits for national security and economic interests. ### Domestic Issues: Homelessness and Poverty 1. **Homelessness in the U.S.**: - Homelessness is a major issue in the U.S., with factors including a lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and economic disparities. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over half a million people experience homelessness on any given night. 2. **Government Programs**: - The U.S. government has numerous programs aimed at addressing homelessness and poverty, such as HUD’s Continuum of Care program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and various housing assistance programs. - Despite these efforts, many argue that these programs are underfunded or inadequately implemented, leading to continued struggles for vulnerable populations. ### Balancing Priorities 1. **Budget Constraints**: - Governments have limited resources and must balance a wide array of priorities, including national defense, infrastructure, education, and social services. The allocation of funds can be a politically driven process, influenced by various interest groups and policy objectives. 2. **Public Opinion and Policy**: - Public opinion often plays a role in shaping policy. Advocacy groups and citizens can influence government priorities by raising awareness and pushing for changes in how resources are allocated. ### Criticisms and Reforms 1. **Criticism of Aid Distribution**: - Critics argue that the government should prioritize the needs of its own citizens, particularly those in dire situations like homelessness. They believe that mismanagement and inefficient use of funds exacerbate these domestic issues. 2. **Calls for Reform**: - There are ongoing calls for reforms to increase the effectiveness of social welfare programs, improve mental health services, and create more affordable housing to better address the needs of homeless and low-income citizens. ### Conclusion The debate over government spending on foreign aid versus domestic welfare is ongoing and multifaceted. It involves ethical

More shocking homelessness figures released by the Department of Housing today. There are now more than 14,000 people in emergency accommodation in Ireland and 73% of them are in Dublin. Just over 9,800 adults and 4,200 children across the country without a place to call home. Unprecedented numbers that don't include figures for people sleeping rough, those in domestic violence shelters, refugees and asylum seekers.

🛑 Ukrainian Refugees at Risk of Homelessness and Exploitation in the UK 🛑 According to a recent British Red Cross report, thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the UK face significant risks of homelessness and exploitation. Here are the key findings and recommendations: 📉 Key Findings: - Homelessness Risk: Over 9,000 out of 200,000 families in the UK have faced homelessness since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. - Exploitation Cases: Disturbing incidents, including sexual exploitation and sudden evictions, have been reported. - Accommodation Issues: Use of unsuitable ships in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and difficulties accessing private housing. 🔍 Notable Cases: - A Ukrainian woman applied to all 65 housing associations in Glasgow before finding a place to live. - Refugees made homeless at short notice, with one woman forced to sleep on a beach. - Accommodation offered online for sexual exploitation, with locks and cameras in the bedroom. 🏠 Recommendations by the British Red Cross: - Improved Safeguarding: Better arrangements for accommodation schemes. - Access to Housing: Increased support for displaced people to access private rentals. - National Strategy: A comprehensive integration strategy for all displaced people. 💬 Quotes: - Sal Copley, British Red Cross: “Too many families have ended up sleeping rough or in unsafe places, affecting their mental health and wellbeing. We need to improve support for Ukrainians and learn from these schemes for the future.” - Government Spokesperson: “Homes for Ukraine provides a vital route for sanctuary. We will carefully consider this deeply concerning report and its findings.” Source: The Guardian #SupportRefugees #HousingCrisis #BritishRedCross #UkraineCrisis #Homelessness #RefugeeSupport #Safeguarding #IntegrationStrategy