Field Guide for Homeless Veterans’ Post

Yesterday's #JohnsonVGrantsPass case discussed various questions related to criminalizing homelessness. However, it should push us to reflect on the resources & investments needed to truly support those living without homes. Read my article just published in the Connecticut Mirror- https://lnkd.in/ePrWx2bg

There are many important issues facing Sacramento residents, but the #1 issue we often hear about is homelessness. Last night for the first time in my career, I co-moderated a debate. We asked the leading four candidates for Sacramento mayor how they would balance the budget while keeping or expanding homeless services. Watch the full debate here. #KCRA #PrimaryElection #Sacramento #MayoralCandidates https://lnkd.in/geXGrgn4

This shows what can be done.

The US Supreme Court has been very active lately. A new ruling allows US communities to ignore housing issues. Decades of bad US policy created extreme income inequality and horrendous housing. Meanwhile the rest of the westernized world spent decades building safety nets for families, seniors and those living with disabilities and mental health issues. Why can’t we figure this out? It’s embarrassing. “Criminal penalties such as fines, tickets, and arrests make homelessness worse, and cost communities a lot of money that should otherwise be spent on housing, supportive services, and street outreach. With record numbers of people entering into homelessness systems for the first time (more than 18,000 people per week in 2023, according to new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] System Performance Measure data) we must remind leaders that what solves homelessness is housing, together with supportive services needed to help people stabilize in housing. And these are investments that benefit the entire community, not just folks who are experiencing homelessness.” https://lnkd.in/gyqavitC

"This worsening tragedy is a societal failure that disturbs the conscience, particularly in light of the profound consequences that homelessness unleashes.... Stabilizing housing for older adults [through prevention efforts] is the best way to spare them the pain, suffering, humiliation, and indignity of becoming homeless." Please take a moment to read this important Marin County Grant Jury report on the need for the County of Marin to develop a homelessness prevention strategy for older adults in our community. "The 2023-2024 Marin County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) reviewed the County’s current homelessness programs and services and concluded that little or no attention is being paid to prevention. There are few services for older adults on the precipice of losing their housing. Despite several previous Grand Jury reports regarding the growing need to prioritize the housing needs of older adults, there remains a lack of urgency in establishing a systemic approach that would ensure a long-term commitment to implementing and maintaining practical solutions that prevent older adults from falling into homelessness. This report contains recommendations that the Board should implement immediately to prevent this crisis from worsening. The Grand Jury recommends the development of a strategic plan for homelessness prevention. In addition, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board complete a cost-benefit analysis that compares the cost of providing services to people after they become homeless, to the cost of proposed homelessness prevention solutions. The Grand Jury also recommends that the Community Development Agency (CDA) be designated as the lead agency to coordinate all efforts related to homelessness prevention for older adults." #prevention #agingequity

We remain resolute in our mission, to move families and individuals toward stable housing and independence while embracing the complexities of their human experience. In this pursuit, understanding homelessness is not just a step — it's a transformative journey toward collective healing and societal progress. Everyone wants to eradicate homelessness; let us all use our voices to ensure this is a reality in our state. https://lnkd.in/exZzmVCq

Criminalizing homelessness IS criminal. Homelessness is a symptom of failure in leadership. Housing is the foundation for stability, good health, education, and true equity. During this escalation of the housing crisis and cost of living, housing should be first priority. After all, when people have housing, job retention increases, it supports the local economy, and strengthens communities. #affordablehousing #housingcrisis

Recommended: "...our research supports the need for U.S. cities to engage in both short- and long-term policymaking targeted at the structural challenges associated with homelessness spanning, from reentry services to affordable housing, rather than crafting reactive homelessness policies rooted solely in perceptions, stereotypes, and fear." https://lnkd.in/grp_vCRz

Criminalization makes it harder for people to exit homelessness. Instead, we need to invest in proven and humane solutions. Learn about best practices in responding to unsheltered homelessness: https://lnkd.in/g4R7xPhD #JohnsonVGrantsPass