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Homelessness is one of the most pressing issues facing the country, and without drastic action things are only going to get worse. Our latest blog, "A chance to end homelessness - Glass Door’s Election Asks", spotlights: 💡 How rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg 💡 The work that Glass Door delivers to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness 💡 Our top three asks of the next government, underpinned by data and insights from our front-line services Head to our website to give it a read: https://lnkd.in/ecT2CbFx

Making sure daily systems work supports long-term strategic goals can be tricky. Our expert systems evaluators provide a comprehensive analysis of your homelessness response system with insights to guide your immediate and long-term initiatives. Learn more about our Homelessness Response Systems Planning services: https://lnkd.in/gxfAmiMe

As the Scottish Government explores the introduction of new prevention duties to address homelessness, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. These proposals, while promising, invite us to proceed with caution and thorough consideration. Implementing such duties will require robust planning, resources, and a deep understanding of the varied causes of homelessness. It's essential that we engage in open dialogue, ensure stakeholder involvement, and critically assess the potential impacts on our communities. As we move forward, let's commit to thoughtful analysis and collaboration, ensuring any new measures not only promise but deliver real change. #HomelessnessPrevention #ScottishPolicy #CommunityEngagement ---

Q: What does Focus Strategies do? A: We help communities reduce homelessness as quickly and equitably as possible. With the power of data, our team helps you understand what’s working, what can be improved, and how to refine impactful homelessness response systems. https://lnkd.in/gxfAmiMe

The clinical and financial cost of homelessness is high. We partnered with a managed care organization to identify potential cost reductions and build a homelessness program that helps high-risk members find housing and receive essential care, resulting in a first-year return of $2.4 million. Learn more about how we’re making a difference: https://bit.ly/3UjbiRS

I'm currently serving as the Fractional COO to Focus Strategies, an impressive company both in what it does and what it stands for. One of the things they do is combine expertise in homelessness response with data analytics to model out solutions for communities across the country. I love this application of data analytics to making an impact for communities and, ultimately, individuals who need help. #makeadifference #dataanalytics

In this session, we will hear from OMSSA Members on how to improve homelessness policies at both the micro and macro levels. This includes presentations on: Addressing Shelter-Based Violence Through Adaptations to Service Delivery, Program Policies, and Data Use, Evidence-Based Policy Moves to Shift from Addressing Homelessness to Ending Homelessness, and Using Data to Drive Continuous System Improvement to Advance Reductions in Homelessness. Learn more: https://ow.ly/gsOY50Rji9r

Criminalizing homelessness fails to address its root causes, such as the lack of affordable housing and access to services. Instead, it penalizes individuals who have no alternative but to sleep on the streets. Fining people who can't afford housing only exacerbates their situation, leading to incarceration and further instability. In Grants Pass, with over 600 homeless individuals and only 130 shelter beds, the problem persists. Shelters, like the Gospel Misson in Grants Pass, can pose risks to mental health, promoting religious conversion and unpaid labor. Often there is an adversarial relationship between staff and the clients leaving many with no safe place for shelter. Shelters can pose physical health risks like requiring complete sobriety despite the dangers of a sudden detox for long term substance users. Working at a shelter during the pandemic I saw first hand how quickly illness spreads in such a close environment. Shelters are often unable to accommodate families with more than a few kids making it even more difficult to find resources for a family struggling together. As a dog owner having to say good bye to a pet I love so dearly just isn’t an option. Yet we expect those experiencing homelessness to just give up their pets for a temporary shelter bed that may not be available the next night. Forget the emotional and mental support that pet might bring to them. This law, and others like it, seeks to criminalize an individual experiencing homelessness for their existence. It further ostracizes them from society. This law is cruel. It is an unusual punishment applied exclusively to those experiencing homelessness. Rather than criminalizing individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, communities should prioritize creating effective programs and policies. The "Housing First" model remains the most effective approach. Expecting someone to improve their mental health, overcome addiction, or address financial struggles while sleeping outside is unrealistic. Stable shelter is a fundamental human necessity. Growing up in poverty I saw first hand how a discriminatory legal system can cause harm; a reality that was reinforced working as a social worker. I hope to continue to advocate for an individuals legal rights regardless of their socioeconomic status. It should not be a crime to sleep in public while homeless. Especially when communities have consistently failed to provide other safe and affordable alternatives.

Fact: Sustainable progress in reducing homelessness is rooted in housing solutions. 💯 At Focus Strategies, we work with communities to strategize actionable steps that can be taken towards making sustainable change. Work with us to address issues of homelessness in your community: https://lnkd.in/gxfAmiMe

This week’s City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson hearing marked the beginning of Supreme Court case proceedings with life-changing consequences for those we serve—by potentially allowing for unhoused people to be fined or arrested for sleeping outside. We must stand firm in our commitment to protecting our vulnerable unhoused neighbors. Research shows that the solution to the homelessness crisis is creating more affordable housing, not criminalizing homelessness. As we wait for an official ruling to be issued, be sure to read National Alliance to End Homelessness’ brief comparing criminalization as an approach to the homeless crisis with increased investment in homelessness services. Spoiler alert: strengthening homelessness services is the best path towards reaching functional zero on homelessness.