HUD User’s Post

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless recognizes the critical impact that the intersection of housing and other basic needs such as healthcare, employment, education, and transit has on the ability of people to exit homelessness, stay stably housed, and have a successful and meaningful life. Our latest issue brief discusses several issues that highlight the intersection of housing stability and transportation policies including transportation costs and access, transit-oriented development, and transit safety. https://lnkd.in/gfzDXSJE

Our Executive Director, Michele Conderino, had the wonderful opportunity to deliver a speech at the NAEH Conference in San Francisco, California this week. The conference was a great platform, where several insightful speakers shared their ideas and strategies to tackle homelessness. One of the most enlightening discussions held at the conference was on "5 things to solve homelessness", led by Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of California's Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. These five things provide a constructive and achievable roadmap to address homelessness: 1. Fostering the belief that solving homelessness is possible by listening to experts and investing in proven solutions. 2. Increasing the availability of affordable housing. 3. Recognizing housing justice as a critical component of racial justice. 4. Making simultaneous investments in Prevention, Interim Housing, and Permanent Housing to achieve positive outcomes. 5. Building political will and public courage to address homelessness. By implementing these 5 strategies, we can work towards a society where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. #NAEH2024

Local and state elected officials have a critical role to play in helping communities equitably and measurably end homelessness. 🏡 🌎 For example, mayors, county executives, and governors in Built for Zero have served as powerful accelerants in helping communities drive towards functional zero, by exercising their convening power, garnering resources to support population-level outcomes, and creating accountability for reductions. #HomelessnessIsSolvable Learn how your elected officials can take action: https://bit.ly/3vW4S2i

In our fight against homelessness we must consider systemic issues, like outdated criminal justice policies, inefficiencies within government agencies, the limitations of the housing first model, the scarcity of affordable housing, and the misallocation of government funds. All these areas are critical!!!!

"The solution is simple: we need the political will to make proven supportive housing models a funding priority. With adequate support from all levels of government, we can green-light construction on those buildings and with operating funding included, we can support more programs for people with complex needs." Homelessness is not inevitable! Read more about the Hamilton is Home coalition, and what is needed to actually end homelessness in our communities: https://loom.ly/h-nPK94

At tomorrow's election, whoever you decide to vote for, we ask that you keep these three priorities in mind👇 To end homelessness for good, we need... ✅To invest in services and schemes with clear evidence of lasting outcomes, that can be scaled up across the country. 📣Real leadership and accountability for the issue of homelessness, and a clear commitment made to work collaboratively from all relevant departments. 🏠A radical approach to social housing that lifts aspirations above party politics and seeks to work together to deliver a new social housing programme in our country. Here at The Passage we've already proven that, with the right solutions, we can truly prevent and end homelessness. Now, let's ask future leaders to do the same. #MakethistheConvo #GeneralElection2024 https://lnkd.in/euvRf8Wc

Policy change can help, yes... but not with a huge price tag. When we say "the government needs to do more," tax payers hear, "the government wants more of my money to give away to irresponsible people." This message creates tension between the policy makers, the organizations, tax payers, and those who need help, and nothing gets accomplished. Most of the outreach efforts for the homeless through the government organizations are through satellite offices. Workers are rude and indifferent to those they were hired to help. Assistance applications are done by computer, phone, or walk-ins. Applicants must remain in contact with the agencies, and provide proofs of every detail of their lives. An unhoused person doesn't have access to most of their necessary documentation, transportation, technology, etc... and gets turned away for services. My point is, these services are not reaching the right target population, and people don't like paying for them. A new strategy is needed. One that incorporates the private business sector.

Our Homelessness and Housing Instability youth topic section just got refreshed! Dive into the latest resources and up-to-date research, including new tips for engaging young people and information on eligibility for federal programs. Explore the updates on youth.gov: https://bit.ly/44FfuQ4

In 2024 rough sleeping and statutory homelessness are at all time highs. The cost of living crisis and the lack of affordable and appropriate housing are pushing more and more people onto the streets and making it harder for people to move on from rough sleeping. St Mungo’s facilitates research on issues relating to homelessness as well as policy briefings and we respond to government consultations and inquiries. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eM6YhqU5 #UKGovernment #Research #Policy