NOVA’s Post

As we approach a new year, let's make gratitude the cornerstone of our actions, ignite compassion in the hearts of every Arlington resident, and work tirelessly towards ending homelessness. Together, we can make 2024 a year of hope, progress, and lasting change. https://lnkd.in/eT4YBNyP

Named to signify the arc of new beginnings, our Arc program supports people leaving prison to reduce reoffending and homelessness. Learn more about this exciting, transformational program. https://lnkd.in/ggsv97hC

Why wait until AFTER someone is experiencing homelessness before providing intervention? Take 60 seconds to learn about the PROactive approach of our eviction prevention program. Help change a life today at https://lnkd.in/eVYNr3st

Evidence tells us that most people experiencing family violence will reach out to their family, friends or someone they work with first. That could be you. Ask. Listen. Believe. These 3 small actions can have a big impact. We all have a role in recognising and responding to family violence, where we live, work and play. So today, on ‘Are You Safe at Home? Day’, start the conversation. Start small, open up the conversation, listen and offer support. Fine out more: https://ow.ly/EcZo50Rz7MA Safe and Equal #AreYouSafeAtHome

If there’s one thing we know about Tulsans, it’s that we show up for each other. Homelessness is a community-wide issue and will require community-based solutions to solve it. The work that A Way Home for Tulsa partner agencies are doing is working to get Tulsans housed, but more of that work is needed, requiring more resources and community commitment to address this critical issue. Learn more about the impact of A Way Home for Tulsa’s work at https://lnkd.in/gBWXVmdY.

I’m reflecting on an important truth—homelessness is not the result of poor choices or personal failures. Rather, it’s a symptom of deeper systemic issues such as the affordability crisis in housing, under-resourced support systems, and the persistence of poverty. Those experiencing homelessness often face complex challenges, including mental health issues, substance dependence, and trauma.   It’s easy to think that simply providing shelter is enough, but real solutions lie in sustained long-term housing that is safe and warm, and which also comes with access to crucial support networks, employment opportunities, and healthcare. Housing is a fundamental human right, and I firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home—without preconditions.   I’m incredibly proud to lead Downtown Community Ministry, an organisation filled with passionate and dedicated people delivering life-changing services such as Housing First, Sustaining Tenancies, health services, and outreach. We couldn’t do this important work alone. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our supporting organisations and partners, including the Wellington City Council, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Te Aro Health Centre, Kainga Ora, Emerge Aotearoa and the New Zealand Dental Association. Together, we’re creating a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.   #WorldHomelessDay #HousingIsAHumanRight #CommunitySupport #HousingFirst #EndingHomelessnesstogether #DCMWellington

We all have a role in recognising and responding to family violence, wherever we live, work and play. If you're worried about someone you work with, it can be tough to know what to do, what to say or where to start. Learn more about family violence at this website: https://lnkd.in/gbTvG3jj. #AreYouSafeAtHome #domesticviolenceawareness

Join us for a special episode as we unravel the intricate layers of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that could impact our unsheltered neighbors. Our guest host, Brett Martin, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Kaw Valley, guides the conversation as La Manda, Barry, and Miriam discuss compassion and practicality in homelessness policies, aiming to provide clarity on this complex issue. We delve deep into the challenges local governments and other entities face in addressing homelessness, striving for balanced, humane solutions that consider the needs of all community members while adhering to legal and ethical standards. We highlight the transformative power of community collaboration and accurate information, emphasizing the need for open, respectful dialogue to counteract misinformation and fear-driven narratives. This episode showcases how hope, cooperation, and collective action can lead to meaningful change, offering a hopeful vision of what our communities can achieve when we work together. Don't miss this inspiring and informative discussion on building a compassionate response to homelessness. (https://bit.ly/OCOM_Ep230)

"Homelessness is not the result of poor choices or personal failures" It's a basic part of what's been called the 'social compact' between the State and citizens in Aotearoa that those of us who are struggling are supported, that those in need are provided for. The State applies a scarcity lens, profferring funding in certain areas only and only in accordance with party politics. As such it is rarely, if ever, available to meet demand, and as an intended or unintended consequence, creates competition amongst those seeking services and support. In the health system, wait times are symptomatic of scarcity funding. In housing the waitlist is symptomatic of scarcity funding. In re homelessness public housing supply targets (which is the key infrastructure response, but not the only one) never imagine meeting present demand let alone future demand. The compact is broken.

We have solutions! We have to brave enough to implement them and bold enough to invest in the things that may not have an immediate ROI. We have to fight poverty. We have to increase the quality of education and quality of life of Memphians. We have to intervene in the communities with highest concentration of crime and we need to have enforcement of our laws. This requires every Memphian to do their part. This requires every Memphian to make sacrifices and critical investments. This requires every Memphian to love others and put the community above their own self interests. This requires a city to be radical. We can do it. We must do it or we will not survive. When we find our own well-being in the well-being of our city, we will understand what it means to truly thrive.