The Passage’s Post

🚨 Homelessness Hidden in Plain Sight: Unpacking the Invisible Crisis 🚨 Homelessness isn't always what we think it is., it's not the person on the street corner but the unnoticed struggle of those around us. A close friend recently revealed that he had spent several months couch-surfing after losing his job, a reality he had hidden while maintaining his professional demeanor online. Here's what surprised me: Many homeless individuals hold jobs yet can't afford housing. Families with children are one of the fastest-growing homeless populations. Homelessness can often result from unexpected events like medical emergencies or family crises. We must shift our perspective and recognize that homelessness can affect anyone, even those we consider our peers or colleagues. 💡 How can we, as professionals, help make a difference? Let's start the conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, or initiatives you've seen work. Together, we can bring this hidden crisis into the light. 🌟 Call to Action If you want to make a difference, consider donating to SAGAesc.org or volunteering with our organizations that support those experiencing homelessness. Let's work together to uncover and address homelessness hid. #Homelessness #SharingOnWheels#InvisibleStruggles #SocialImpact #ProfessionalAwareness #HumanityFirst

While on a volunteer trip to West Baltimore with Chris, Jake starts up a conversation with a friendly and candid local named Don. 🗣 The two talked at length about the current status of the West Baltimore neighborhood and the volunteer efforts that were taking place that week. When asked how he felt about seeing all of the new faces that had descended on the neighborhood, he had this to say: #WestBaltimore #CommunityResilience #RestorativeJustice #SystemicInequity #VolunteerImpact #BelongingMatters #SocialChange #HousingEquity #BridgingDivides #NeighborhoodRevitalization #TransformativeExperiences #RelinquishedRedlining #EmpathyInAction #CollectiveHealing #AgencyAndOwnership #ProximitySparksChange #BreakingBarriers #RestoringDignity #ImaginingEquity #CompassionateAction

When you hear Homelessness, what do you think? Would you know if any of your staff were experiencing homelessness, or what to do to support them? What does Hidden Homelessness mean? I’ve been at The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Brighton for more than 9 months now and during that time I’ve had numerous conversations about what we do here. Whether it’s friends, family, donors, corporate supporters or even politicians, the first thing they tend to talk about is how many more people they are seeing sleeping in tents and doorways in the city. There’s no doubt that the number of rough sleepers has gone up, we’ve seen a nearly 200% increase here. The impact this has on people’s physical and mental health, their vulnerability to crime and exploitation, and loneliness and isolation cannot be overstated. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are far more people, many of them young, who are sofa surfing, living in cars or other vehicles, or in overcrowded or unsafe conditions. Their stories are less seen but no less urgent. On the 25th of September, in collaboration with PLATF9RM and Watch This Sp_ce, we’re going to be shedding light on the realities and often overlooked struggles around Hidden Homelessness. Raising awareness of this is the first step towards supporting people and creating change. It promises to be a challenging and important session, please join us! https://lnkd.in/e_b7xn94 We’re enormously grateful that all ticket sales and donations will be going to Clock Tower Sanctuary, helping us continue our vital work supporting all young people experiencing homelessness. #homelessness #brighton #hiddenhomelessness #

Beyond ensuring sturdy roofs, we believe in fortifying communities. Our commitment to Giving Back is woven into every roof. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact. Read more about our outreach initiatives. Embracing our philosophy, 'Protecting What Matters,' extends beyond roofing excellence. At Standard Roofing Company, Oklahoma, we're driven by a deep-rooted commitment to uplift our community. Whether it's contributing time, resources, or expertise, we're wholeheartedly dedicated to making a positive impact. From sponsoring local charity events to collaborating with organizations addressing homelessness, wellness, and community enrichment, our efforts are woven into the fabric of our company culture. At Standard, integrity doesn't just define our products; it defines our approach to building a stronger, more compassionate community. Join us in our mission to create meaningful change. . . . . . . . . . . #SettingTheStandard #CommunityImpact #RoofingWithHeart #GivingBackTogether #BuildingStrongerCommunities

😕 So i don't like cancelling events without good reason 👉 but cancelling an event about how to ensure people are supported away from the streets to ensure that St Mungo's Outreach team have time to support people away from the streets definitely counts as a good reason. so if you were due to attend our event in Westminster tomorrow hopefully you understand the short notice cancellation . ❄ You may have noticed its cold , it's cold on the way to work , it's cold at home if you don't have the heating on and for people sleeping on the streets it is a matter of life and death . 🤷♂️ so how can you help 👇 1. Make a referral to StreetLink ( ideally with the individual`s permission to do so) this helps link them in with local services who can support them into accommodation https://lnkd.in/epKzDkvc 2. In temperatures below zero . SWEP( severe weather emergency protocol) should be running , you can ask your local authority if it is in your area. 3. Have a conversation , ask them how they are and how you can help reduce the isolation that people experiencing homelessness feel . They are not a number or a statistic . They are people who often feel invisible. 4. Buy a hot drink , we all need something hot in this weather. 5. Consider donating . Organisations like ours need donations to continue the vital work we do https://lnkd.in/dx6Wwrj 6. Volunteer your time. We always need time, skills and experience of the community to help our clients rebuild their lives https://lnkd.in/gFsq5x3 7. Be an ally - research , understand more about homelessness and dispel myths . Hold the hope for individuals who are struggling. #homelessness #roughsleeping #SWEP #coldweather #volunteering #community #donate

Today, the Executive Club team dedicated their time to the Ace of Clubs homeless shelter, embodying the spirit of community and compassion. It's moments like these that remind us of the collective power we hold. Each helping hand, each shared meal, and every moment spent listening to those with lived experiences of homelessness, brings us closer to understanding and action. We believe that if more individuals and organisations took a moment to step into the world of volunteering, the impact on homelessness could be profound. It's not just about one day or one act of service; it's about fostering a continuous commitment to support the most vulnerable in our society. Our aim at the Executive Club goes beyond business success; it's about building a legacy of giving back, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond our immediate circle. Let's use our networks not just for growth, but for goodwill. We're proud of the work done today and inspired to keep this momentum going. Together, we can be the keystones of change in our community. #ExecutiveClubCares #CommunityService #SocialImpact #Volunteering #HomelessnessAwareness #GiveBack

I admire Catherine Furness for creating my community’s third place. When I moved into my current neighbourhood back in 2018, I threw myself into community building through our residents association. I took on a leadership role, organizing clean-ups, garden tours, summer parties, and community meetings. Fast forward to 2024, I am now a dad to an incredible toddler. Every day, he wants to go to the playground up the street to ride the slide and see his toddler buddies. Despite living here for years, it was only recently that I became curious about the park's name and its origins. I discovered that the park exists because Catherine Furness donated her home and land to the city of Halifax in perpetuity. She didn't leave it to family, sell it, or rent it out; she donated it to enhance the quality of life for her community for generations to come. What a hero. Because of this park, I know dozens of neighbors and their kids. We invite each other to barbecues and birthday parties. Our lives are insurmountably richer because of her generosity. A third place is a space outside of home or office where you see familiar faces repeatedly. This consistent familiarity breeds deeper bonds and relationships. As we build LAUFT, we think about the concept of the third space and what it means for people. How can we make people feel more welcome? How can we break down barriers? How do we help people connect? Catherine Furness is a huge inspiration to me and continues to influence my work in creating a new kind of third place for people with the freedom to work from anywhere. #MakeSmartWork #WorkFromAnywhere #DistributedWork #RemoteWork #HybridWork #RTO #Community #ThirdPlace

You can watch us on BBC News here. The Black community are most likely to experience statutory homelessness (no fixed address Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) stats). Looking back, being neurodivergent increased a lot of my access issues. Being unorganised, procrastinating, struggling to make that first call due to anxiety. People are surprised that you can come from a financially stable or middle-class home, have a family and still become homeless. It depends on your support network and family dynamics. It's the little things that make a difference. Signposting to grants, housing registers and someone understanding their rights is a big deal. I didn't even know what a housing register was. At Black Heritage Support Service we re-establish communication in families, we advise, advocate for clients, explain processes, design life action plans for clients and signpost if we can't help. We need more funding to continue our work. We will also help anyone of any background, you do not have to be Black or Caribbean. You can donate to BHSS here :) https://lnkd.in/eM-az_rx #community #homelessnessawareness #advocacymatters

Veteran Housing Corp reminds you that #HOMELESSNESS IS THE RESULT OF DECADES OF THE FAILURE TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL. THE HISTORY AND PRESENT STATE OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IN AMERICA CAN BE SUMMED UP IN ONE WORD: BROKEN DON'T BE FOOLED BY SLICK PROMOTIONAL POSTS THAT MAKE IT SEEM LIKE YOUR LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS ARE SOLVING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS. WHEN IT COMES TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THE PUBLIC AND TAXPAYERS MUST ASK: AT WHAT COST TO THE TAXPAYERS AND HOW LONG IS THE AFFORDABILITY PERIOD? EVERY TAXPAYER SHOULD BE ASKING THEIR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 1. How much local, state, and federal funding, tax credits, density bonus increase, waivers of impact fees, or other government benefit or incentive did the project receive? 2. What is the affordability period for each project and, if the affordability period is not in perpetuity or permanent, WHY NOT? 3. What guarantees exist that tenants in the affordable housing units will not be displaced after an "affordability period expires? Any LOCAL, STATE or FEDERAL official that does not MANDATE "permanent" affordability periods or affordability "IN PERPETUITY" for any project receiving some government benefit is commiting MALFEASANCE and should quit, be removed from office or be terminated. IN MOST CASES WHEN IT COMES TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, the public and taxpayer are being fooled into thinking their elected and appointed officials are solving problems, when in fact, all hey have done is "KICK THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD" to burden a future generation with the same problem or crisis!

Hope for Homes Day: Today We Combat Homelessness in Illinois Hope for Homes Day is here! Today, July 18th, 2024, professionals across Illinois have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our communities. This collaborative fundraising effort unites nonprofits throughout the state with one mission: to end homelessness. Your participation today exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing critical social issues. Why This Matters to Professionals: · Corporate Social Responsibility: Demonstrate your company's commitment to community welfare · Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals and organizations · Leadership: Be at the forefront of social change in Illinois How You Can Participate Right Now: 1. Visit https://bit.ly/3zLIDNS and donate now! 2. Share this initiative with your professional network Let's leverage our professional networks to create lasting change today. Regardless of size, your contribution can help provide safe, stable housing for those in need. Together, we can showcase Illinois as a state where business success and social responsibility go hand in hand. #ASafeHaven #HopeForHomes #CorporateSocialResponsibility #IllinoisGives #ProfessionalsForChange