Rev. Mike Denton’s Post

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

The solutions to ending homelessness? Low-barrier shelter, affordable housing and services at every level… but how do we achieve this? Check out this article from the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) for information that leaders use to make informed and strategic decisions on homelessness. https://www.rfr.bz/llnqnb3

⚖ The Supreme Court is about to rule in the case of the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, the first major case on homelessness to be heard by the Supreme Court since the 1980s. The case will determine the constitutionality of ticketing, fining, or arresting people for sleeping outdoors on public property, even if leaders have failed to produce enough affordable housing or shelter for everyone in the community who needs it. But let’s be real: even a favorable ruling will not bring us any closer to ending homelessness in this country. It will, however, make clear the responsibility of elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels to produce sufficient permanent housing solutions and shelter accommodations for every person in their communities who needs them. For that, we need significant investments in evidence-based solutions to homelessness – like low barrier shelter; affordable housing; and services at the federal, state, and local levels. Before a decision comes out, read the latest from my colleague Marcy Thompson for the National Alliance to End Homelessness. #endhomelessness #housingfirst #scotus https://lnkd.in/ew6-VvnX

I tend to think its hard to assign fault in such a complicated network of actors where local, regional, state, national and global forces collide to create a dire housing crisis and associated problems like rapidly rising rates of homelessness and displacement among older adults. I also think the blame game is less than productive. What is important is that we as a community in the County of Marin face such complicated problems by raising our hands and saying 'yes, we'll find a way' rather than engaging complexity as a reason not to take practical steps in the right direction. Prevention is the only path to stemming inflow into the homelessness response system and thus bringing a true end to homelessness. #prevention #agingequity #shallowsubsidies https://lnkd.in/gP3hwCHE

🎥 Hey LinkedIn community, today I want to shed light on a pressing issue that goes beyond punishment – homelessness. As Jesse Rabinowitz from the National Homelessness Law Center rightly puts it, "Homelessness is growing not because cities lack ways to punish people for being poor, but because a growing number of hard-working Americans are struggling to pay rent and make ends meet." I delve into a crucial case, Johnson v. Grants Pass, which questions the legality of punishing homeless individuals for sleeping outside when adequate shelter space is insufficient. Contrary to the belief that arresting or ticketing is a solution, Jesse emphasizes that addressing homelessness requires evidence-based approaches, like housing for all. Let's pause and reflect: How can humanity consider punishing someone life has already dealt a difficult hand to? In our pursuit of solutions, we must not forget the systemic causes of homelessness. People don't choose the streets; circumstances force them there. Join me in this exploration of compassion and understanding. Let's challenge preconceptions, advocate for humane solutions, and work towards a society where everyone has a chance for shelter and a better life. 💙🏠 #EndHomelessness #HumanityOverPunishment #CommunityCare #invisiblesnomore

“While homelessness response systems continued to house more and more people each year, the increasing cost of housing, limited access to healthcare, and wages and income benefits that failed to keep up kept driving more and more people into homelessness each year.” In their recent blog, National Alliance to End Homelessness talks about why we’re still seeing increasing homelessness, even when our systems are becoming more efficient: https://lnkd.in/eK9jsS76

This shows what can be done.

Last week, three major Supreme Court rulings were made that will DEFINITELY impact you: 🏘 Through its Grant's Pass decision, justices said that anyone can be punished for sleeping outside. Regardless of if shelters are full or if housing is too expensive in your neighborhood. Or worse, if they just want to kick you out of a public place for existing. 🤑 In the Snyder decision, justices deemed that bribes were not against the law. Political corruption will be harder to penalize. Or worse, industry interests and those with money can now reward politicians for policy that favors them. 🏛 With the Chevron decision, the Court removed the power that federal agencies have over their own regulations. This means important cross-cutting issues like public health, the environment, and workplace safety should receive outside judgement. Or worse, private interests will continue to dominate what should be public decisions. These decisions are appalling, anti-people and anti-common sense. They will result in worse health and more homelessness. They will make Climate Change worse. They will make any of the work that you're doing in the broad social good space, harder. FwdSlash is going to keep fighting for solutions that are grounded in compassion for everyone. Personally, now that these rulings are made, I think we should start by *bribing some politicians* to set rent limits, implement eviction moratoria, and increase access to behavioral health and primary care services. Regardless, we'll work towards addressing the needs of the historically oppressed, displaced or marginalized, not making their lives harder. Read more about our commitment in our latest blog post.

In spring 2023, the federal government awarded 32 communities across the country with additional resources to address unsheltered homelessness. Some of the challenges faced by these communities that they strive to tackle with these additional resources include a severe lack of affordable housing or housing assistance programs to meet the need, homelessness response systems being stretched thin, people who are unsheltered needing clear pathways to access homeless services, and policy and politics getting in the way of solutions that work. Read the full piece and access the National Allliance to End Homelessness Research Institute’s analysis at https://lnkd.in/ganTqBw5

2024 NSW Street Count Results Highlight Growing Homelessness Crisis: 26% increase compared to 2023. On 13 February, Hume Housing participated in the annual statewide homelessness street count, coordinated by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The purpose of this initiative is to count the number of people sleeping rough across New South Wales. The 2024 NSW street count, which took place between 1 February and 1 March, covered over 400 towns and suburbs in 76 local government areas (LGAs) across the state. A total of 2,037 people were counted sleeping rough, a 26% increase compared to 2023. Over 300 local organisations were involved in planning or delivering street counts, including Community Housing Providers, local councils, Specialist Homelessness Services, Aboriginal organisations, Local Health Districts, community groups, and Police. The results of the annual street count help to better understand, address, and mitigate homelessness in our communities. They also help assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas where additional efforts may be needed. Thank you to all the partners for their dedication and commitment in providing crucial support to those experiencing homelessness. Read more about the 2024 NSW Statewide Street Count results in the technical paper below: https://lnkd.in/gvcr5crc #Homelessnessnsw #HousingCrisis #enoughisenough #CommunityHousing #SocialHousing