Ruth roofless’ Post

Housing is healthcare!

We encourage you to attend today’s County Council’s Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee at 5 PM at the Committee Meeting Room located at 301 University Ridge. You can also watch over the livestream from the agenda: https://lnkd.in/e2MS8D4a. Our partners LiveWell Greenville, Unity Health on Main, Greenville County Schools, and Loaves & Fishes Greenville are presenting. Thank you to Greenville County Council Chairman Dr. Ennis Fant, Sr. for your leadership of this committee. As a collective voice for people experiencing homelessness and those working to eliminate homelessness, we are fiercely committed to addressing policies and system-level change that align with our mission. Our vision is that our community will work together in Greenville County, ensuring safe, affordable housing for all with access to everything needed for a healthy and fulfilling life. As noted by Matthew Desmond, author of “Evicted” and “Poverty by America” when housing that is safe, and affordable is not accessible the rent eats first. He says, “By and large, the poor do not want a small life. They don’t want to game the system or eke out an existence; they want to thrive and contribute. Our cities have become unaffordable to our poorest families, and this problem is leaving a deep and jagged scar on our next generation.” #gvlhomes4all #greenvillesc #collectiveimpact #housingishealthcare #foodsecurity

Did you catch KUT's recent article? It sheds light on the invisible crisis of youth homelessness in Austin, referencing vital data shared by LifeWorks. We are committed to finding informed solutions to this pressing issue, especially as rising rent prices and exiting the fostercare system contribute to the challenges many young people face. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gKPz4c-s

We build all kinds of homes. This is one is our smallest, it’s an independent living home for a young adult. It’s part of the Department for Education and Bristol Council’s innovative Staying Close project, that provides supported living housing for young residential care leavers. Co-designed with a cohort of young care leavers, Staying Close is developing pathways to living independently and a choice of supported accommodation options, including on-site, nearby, self-contained or shared for as long as is needed. Why is this needed? There are 2,300 children’s homes in the UK. Each year, over 8,000 children turn 18 & have to leave the homes they have grown up in. Many can become at risk of homelessness & abuse. The Staying Close project helps young adults transition from supported to independent living. You can read a full report here: https://lnkd.in/eUAyx7Ks Rosie Mai Iredale #careleavers #supportedliving #stayingclose

Unity Health Care stands with our unhoused neighbors in the wake of the Supreme Court's June 28 decision. This ruling, which permits the arrest and fining of individuals without homes for sleeping in public spaces, highlights the critical need for compassionate, comprehensive solutions to homelessness. At Unity, our mission has always been to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to all, especially those most vulnerable. We began as the Health Care for the Homeless Project nearly 40 years ago, and today, we continue to serve those experiencing homelessness through our shelters, mobile van, and medical respite sites. Criminalizing homelessness does not solve the issue. It exacerbates barriers to healthcare, housing, and safety. Unity joined the amicus curiae brief arguing against punitive measures and advocating for investments in supportive services. We believe in addressing homelessness with empathy and practical support, not with fines and jail time. Let's continue work together to ensure everyone has access to safe, dignified spaces and essential health services. #UnityHealthCare #EndHomelessness #HealthcareForAll #StandWithTheUnhoused #HealthEquity #CommunityCare #SupportNotPunishment

In a decision that is a major setback for people experiencing homelessness, today #SCOTUS has ruled 6-3 that a small Oregon town can arrest and ticket unhoused people for sleeping in public spaces, even when there are no adequate shelters options available. This ruling unfairly punishes unhoused people, including the millions of youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness. This decision will have a wide-reaching and profound impact on some of the most vulnerable populations in our communities. And we believe it to be a fundamental attack on the dignity and rights of those most in need. Make your voice heard! Use this moment to contact your elected official and let’s work to ensure everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s  advocacy toolkit  includes resources that will be helpful to advocates, such as talking points and information on needed long-term solutions, including federal legislation. https://lnkd.in/gpq7RW58 #JohnsonVGrantPass #EndYouthHomelessness

Great feature on Staying Put and the impact on young people leaving care from the Big Issue, showing the human experience behind the data. We evaluated that Staying Put significantly lowers the risk of homelessness for care leavers. With just a 13% increase in take up in local authorities across the country over 300 young people could be prevented from experiencing homelessness per year. Explore our evaluation and data for Staying Put here: https://lnkd.in/ewY5iZeg Read the Big Issue feature here: https://lnkd.in/e-JyUAnC

🚶♀️🚶♂️ On this Walk to Work Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey many face without stable housing and reliable transportation. For individuals experiencing homelessness, every step isn't just a walk; it's a quest for survival, a search for stability, and a path toward hope. As we lace up our shoes and hit the streets, let's remember those who walk miles each day in search of shelter, support, and a brighter tomorrow. Let's raise awareness about the transportation barriers that often exacerbate the challenges faced by the homeless community, from accessing essential services to securing employment opportunities. Today, let's walk not just for ourselves but also for those whose journeys are marked by uncertainty and adversity. Together, let's advocate for inclusive transportation policies, affordable housing solutions, and compassionate support systems that uplift and empower every individual to walk their path with dignity and purpose. #WalktoWorkDay #HomelessnessAwareness #TransportationJustice #BuildingBelonging 🌟👟

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

Today is #211Day, and we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible impact of 2-1-1 services in our communities. At HomeAid, we understand the vital role that 2-1-1 plays in connecting individuals and families facing homelessness with the resources they need to get back on their feet. While 9-1-1 is widely known, not everyone is familiar with 2-1-1, the vital service for non-emergency life challenges. Whether it's job loss, illness, or other unforeseen events, 2-1-1 offers support when you're unsure where to turn. From providing information on emergency shelters and housing assistance to connecting individuals with health and human services, 2-1-1 is a lifesaving resource for those in need. Click the link below to learn about eight things you didn’t know about 211 - a critical resource in your community. Let's continue to raise awareness and support this essential service. Click here to read: https://bit.ly/3UvHen9 #211Day #HomeAid #EndHomelessness #HomelessnessAwareness