The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory’s Post

🌍 Meeting People Where They Are 🏠🚶♂️ In social work, one of the most fundamental principles is meeting people where they are—both physically and emotionally. We can’t expect everyone to come to us for help or expect they have the physical or emotional resources to; often, the greatest impact happens when we step into their world. Whether it’s street outreach, home visits, or community-based services, meeting people in their own environment fosters trust, reduces barriers, and ensures that support is truly accessible. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about dignity, empowerment, and understanding the full picture of someone’s challenges. Every day, our team goes beyond office walls to connect with those in need—on sidewalks, in shelters, in hospitals, and in homes. This commitment to meeting people where they are is what drives meaningful change and lasting relationships. #SocialWork #CommunityEngagement #MeetingPeopleWhereTheyAre #Empowerment #SocialImpact

We continue to be inspired by the truly impactful work done by MaineHousing. Yesterday Erik Jorgensen announced a $2.5 million grant to Kaydenz Kitchen through the emergency housing permanent solutions grant program. Schemengees, one of the sites of last year's tragic Lewiston shooting, has been transformed into a warming center. The center will be operated by Kaydenz Kitchen - providing meals, clothing and connections to support services for those most in need. "Today is triumph over tragedy," said Kevin Boilard, founder of the nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen. We couldn't agree more. https://bit.ly/3OloySQ

Mike Allen, head of policy at Focus Ireland at Housing First Europe Hub conference: For every new Housing First tenancy we have opened 5 additional beds in shelter in Ireland. We probably have one of the most performant Housing First policy in Europe, but we also have one of the most dysfunctional homeless shelter systems. How to deal with this paradox and keep pushing Housing First as an important part of the solution to homelessness is one of the key questions we must answer. I don't know the answer, but I know Ireland is not alone facing this reality. A European dynamic on Housing First might help...

Q Shelter has responded to the recent decision made by City of Moreton Bay council regarding people living in public spaces. In the statement, Q Shelter Acting CEO Jackson Hills said "We would hope that City of Moreton Bay has exhausted all options in working with the community services sector and housing and homelessness networks to assist with housing support challenges for people sleeping in public spaces, particularly for those with companion animals before punitive measures are being applied. "This latest development just highlights the severity of the deepening crisis we face not just now, but in the years to come, and we must work together to solve this community challenge.” You can read our statement in full on the Q Shelter website: https://bit.ly/3P3fJgF

Are we there yet?…… Nope! Tony Cook and I are on a road trip this week heading through Central and North Queensland, connecting with real estate offices. We stopped in for a pic with Matilda at the Traveston Service Centre. Matilda is the same age as our organisation, both born in 1982. 42 years later and Matilda is just a memory from the past, some people may not even know the significance to Queensland. 42 years later and I don’t think I could find anyone who wouldn’t understand the significance of homelessness in Queensland right now. What will homelessness look like in Queensland in 2032 when the Olympic Games mascot is put out to pasture? Now is the time to make sure that we get it right. A huge part of the solution involves going upstream and turning off the tap. Not only will this keep people out of the system, it will also help take the pressure of a homelessness service system that is already at capacity, and allow us to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. This is why we are passionate about prevention and very early intervention strategies like our Tenancy Skills Institute.

No One Turned Away - it’s a philosophy we try to live by. 💚 Unfortunately, as a sobering new report from Homelessness Australia revealed, during a two-week period in September… 🚪39% of services surveyed had to close their doors to people seeking help at least once ☎️ 83% were so busy they couldn’t answer the phone, leaving people in crisis without immediate assistance 📧 74% were so busy they couldn’t answer emails, impacting housing referrals and support requests We’ve felt this pressure, especially when we’re fielding 400-500 calls a week. And we know our partners are too. That’s why we’ve joined the No One Turned Away campaign, which calls for increased investment in homelessness services, preventative measures and an expansion of Housing First programs, so that we can keep providing people with the help they need, when they need it. Read the report -> https://lnkd.in/gueC5Rer And join the campaign -> https://lnkd.in/gqa9MmBN #endhomelessness

We join The Way Home Campaign in urging the National Park Service and the Bowser administration to halt the planned eviction of five encampment sites in Foggy Bottom, which would displace up to 70 people. We know that evictions only traumatize and harm our neighbors and make it harder to end homelessness. Instead of focusing on displacement, the Bowser administration must focus its energy and resources to implement and fund more resources to actually end homelessness. Join us in urging policymakers to halt this evictions today: https://bit.ly/3y6MQuG

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass ruling, a decision which effectively criminalizes homelessness, the McGregor Fund stands with leaders and advocates in the fight ahead for our unhoused friends and neighbors.   The City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson decision allows jurisdictions to fine and arrest individuals sleeping in public, even when no designated shelter is available. This decision will place already marginalized populations at greater risk, disproportionately impacting persons of color and exacerbating existing barriers to acquiring permanent housing and other critical supports.   Learn more about the Grants Pass decision and its consequences from our partners:   Funders Together to End Homelessness: https://lnkd.in/ePZa4Y2S   National Alliance to End Homelessness: https://lnkd.in/epXphUWK   CSH, the Source for Housing Solutions: https://lnkd.in/eEGQR2aK   Housing Narrative Lab: https://lnkd.in/emq4E5rg

According to the new RTB data published today, there were 4,810 eviction notices served in the first quarter of 2024, this is following a record 19,011 evictions in 2023. These latest figures are extremely concerning! The loss of properties, coupled with a chronic shortage of social and affordable housing, leaves those on low incomes with extremely limited housing options and further limits the exit options for the 13,841 men, women and children who are living in emergency accommodation across the country. In order to protect households faced with eviction notices from homelessness, Simon Communities of Ireland continues to call on the government to implement the Simon Homeless Prevention Bill. This could protect households who are not suitable for the tenant in situ scheme, resulting in less households entering homelessness from the private rental sector. The Data Publication is available on the RTB website: https://lnkd.in/eDtCUn99

Temperatures are plummeting across the UK this week, dropping as low as -3°C in some areas. For those facing homelessness, the cold weather can be life-threatening. A small act of kindness or a quick report to the right organisation could save a life this winter. Here are some of the ways you can make a difference: - Alert StreetLink If you see someone sleeping rough, use the StreetLink App to connect them with local services that can provide shelter and support. - Show small acts of kindness A friendly conversation, a warm coat, a pair of gloves, or even a hot drink can mean a lot to someone sleeping rough. - Check with your local council Many councils activate Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) during freezing conditions to provide emergency shelter. Contact your council to see if SWEP is activated or find out what other services are available for people to access. Find out more ways on how you can help someone experiencing homelessness this winter in our blog: https://lnkd.in/ecqNKCPu