Services for the UnderServed’s Post

According to recent estimates, the number of homeless people in Houston was approximately 3,300 in 2023, with a significant percentage from the Black community. Despite this figure seeming small, it becomes alarming when considering the number of people accessing homeless services in 2021, which exceeded 21,000 in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. Notably, the rates of first-time homelessness are increasing, reflecting a profound socio-economic issue. Organizations such as Bread of Life, Inc., Coalition for the Homeless, A Caring Safe Place, and Hearts of Rescue, are making significant strides in addressing homelessness, providing assistance, and creating opportunities. The initiatives range from serving meals, aiding in healthcare access, providing housing, and running a transitional living facility, among other services. Yet, the gravity of this issue begs the question - are we doing enough to prevent homelessness? Read the full story by Aswad Walker from Word In Black at dallasweekly.com #Iamdw #blackpress #houstonhomelessness #communitysupport #homelessaid #fightingpoverty #helpingtheunhoused @wordinblacknews @chanzuckerberginitiative

“The overrepresentation of Black Californians’ experiencing homelessness is deep seated. It arises from centuries of anti-Black racism, embedded in policies and practices. Ending homelessness among Black Californians will require a dramatic increase in affordable housing, economic support to help them afford this housing, and dedicated efforts to navigate a challenging housing market and to enforce anti-discrimination laws.” - Kara Young Ponder, Director of Community Engagement and Racial Justice, Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative at UCSF focused on Black Californians’ experiences of homelessness. 'Toward Equity: Understanding Black Californians’ Experiences of Homelessness' is a new report from the Benioff Initiative exploring Black Californians’ experiences of homelessness - and how we can lift up evidence-based solutions for preventing and ending homelessness for Black Californians. Learn more, and check out the full report here! https://lnkd.in/gMZETkrk #housing #homelessness #california

In our December DEI discussion group, Impact America staff and AmeriCorps members explored the complex relationship between poverty and homelessness. Led by Courtney Riles from OneRoof, we learned about the effects of economic and policy shifts since the 1970s on housing and social services. Courtney also explained various definitions of homelessness, shedding light on the diverse demographics affected by this issue. The session reviewed the many factors that can cause individuals and families to fall below the poverty line and into homelessness, including lack of affordable housing, low income, and insufficient resources. We also learned more about One Roof—the coordinating agency for the homeless Continuum of Care of Central Alabama—and their mission to equip and empower our community to prevent and end homelessness through advocacy, education, and coordination of services. Finally, we learned that approximately 847 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in One Roof’s service area, including veterans, families, and youth. Understanding the socioeconomic factors impacting those around us and learning how to serve our communities better is vital to carrying out our mission effectively. We’re so grateful for Courtney and other community leaders who join our DEI sessions throughout the year to share their knowledge and demonstrate concrete actions that can be taken to improve community resources beyond Impact’s programs alone. Visit https://lnkd.in/dbpCBSU to learn more about One Roof. #ImpactAmerica #EndHomelessness #OrganizationalDevelopment #CommunityMatters

This week, two of our staff Lucy Demant and Katia Pellicciotta, along with our Board's Deputy Chair Tasha Ritchie, attended the National Children & Youth Homelessness Conference 2023. Some key takeaways from our two days learning with and from young people with lived experience of homelessness, sector workers and researchers: 🗺 We need a National Youth Homelessness Plan - children and young people have unique experiences and needs that often fall through the gaps, so we need a dedicated plan to address this. ✊ Lived experience must be at the centre of all solutions - young people know what is needed to prevent homelessness. 🏠 Housing is a human right, not a commodity - we need human rights protections to enforce this. 🤝 Synergy not silos - services need to work together at the intersections of mental and physical health, family violence, income support, education and employment. YACVic continues to advocate for a Victorian Youth Homelessness Strategy in our state, and supports a national strategy too. Learn more about our housing and homelessness research and advocacy 👉 https://lnkd.in/ga5wj96z

Percentage of homeless and street-involved youth reporting violent victimization. They are 6 times more likely to be victimized than the general population. (S. Gaetz, B. O’Grady, S. Kidd, and Kaitlin Schwan. 2016. Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness; A Way Home Canada; National Learning Community on Youth Homelessness.) Discover how the Safe Haven Foundation is making a difference through its programs. Learn more at https://bit.ly/40R6uoL. Together, we can make a real difference. 💙

In the Twin Cities, two noteworthy projects, the MACV Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and Avivo Build Projects, through Lennar and Housing First Minnesota Foundation, have brought hope and transformation to the community. The goal is to impact the lives of those affected by homelessness significantly. Currently, 250 veterans are registered as homeless. To address this issue, 15 homes have been constructed so far, aiding in transitioning individuals out of homelessness. Looking ahead to 2025, the plan is to establish a campus comprising alternative dwelling units (ADUs). The envisioned campus could accommodate up to 30 ADUs, substantially contributing to the fight against homelessness. https://lnkd.in/g_v3sUFD

I am excited to share insights from an impactful article on addressing homelessness! Having worked with diverse and vulnerable populations, the content strongly resonates with my experiences. The article emphasizes a comprehensive approach—tackling root causes, prevention, service provision, along with sustained exits. Particularly touching is the discussion on racial disparities, echoing my commitment to fostering positive change for all. The call for equitable policies aligns with my dedication to supporting diverse communities. As someone with a background in homeless shelters and youth work, the emphasis on moving away from traditional emergency shelter models and the importance of preventive measures hits close to home. The article underscores the impact of housing affordability and income inequality which are crucial factors in my journey to create supportive environments. Let's continue the conversation on effective strategies to combat homelessness and create lasting change. Together, we can make a difference!

As we continue to highlight that housing is essential for every human being, we must also understand the complexities of being unhoused. One of the fastest-growing populations suffering from homelessness is seniors. With inflation impacting everyone, it hits those on fixed incomes the hardest. What saddens me most is that as you age, your body starts to decline. Can you imagine being homeless with limited access to medical care and nowhere to heal from your medical conditions? Through Medi-Cal reform, temporary solutions like Post-Hospitalization funding can provide individuals with temporary housing as they heal, while simultaneously working towards permanent housing solutions to ensure they do not return to homelessness. Let’s spend more time being understanding and take action to help our fellow man.

May is #OlderAmericansMonth, a time to recognize older Americans' contributions and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities. This year's theme is "Powered by Connection," meant to recognize the massive impact meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. Did you know nearly one quarter of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 in the U.S. were 55 or older? That number is expected to grow exponentially by 2030, with many of these people experiencing homelessness for the first time. Homeless services recognize the healing power of social connections. What organizations support older Americans experiencing homelessness through fostering social connection and enrichment? 👇 Let us know in the comments! 👉 And then click here to learn more about elder homelessness and access the Council's resources on the topic: https://lnkd.in/gm6-pRRv

"What we have not done is prevent the inflow" and "homelessness is a multisystem failure" (Jeff Olivet). Very insightful discussion on youth homelessness; watch the entire presentation here: https://lnkd.in/gqru6ebi