UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative’s Post

Daily we see stories of people about to lose the roof over their heads (yesterday's was one out of Springfield). The Commonwealth needs to pass the Housing Bond Bill and push to increase the minimum wage dramatically to help meet the cost of living in the second most expensive state in the nation. Communities need to overcome the NIMBY attitude towards multi-family housing and cooperative living arrangements that help young adults to make ends meet. Check out this story from Cape Cod Times: Surge in Massachusetts homeless seen in yearly count Chronic homelessness has increased from 1,577 in 2013 to 2,021 last year, with 29,435 homeless individuals living in Massachusetts, according to data. https://lnkd.in/gBsirxdF

In the midst of Pgh's broader housing crisis, here is an article of efforts across the country to address older adults' particular needs in an effort to prevent eviction: https://lnkd.in/e5rBEjH7

People and families experiencing homelessness are not criminals. The system that allows it is the problem. Poverty, low wages, racism, lack of housing units, high rents, and domestic abuse are significant factors in contributing to this national crisis. Yes, some individuals have mental illness and substance abuse issues, but here, too, it is the failure of the system to address these problems, not the individuals. The criminalization of poverty and homelessness is not the solution. https://lnkd.in/eHcpsWGF

On its own, homelessness is known to hasten the effects of physical aging on the body: continued stress, trauma, and uncertain living conditions exacerbate this. Exposure to the elements (including, in many cases, being forced to live and sleep outside in below-freezing or extremely high temperatures, and on hard surfaces like benches and sidewalks) makes people especially susceptible. In many cases, people die while homeless of entirely treatable conditions. Without access to basic needs like food, shelter, and health care — and with no way to access critical support services — many succumb to the physical pressures of homelessness and austere environments. It’s difficult to know with certainty how many people are killed by homelessness each year. What we do know is that homelessness drops one’s average life expectancy to 50 years of age, down from a non-homeless average of about 78 years. Homeless people are more likely than others to experience injury and interpersonal violence, and some estimates place annual homelessness deaths at upwards of 13,000 people. 📃 Source: Not One More: Honoring Those Who Died Homeless; National Alliance to End Homelessness #morecommonthanyouthink #endhomelessness #lifeexpectancy #winterwalk #dontwalkby

If you are in homeless services, you know all about HMIS and its importance to a system of care. How does it help the person experiencing homelessness, though? Check this quick explainer I wrote: https://lnkd.in/gyazMWkd

This winter was concerning before the cap to the family shelter system was announced. We know homelessness impacts long term health outcomes for children and adults. We cannot forget the impact on mental health as well - experiencing homelessness is traumatic. There isn't going to be one intervention or agency that solves this issue. We need to work together collaboratively with a multi-prong approach that begins with prevention. Most importantly, we must work humanely and treat people with dignity. #HousingisHealthCare #mapoli #housingisahumanright

Did you know? The stress and barriers of being unhoused expedites aging and can cut 7-10 years off a person’s lifespan. Factors like the rising costs of living and economic uncertainty are triggering a troubling trend, pushing more seniors into homelessness. And sadly, few shelters are designed to meet the unique and often complex needs of older adults. If you’re seeking safe refuge and support but don’t know where to go, call 2-1-1. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 in 200+ languages. #211Manitoba #HelpStartsHere #211Tuesday https://lnkd.in/gwen3F49

HUD Homeless Assistance Programs: A Basic Primer for Aging Advocates "As homelessness rises among older adults, it is crucial for aging advocates to connect their clients to resources, such as permanent supportive housing (PSH), available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s homeless assistance programs.* Aging advocates can also play a key role in ensuring that the homeless service system equitably meets the needs of older adults. Research shows that, compared to younger adults, older adults face more barriers in accessing HUD homeless interventions, including PSH."... Download this just published Justice in Aging issue brief at https://lnkd.in/gHjXKkfr

Rough sleeping and child homelessness worsening Nearly 4,000 people were recorded as sleeping rough last year, a 27% year-on-year increase, Shelter analysis of government data shows. ➡ https://lnkd.in/eSJpETUH #socialhomes #homelessness #roughsleeping #ukhousing #propertynews Polly Neate CBE FAcSS LLD(hc)

Please check the PATHS report on encampment sweeps and housing trajectories from our HPRI members Randall Kuhn and Benjamin Henwood. The Periodic Assessment of Trajectories of Housing, Health and Homelessness Study (PATHS) — a joint research initiative between the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, focusing on the lives and experiences of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in LA County — features a representative sample of PEH who were unsheltered, with ongoing monthly survey tracking on housing, health, and well-being even if respondents move into housing or shelter. Read the Media alert here (Consequences of disbanding homeless encampments and rehousing efforts in Los Angeles County):  https://lnkd.in/er2TRTmi   Read full report here: https://lnkd.in/eN6_DFvN