School of Cities, University of Toronto’s Post

The recent Johnson v. Grants Pass ruling highlights a crucial issue that demands our attention: homelessness should not be criminalized. It's a stark reminder that we need systemic change to address this pressing issue in our county. Being unable to afford housing is not a crime; it's a symptom of a failing system. Families are struggling to provide a safe place for their children, living in fear of legal repercussions rather than receiving the support they need. This fear forces them to hide, making it difficult for organizations like Family Promise to identify and assist these families effectively. Once again, society is focused on hiding the person on the side of the street with a sign and not thinking of the children who will be negatively impacted by such policies. It's time for a compassionate approach that prioritizes support over punishment, ensuring that every family has access to the resources they need to thrive. Let's work together towards creating a community where homelessness is met with empathy and solutions, not stigma and legal threats. #Homelessness #SystemicChange #CommunitySupport #FamilyPromise

#DYK that many young people who lose their housing do so because of conflict with their families? Check out this blog that summarizes some of the key points of session 3 of our Prevention Matters! series, ‘Strengthening Family and Natural Supports (#FNS) to Prevent Youth Homelessness: https://bit.ly/49CgWn6

Are you looking for evidence based strategies to address encampments? I will be moderating and there is an amazing panel of experts discussing this guidance. It is important to recognize the community within these encampments. #encampments #homelessness

Domestic and family violence is one of the main drivers of homelessness. We cannot end homelessness without ending violence against women and children. Register for our annual conference from March 19-21 to take part in a special panel on this issue. bit.ly/490qKIb

Did you know that there was almost a 98% increase in family homelessness between 2022 and 2024? Compass explores this in a recent blog post and delves into the effects of underreporting family homelessness.

The Fountain House community is deeply disappointed by the announcement of today’s Supreme Court’s decision regarding the constitutionality of clearing homeless encampments. The decision is a profound setback to the rights of people experiencing homelessness. At Fountain House, nearly 40 percent of our members — all of whom live with serious mental illness — have a history of homelessness. Fountain House is a pioneer in housing individuals living with mental illness, and the oldest provider of supported housing for people living with serious mental illness in New York City. We’ve believed and made it possible for members to live in and contribute to their communities, and ensure that every member has a stable living environment, whether in Fountain House residences, independent apartments or with family and friends. “It is unfair, unjust and inhumane to penalize individuals for having no place to live. We need to create and resource a variety of community-based solutions to support people,” said Beth Stubenbord, senior director of programming and housing at Fountain House. "There needs to be a variety of responses [such as] respite and emergency housing, rapid access to clinical supports for behavioral and physical well-being, and more fluid housing opportunities for individuals. We have to create and enhance intentional communities, so that people can feel a sense of belonging, connection and dignity.” Criminalizing and penalizing people experiencing homelessness is not a path to recovery and cannot be the default resort for an individual in crisis. Read more thoughts and reactions from our community on the Supreme Court debate on homelessness on our blog: https://lnkd.in/et2wse75 #scotusruling #scotus2024

Why are families experiencing homelessness chronically undercounted? What can we do about it? Learn more in our latest blog about the recent Point in Time Count. https://lnkd.in/giVpBJPz

💡 Older adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness present a unique set of challenges and needs throughout the SSI/SSDI benefit application process. ✍ Learn valuable insights from our new blog post about the recent SOAR webinar on this topic: https://bit.ly/3x09hBc

Head Start programs prioritize enrolling children and families experiencing homelessness. This collection of resources can help you identify and expedite enrollment for children and families eligible for Head Start services through the McKinney-Vento Act: https://acf.mobi/4dZXSCG #HomeAtHeadStart

📢 May is Older Adult Awareness Month, and we want to shine a light on a critical issue: senior homelessness in Orange County. Since the 2022 Point In Time Count, there has been a staggering 21% increase in seniors experiencing homelessness. 📈 The latest Point In Time Count underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent and #EndHomelessnessOC by providing essential support before situations become traumatic for our vulnerable neighbors. Read the report details: https://bit.ly/3nGb6vl Join our upcoming Community Chat on the 2024 report on June 6: https://bit.ly/4dSswOk. Your presence makes a difference in ensuring every senior has a safe place to call home. 🏠💜 #OlderAdultAwarenessMonth