Women’s National Housing & Homelessness Network’s Post

We co-developed National Shelter Standards to support emergency shelters in delivering services using a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach. Check out the 3rd standard! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gieaDRzC #NationalHousingStrategy #right2housing #IndigenousRights #cdnpoli #housingrights #housingcrisis

This week, the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network released its Human Rights-Based, Gender-Sensitive Standards for Emergency Shelters Across Canada. The standards were developed to support emergency shelters in creating best practices using a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach for shelter operations, prioritizing the dignity and rights of all residents. We know that current shelter models have followed paternalistic practices, limiting agency. As the report acknowledges, women and gender diverse people experience disproportionate levels of housing needs and poverty and the standards aim to increase access, create alternatives and prevent harm. At the YW Kitchener-Waterloo, we are using these evidence-based standards as we forge ahead in designing our new shelter model to better serve women and gender diverse individuals in a way that addresses each person’s unique needs. Some of the best practices in the report include: ➡️ Avoid building ‘mega’ shelters (i.e. 100 units) and develop plans for multiple lower capacity spaces (i.e. 25 units) ➡️ Integrate trauma-informed care into spaces ➡️ Consult residents about what is needed to make services/infrastructure accessible; shelter leadership and staff must engage meaningfully with residents, promoting agency and co-ownership ➡️ Shelters must provide culturally-adequate services for clients and respect and protect the rights of Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people ➡️ Offer comprehensive training for staff on gender-sensitivity, intersectionality and anti-oppression. At the YW, we will be integrating these standards as we move forward in creating a new vision for meaningful shelter supports in Kitchener-Waterloo. Visit https://lnkd.in/eRpsQsY3 to read the full report from Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network. #EmergencyShelters #HumanRight #GenderSensitive #HousingRight #HomelessnessNetwork #ShelterStandards #GenderEquality #HousingSupports #YWKitchenerWaterloo #RightToHousing

A reminder that Portland's current shelter system doesn't have enough beds and has yet to provide a pathway to housing--despite the valiant efforts of our shelter providers. These facts are getting lost in the public debate as interest groups, candidates and editorial boards push for law and order solutions. Yes, things must change. But beware of the short-term and short-sighted. Look for solutions that start with a shelter system (one that actually pays workers a housing wage) and lead to housing - be it rent vouchers + support services or, as we build it out, affordable units. https://lnkd.in/geruxu2j

Such an important piece, please read and share.

If you would like to know more about the supply of shelter space and the factors that affect demand in #edmonton Very interesting read ✨✨ #homelessness #homelessnessawareness https://lnkd.in/g9hmUTuE

I am a fierce advocate for Shelter First, I truly believe it is the single most important and crucial step at this time to provide stability, safety, security and access to services for those who are homeless. It is important to also point out that this is a transitional step whilst housing stock scrambles to catch up, but once it does, it facilitates an easier pathway towards getting our people back in a home. We do have a national emergency when it comes to homelessness and we should afford the sector the powers of disaster management and the appropriate levels of funding to allow a quick response to mobilise shelters - like we can in times of natural disaster. The mental and physical toll homelessness is having on our people is unimaginable and will have far reaching consequences now and in to the future. We should be doing everything within our powers to make sure no one is left outside and suffering. Governments need to step outside their comfort zones and get comfortable with imperfect solutions - it is better in my view to take the risk on helping our people rather than taking the risk not to help our people. It is better to have tried, than to have not tried at all. #homelessness #nationalemergency #queensland #australia #disastermanagement #advocacy #nooneleftoutside #shelterfirst

Another step in a proactive, multipronged approach to local homelessness response. https://lnkd.in/ga2ib2T3

Why It Matters

The extension of the 60-day rule to families in DHS shelters endangers 30,000+ lives, disrupting vulnerable families. This shortsighted policy destabilizes families on the path to permanent housing and does nothing to address the growing homelessness crisis. As providers on the frontline of this crisis, Win and the NY SANE coalition continue to fight for common sense policies that will get families out of shelter and address this crisis. We urge the city to end the impractical 30- and 60-day rules. https://lnkd.in/eFE4_nHm

queuing up this article to read today.