GIMA’s Post

Criminalizing homelessness only serves to deepen the marginalization and stigma faced by already vulnerable individuals. Instead of addressing the root causes such as affordable housing and mental health support, this punitive approach perpetuates a cycle of punishment and discrimination. It does not provide long-term solutions or support for those in need, further isolating them on the fringes of society. What is truly needed are compassionate and holistic approaches to homelessness, focusing on understanding and support rather than punitive measures.

We support people every day who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness. Sadly, we know first-hand that substance use and mental ill-health are common when someone is trying to survive without the security of a home. Whether people are using substances to help them cope with the challenges of sleeping rough or experiencing mental ill-health after losing their home, many of these support needs are rooted in homelessness. Our new report also demonstrates that good data helps local authorities plan the right support so that people can move on with their lives. Visit our website read more about our recommendations on how to improve access to support for those who need it: https://bit.ly/3WO6l5K

People With Lived Experience are individuals who have personally encountered AND navigated specific circumstances, challenges, or conditions, such as mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, or systemic inequities. Our firsthand knowledge and insights, gained through direct involvement rather than theoretical understanding, provide valuable perspectives for creating meaningful solutions and fostering empathy in addressing these issues. Solving homelessness requires a compassionate, collaborative, and systemic approach that addresses its root causes, including lack of affordable housing, poverty, mental health challenges, and inequities. By combining long-term solutions like expanding housing opportunities and providing supportive services with immediate interventions, we can empower individuals to rebuild their lives. Success depends on partnerships among governments, nonprofits, communities, and those with lived experience to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness. #nlelc24

What is Youth Homelessness? There are many reasons why young people become homeless, including family relationship breakdown and mental health issues. Youth Homelessness is a complex issue that with your help, can be ended. Click here and help: https://lnkd.in/eixD8Yh4

What is Youth Homelessness? There are many reasons why young people become homeless, including family relationship breakdown and mental health issues. Youth Homelessness is a complex issue that we believe we can end. Find out more about it at https://lnkd.in/eixD8Yh4

What is Youth Homelessness? There are many reasons why young people become homeless, including family relationship breakdown and mental health issues. Youth Homelessness is a complex issue that we believe we can end. Find out more about it at https://lnkd.in/eixD8Yh4

Homelessness Week 5th to 11th August Homelessness can affect anyone in the current economic climate. It can be caused by a variety of complex issues from domestic violence, relationship breakdown to change in family or financial circumstances or you have been marginalised due to socioeconomic status, race or nationality. Homelessness can also be brought about by natural disaster too, and the displacement of whole communities has been witnessed across the country over the past 3 to 5 years. Particularly impacting rural communities. The impact of losing the roof from over your head has wide ranging ramifications apart from a safe place to sleep, the loss of self-esteem, identity, and the feeling of loss control over your life, leading to anxiety and depression. Losing your home, you also lose your connection to your community leading to isolation which is the biggest killer in our community. The constant stress of just surviving, exposure to harsh living conditions and uncertainty all exacerbate mental health issues creating an endless vicious cycle. I have total empathy for the impact after not only losing my farm but my home and the ongoing ramifications that plays out in my life. Access to support service and stable housing is critical to address the effects of homelessness on mental health in our communities. To connect with me go to my website. https://lnkd.in/gzpYDUMw #not2TUF2speakup #theunbreakablefarmer #speaker #authentic #mentalhealthawareness #suicideprevention #wellbeing #selfcare #rural #regional #community #support #theunbreakablewheelofwellbeing #gotyourbackmate

Each number in homelessness statistics represents a real person—a neighbor, a parent, a friend—facing the unimaginable. Across the U.S., more than half a million people are without stable housing, and the reasons are as varied as the people affected. Rising rents, job insecurity, mental health challenges, and lack of access to resources create cycles that are hard to break. It’s time we step up to address this human crisis. Whether it’s through advocating for affordable housing, supporting mental health services, or volunteering, we each have a role to play. Let’s remember the human side of this crisis and work together to create lasting change. #EndHomelessness #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #Support

Let’s Debunk some Homelessness Myths! Myth 1: Homeless People Choose to be Homeless Most people don't prefer to be homeless; it can be exhausting, stressful and unsafe. The truth is that there are many reasons why a person might lose their independent housing: job loss, illness or disability, mental health, domestic violence, and rent increases just to name a few. The Arlington Life Shelter’s goal is to help each resident overcome those barriers and obtain affordable housing through our wrap-around services. We provide life-skills classes, personalized case management, and the resources our residents need to get back to the path of self-sufficiency.