Kelly Dodd’s Post

📢 As homelessness rates soar in the U.S., the need for a unified, constructive approach intensifies. Did you know that homelessness is being criminalized at a shocking pace? Learn how you can contribute to the solution➡️ https://lnkd.in/eS9Tv6kU

In his latest Substack entry, Ron Clewer, PlatFORM Group V.P., takes a research and data-driven dive into the systems intended to help prevent and end homelessness. He strives to understand why there are local and national concerns about the recent rising Point in Time (PIT) count, which looked at homelessness on a single night as well as the distinctions between "homelessness" and "chronic homelessness" (as explored by the City of Rockford, IL in the past). It's a fascinating and well-researched read. We encourage you to take a look. https://lnkd.in/dzsTzRcR

Britain has the highest rate of homelessness in the developed world. You read that right. Below, the best 2 paragraphs I've read from a journalist writing on homelessness. John Burn-Murdoch in the Financial Times: "When people picture homelessness, they tend to imagine people sleeping rough on the street, tipped into insecurity by substance use problems. Viewed this way, one might imagine the US would rank highest in any international comparison. Wrong. The main form of homelessness is people living in temporary accommodation, the main driver is an inability to afford housing, and America is not even particularly close to the worst.  The UK holds that ignominious title, with an astonishing one in 200 households living in emergency lodging outside the formal housing sector." Very likely we have a new government a month from now. If so, a big challenge I am confident that Keir Starmer and team will want to embrace. #homelessness #generalelection #socialimpact

It's all about housing...

My latest research study for @FREOPP looks at how to deal with homelessness.Neither “Housing First” nor sending in the police is likely to be a long term fix. There are better solutions: https://lnkd.in/eEjy6hg6

We remain resolute in our mission, to move families and individuals toward stable housing and independence while embracing the complexities of their human experience. In this pursuit, understanding homelessness is not just a step — it's a transformative journey toward collective healing and societal progress. Everyone wants to eradicate homelessness; let us all use our voices to ensure this is a reality in our state. https://lnkd.in/exZzmVCq

So often, I see communities want to stop "pan-handling", people spending excess time in libraries, "loitering" in public spaces, tent cities, use of public parks without looking at root causes. Gregg Colburn and his colleagues are providing Real News and Real Data on housing affordability, lack of supply of housing, and ways to create safe shelter for all people. Criminalizing of people who are experiencing homelessness avoids our society - you and me- making a commitment to the common good. It is not just "housing first"; it is to see the "I" in front of me/you as having inherent dignity. That as a result, there have been those fighting for a right to housing; That no ideology can take away that dignity unless it is through lack of societal will. Unless we see the "I" in front as a criminal. How sad, we don't think of how we would want to be treated if we were to experience homelessness.

Penny Rapaport, NIHR Advanced Fellow, writes about the challenges that people experiencing homelessness and memory problems face, and the steps frontline workers and service providers can take to support them. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/dP62ZaqD

Today is a very dark day in America. The Supreme Court has ruled that it is legal for communities to ticket and fine people for sleeping outside even when there is nowhere else for them to go. This is catapulting backwards. Criminalization not only fails to end a person's homelessness, it makes it worse by further burdening them with debt and a record that makes getting a job and place to live even harder. We actually know alot about how to truly solve homelessness: - A shared, community-wide definition of what solving homelessness looks like and the belief that it’s possible. - A collaborative, community-wide team that is accountable and working together as a command center. - Comprehensive, real-time, by-name data on who is experiencing homelessness to continuously track progress and improve system performance. - A racial equity focus to overcome racial disparities. - Investments to address a nationwide shortage of deeply affordable housing.

In the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision backing anti-camping laws, which significantly impacts homeless individuals across the nation, PolicyMap’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homelessness data update comes at a crucial time. This refreshed dataset provides essential insights into homelessness, helping communities and policymakers better understand and respond to the ever-evolving challenges faced by homeless populations. https://lnkd.in/ggw-MWCU