Lights Back On, Inc.’s Post

Here is the other letter of recommendations for my work as a housing stability activist. What I say in these posts may be hard to hear but it is needed to be heard. As it is what is happening. we cannot any longer just turn a blind eye to these stories and conversations. Just because they don’t align with what we think, we have to learn to know the difference between going for help and watching others go for help. When you actually try to get help to prevent yourself from become homeless that when you see how much of an uphill climb it is. That is when those political arguments break down and compassion is found. overcoming homelessness is more than just hard work, it takes community. We can’t just judge those that experience homelessness as mentally ill. As they are not. The experience of homelessness causes mental illness not mental illness causes homelessness. A person doesn’t just become mentally ill and lose their apartment. It’s when the stress of their life gets too much and they can’t take it anymore that those on the outside who have never been there cal that mental illnesss. It’s dehumanizing AND IT NEEDS TO STOP.

Having credentials takes you far. As an activst for youth housing stability it is hard to get credentials. I take it as a sign of credential when policy makers work with me and endorse the work I do. Although I look for all sides of policy and business to work with me. Not just for profit, or non profit. Not just one political party or the other. As an activist I can’t just work with one side of the isle. I have to work to bring all resources of empowerment to the table so we can not only protect our youth but empower their development and growth as we would want for ourselves. Let’s do this. Please check out my blog posts for inspiring insights on what it is like to be a youth without a place to go. #youthhomelessness #outreach #youthvoice #mentalhealth

November is National Homelessness Awareness Month and this week is Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. At McClendon Center, we see firsthand the challenges faced by many of DC’s most vulnerable residents. Did you know that homelessness in DC increased for the second year in a row in 2024? Many of our clients are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health stability. We do everything we can do to help, but we can't do that alone. We’re committed to providing essential services and support to help individuals overcome these challenges and supporting each individual on their journey to become their best selves. How you can help end homelessness: -Volunteer your time: Donate your time to local shelters or organizations that support people experiencing homelessness. -Donate: Support McClendon Center or other organizations working to address homelessness and provide essential services. -Advocate: Raise awareness about homelessness and advocate for policies that support affordable housing and social services. Every little bit helps. #NationalHomelessnessAwarenessMonth #MentalHealth #Homelessness #DC #McClendonCenter

What does it take to create lasting change for those facing addiction and homelessness? In this episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce talk in-depth with Trina Fullard, CEO of Charlotte Rescue Mission. Trina shares how the mission provides hope and resources to over 300 individuals daily who are facing homelessness and addiction, offering recovery programs for men and women, including spaces for mothers with children. Learn how partnerships with other community organizations provide residents with essential tools—from financial literacy to wellness programs—helping them rebuild their lives and achieve lasting independence. Listen to the inspiring conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e_CTSjJJ #trustcompany #charlotterescuemission #communityimpact

📢 It's National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week! At Dave’s House, we’re on a mission to provide safe, permanent supportive housing for adults with disabilities and serious mental illness. 🏠 🔹 Why Housing Matters: Many people living with mental illness face a cycle of homelessness and hunger that makes healing nearly impossible. An affordable home is the first step in breaking this cycle—offering individuals a place to recover, find stability, and thrive. 🔹 Our Impact: With a place to call home, our residents experience improved mental and physical well-being, a stronger sense of community, and access to the support they need. Together, we’re building more than just houses; we’re creating life-long stability and resilience. Let’s unite to end homelessness for our neighbors in need. Join us in creating lasting change! 💙 https://lnkd.in/d9etCRES #NationalHungerAndHomelessnessAwarenessWeek #DavesHouse #PermanentSupportiveHousing #MentalHealth #endinghomelessness #transforminglives #openingdoors

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

There is a misconception that homelessness is driven by substance use, mental health, and other individual-level factors. However, the truth is that the most important root causes of the homelessness crisis is the local housing market. Learn more about how housing policy impacts homelessness in Indiana, and best practices for how to end homelessness by joining me and other experts at the Indiana Fiscal Policy Summit 2024: Cultivating Big Ideas event. https://buff.ly/4ae5pvs

The Intersection of Mental Health and Homelessness 🌍🧠🏘️ World Mental Health Day & World Homelessness Day both fall on October 10th, highlighting the often-overlooked connection between mental health and homelessness. Without access to proper mental health care, many individuals fall through the cracks and end up in unstable living conditions. Today, we have a responsibility to advocate for systems that provide both housing and mental health support. Here’s how we can help: Support mental health and housing initiatives. Educate ourselves and others on the link between homelessness and mental health. Volunteer or donate to organizations making a difference. We can create a world where everyone has access to both mental health care and a safe place to live. #WorldMentalHealthDay #WorldHomelessnessDay #MentalHealthAndHousing #SupportAndCare

How to “just say HELLO” #2, the importance of respecting where someone is at. Experiencing homelessness can be deeply traumatic, so it's crucial that we approach with sensitivity and care to avoid adding to someone's pain. If a person seems uncomfortable with an interaction, it's best to kindly give them space. We all have days when we need some solitude. However, there are also times when someone may be craving caring attention and a listening ear. So how can you navigate this with sensitivity? - Opening with a invitation to connect, and follow their lead - Watch body language and respond to cues - Don't assume or take reactions personally - Sit and listen if they seem open - Ask before making physical touch; hold a hand if it feels right - Lead with empathy, let them guide the level of interaction There is a fine line between respecting someone’s space and autonomy, while also recognizing the person in front of you may be hungry for human contact. Let their words and body language help guide you; and when in doubt, just smile and say “hello!” Tips credited to Shelli, a former Facing Homelessness Board Member.