The Welcome Organisation’s Post

Today on World Homeless Day we are reminded that housing is a basic human right. It is unknown what the full impact recent government policy and work to move people and families living in emergency housing will have on rates of hidden and visible homelessness. CHA supports the Government's move to get people out of emergency housing, but it needs to be into long-term, stable, affordable housing that meets their needs. https://ow.ly/Fwa950TIjyF

Record High of Homelessness in Ireland. Recent figures reveal that 14,486 people are now living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, including over 4,400 children. The Salvation Army urges immediate action to address this growing crisis, emphasising the need for real solutions rather than political debates. As we head into winter, the call for affordable housing and effective support services is more urgent than ever. Let’s work together to create lasting change for families in need. Read more about the situation and our commitment to helping those experiencing homelessness in the Irish Independent article linked below. https://lnkd.in/eqYmNg4r

We have taken the unprecedented of declaring a #PeopleEmergency following the release of the latest Scottish homelessness figures. This is why we are declaring a people emergency on the back of the housing emergency; Findings for that period show: - There were 40,685 homelessness applications. An increase of 1,377 (4%) compared to 2022-23, and the highest since 2011-12. - There were 33,619 households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. An increase of 1,088 (3%) compared to 2022-23, and the highest since 2011-12. - There were 31,870 live applications as at 31 March 2024. This compares to 29,408 at March 2023, and is the highest in the time series. - There were 16,330 households in temporary accommodation at 31 March 2024. This is 9% higher than 15,039 at 31 March 2023, and the highest in the time series. Find out more; https://lnkd.in/eXJVVm9c #homelessness #people #scotland #emergency

“The reality is that if we are able to provide access to housing that is affordable, and that’s decent, and then bring a level of services that are necessary to help [people] maintain their housing, we can solve this problem,” — Frederick Shack, Urban Pathways CEO

Is being homeless a crime? Should folks without a home, shelter, or resources be penalized and mired by more fines, legal fees, and taken away from their communities? Or is there another way; in which a just and loving society provides resources and a safety net for those on the margins? Other countries have figured it out through good policy, investment in affordable and supportive housing and mental/behavioral services--Finland, Ireland, Denmark, Japan, etc. Why is it so important? More than 600,000 people are homeless on any given night in the U.S. Nearly half sleep outside. Homelessness is increasing across the country as more and more hardworking households struggle to make ends meet due to stagnant wages and skyrocketing rent. All eyes on SCOTUS in the next few days as they hand down their decision on Johnson vs Grants Pass. 👀 “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” - Gandhi. FAQ on Johnson V. Grants Pass: https://lnkd.in/g2-D3UHg

In the last 10 years, the number of single homeless people* in temporary accommodation provided through Bedford Borough Council's homelessness duties went up by more than 5000% (from 10 to 567 at the last count). In the same period, the total number of single homeless people in England has 'only' nearly tripled (from 13k to 43k). Why is Bedford such an outlier on this measure? Well, it seems it has a lot to do with a few of us in Bedford consistently challenging unlawful practices over this period, by complaining, overturning poor decisions through the s.202 process, FOI requests, and, crucially, using all this information to bring these poor council practices to light in the council's housing committee. There is no reason to think that the same approach won't work everywhere else, it just takes a bit of time and persistence. So this video starts looking at ready-made questions / themes that anyone can pursue, and gives a bit of background as to why the issues came up and what effect the questions then had (video link in comments). *Government figures don't actually record this stat, so the number we're using here are the total number of households minus those with dependent children / pregnant women, which acts as a good proxy for single homeless people.

The drivers of homelessness are fundamentally about policy choices--building affordable housing, strengthening the safety net, offering critical social services, and investing in evidence-based interventions. As such, we can make enormous progress in ending homelessness if we had the political will.

🔐 An incident that took place at one of the local homeless accommodations in Oxford involving attempted Arson serves as a potent reminder of the importance of a robust Concierge, Security and Support Service. Thankfully no one was harmed, but the potential risk to the safety and wellbeing of residents was high. This is a stark testament as to why homeless accommodation providers should consider partnering with organisations like HHS Group. By implementing effective entrance control procedures, constant monitoring, and rapid response to various types of incidents, HHS Group provides an invaluable layer of security that ensures peace of mind for both residents and staff. Remember, cheaper/more expensive isn't always better. Investing in a strong Concierge & Support Service is not merely about prevention—it’s about fostering a safe environment where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Consider this a call to action for all homeless accommodation providers. Let's prioritise safety, health, and wellbeing by partnering with dedicated Concierge providers such as HHS Group. #Security #ResidentSafety #HHSGroup #HomelessAccomodation #Concierge&SupportService

Yet another act of shameful political theatre, and once again it comes at the expense of our most vulnerable neighbours. Clearing (i.e. moving) camps doesn't solve homelessness--it amplifies trauma and thus worsens the problem. Forcing people into human warehouses (i.e. mass congregate shelters) doesn't solve homelessness--it amplifies trauma and thus worsens the problem. Dignified housing options solve homelessness, and we should be spending our time producing more dignified housing options rather than increasing the force of the cycle of trauma that our unhoused neighbours are already living in through trying to hide the problem behind locked doors. https://lnkd.in/gyybJfqA

Great to find programmes that have a positive, long lasting impact for all involved. Homewards has not only empowered people who were experiencing homelessness, but also demonstrates the positive impact that partnerships between the public, private and third sectors can have for individuals & organisations – and, if capitalised on, this has the potential to shift the system more broadly. #collaboration #systemschange #transformation #endhomelessness #housing