Challenge the rhetoric: housing services wait time: Waiting for housing match? Encampment removals delay placements.

Are you tired of waiting 10-18 years on average for housing match? It’s time to challenge the rhetoric and ask yourself what “services” you truly need during this long wait. The truth is, most people are already receiving services, so the issue isn’t a lack of support – it’s a lack of housing.

Breaking up encampments may seem like a solution, but in reality, it only serves to prevent housing placements. Without enough affordable housing options available, individuals are left stranded in a cycle of homelessness that seems impossible to break.

Coleen Cusack for City Council is shedding light on this critical issue and advocating for real change. It’s time to shift the focus from temporary fixes to long-term solutions. We need to address the root cause of homelessness – the lack of adequate housing.

By supporting initiatives that prioritize affordable housing and provide resources for those in need, we can make a real difference in the lives of countless individuals. Let’s come together as a community to demand action and create a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Don’t wait for change to happen – be the change. Join Coleen Cusack and others in the fight for housing justice. Together, we can build a better tomorrow for all. Visit the link in the tweet to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference today.

Challenge the rhetoric. What “services” would you need while you wait 10-18 years on average for housing match? Most people getting services. It’s not for lack of services that people aren’t housed. It’s lack of housing. Breaking up encampments prevents housing placements. https://t.co/FFYehrknLv

— Coleen Cusack for City Council (@Coleen4SD) July 26, 2024

Challenge the rhetoric: What “services” would you need while you wait 10-18 years on average for housing match?

When we talk about homelessness, one of the common narratives we hear is that people experiencing homelessness just need to access the right services to get back on their feet. But what if I told you that it’s not the lack of services that’s the issue, but rather the lack of affordable housing? In fact, on average, it takes 10-18 years for a person experiencing homelessness to be matched with permanent housing. So, what does this mean for the services that individuals might need while they wait for a place to call home?

What are the services that individuals experiencing homelessness might need while they wait for housing?

1. Mental Health Services:
Many people experiencing homelessness struggle with mental health issues, which can make it even more challenging for them to secure and maintain housing. Access to mental health services is crucial in helping individuals address their mental health needs and work towards stability. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide support and resources for individuals facing mental health challenges.

2. Substance Abuse Treatment:
Substance abuse is another common issue among individuals experiencing homelessness. Access to substance abuse treatment programs is essential in helping individuals overcome addiction and improve their chances of obtaining and maintaining stable housing. Organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer resources for those in need of substance abuse treatment.

3. Employment Assistance:
Stable employment is key to achieving housing stability. Many individuals experiencing homelessness face barriers to employment, such as lack of education or job skills. Access to employment assistance programs, job training, and resources for resume building can help individuals secure stable employment and work towards securing housing. Organizations like Goodwill Industries provide job training and placement services for those in need.

4. Case Management:
Case management services are vital in helping individuals navigate the complex systems of social services and housing resources. Case managers can provide support, advocacy, and assistance in accessing the necessary resources to address housing needs. Organizations like the National Coalition for the Homeless offer resources for individuals seeking case management services.

Why do breaking up encampments prevent housing placements?

One common approach taken by cities to address homelessness is to break up encampments where individuals experiencing homelessness reside. However, this strategy can actually hinder efforts to secure housing for those individuals. When encampments are broken up, individuals are often displaced without being provided with alternative housing options. This can make it even more challenging for individuals to access the services they need and work towards obtaining permanent housing.

Breaking up encampments can also disrupt the sense of community and stability that individuals have established within these encampments. This can have negative impacts on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being, making it harder for them to engage with services and work towards housing stability.

In addition, breaking up encampments does not address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing and economic inequality. Instead of focusing on punitive measures like breaking up encampments, cities should invest in affordable housing solutions and supportive services that help individuals experiencing homelessness secure and maintain stable housing.

In conclusion, it’s clear that the issue of homelessness goes beyond just accessing services. While services like mental health support, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, and case management are important, they are not enough to address the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness. By challenging the rhetoric that services are the solution, we can shift the focus towards creating more affordable housing options and supportive services that truly help individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.