“Using punitive measures to respond to homelessness, such as arresting and/or fining people who sleep outside, is not new.”
But such measures don’t address the real causes of homelessness: a lack of affordable housing and accessible supportive services.
That’s why homeless services organizations across the Country are Advocating for Person-Centered Responses to Homelessness. And promoting humane, evidence-based approaches to the issue of homelessness.
Soon, the Supreme Court will decide whether someone can be “fined, jailed, or ticketed for sleeping or camping in a public space when they’re homeless and have nowhere else to go”.
The Atlantic Radio podcast broke down the “Grants Pass” issue. And agree this landmark decision will not really address the actual problem of homelessness.
Read more about the upcoming case and what it means for all of us. And why the criminalization of homelessness will not solve the problem.
Our goals are to prevent homelessness whenever possible, assist people out of homelessness, and offer solutions to homelessness through housing.
Through targeted intervention using predictive data analytics to intercede early in a family’s housing crisis. Or through the Shelter Diversion Program — moving families from housing instability to housing security with rental assistance and case management.
And most importantly sparing families and children from the trauma of experiencing homelessness.
Meet Nahamani. From ‘couch surfing’ with her two children to a call to our CAP Helpline to becoming a resident at Bethany House Services — her story is truly inspiring. In fact, she now sits on the Board of Directors for Bethany House.
Input from persons with lived experience of homelessness is critical to help guide our work. If you or someone you know has experienced homelessness and wants to create lasting change, come work with us!
